Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

A question on the difference between Rotosound strings... what is the difference in sound, play-ability, effects on the instrument etc. between their Stainless Steel and Nickel roundwound strings? Also has anyone tried the lighter strings (40/60/80/100) any feedback on them?

I haven't tried the nickel, too happy with the sound of the sound of the steel to change anything. But I do use the hybrid gauge (40-100) and adore them. Just a brighter string, but not so light as to loose all of the low end. Hope this helps.

I use to love the stainless rotos but man they will chew those frets right up...I use to joke about that's why rotos have the lion on the package...lol

Generally speaking,i prefer the sound and feel of nickle strings to that of SS. I haven't played Rotosounds in years,as i think they're just too rough feeling. Years ago Rotosound did have a great string that had what they called the "linea" finish,but i don't know if they stiil make those. For all i remember,those might have been nickle.

I play the RotoBass 35-95 exclusively....they last a LONG time and do NOT eat the frets....I would play them over ANY stainless string...

Tom, try these stainless strings. You might just be surprised, and they last longer than the Rotos.

http://www.webstrings.com/electric_bass ... nless.html

I use the Roto hybrid gauge (40-100) exclusively, and I adore them. They are a little harder on the finger tips, but you get used to it. They also don't last as long as some other strings, they sound perfect right out of the box and for a few days after that, really good for a couple of weeks after that, then they sound like any old bass string for about a month or two before they just sound dead and need replacing. I try to replace mine about once every two months, or whenever I have a recording session or important show to play. But in my opinion it's all worth it, because I have yet to find a string that sounds near as good as a fresh rotosound stainless steel. Of course, good is subjective, I'm after the Chris Squire/GeddyLee/Jon Camp sound. But that's my two cents on the matter.

Have you tried cleaning them? Some folks on other sites have talked about taking strings off the bass and soaking them in denatured alcohol to get crud out of them. Haven't done that myself, as I sadly don't play enough.

I use the balanced Kalium strings (formerly Circle K) on my V63.
They sound great and so far have lasted a decent amount of time.
43-59-79-106

These are slightly heavier gauge than I use on my other basses but I TUNE DOWN a full step to "D" and they hold tuning very well and do not feel excessively floppy.
and being balance, they tend to feel the same across the fretboard.

Another good Roto substitute is the GHS Super Steels, they're cheaper and last longer. I like the LM5000, they're more like the original Rotos, gauge wise. If you prefer the standard gauges, then try the CM5000 set.

Bassically, Michael