The Inevitable String Thread

[johnallg]

They do seem to go dead sooner than some other brands, though.

Sure do. I got about a week and a half of bright tone out of 2 sets and then they dulled down very quickly. And that was with meticulous hand washing and a good wipe-down after playing. D'Addario XL strings sound very similar and last a lot longer.

[antipodean]

the strings were so old that I decided to try some Roto Swingbass on this instrument...

...I'm still a bit afraid to use them on my Ric, though

I used Roto-Sound Swings on my 4005 for several years from when I bought it. I used Roto-Sounds on several basses, too. Never noticed fret wear problems.

They do seem to go dead sooner than some other brands, though. I do like the feel and tone, I just want something less bright on my Rick. I also wish the G and D strings came in larger gauges. Easily-obtained larger gauges, I should write.
d

Rotosounds ate the frets on my '71 P-bass within a period of three months, but that could be inferior CBS-era fret wire...

I have always used Xls or Boomers on my Rics - I have found them to be bright and durable. Now I have three Rics (and one in restoration) I am edging towards getting some TI Jazz flats. I use them on my Mosrite and they feel and sound fantastic.