Rotosound

I have used numerous string brands over the years. I believe most instruments have string types that suit them best. The composition of the string along with the winding process do make a difference and one string that sounds great on one instrument might not do as well on a differently configured one. The thing I found most attractive about the Rotosound Yellows (10-46) was the consistency in production. Pack to pack the strings always seemed to perform as they are expected to. The sound is consistent and there are no variations in build which meant as long as I purchased them the intonation would stay consistent and need no adjusting. These strings are priced fairly for a well constructed string using quality materials. There is nothing new or special about their design but they remain tried and true over the years. They do offer a two pack that will save you a little money, but the coolest thing about this company is that they understand guitarists and always package an extra high string along for the ride, great for us who bend and break a lot of those. If you fall into that category then these will provide an outstanding value. I would categorize the sound quality of these strings with most nickel wound strings. They have a slightly warmer characteristic without sacrificing too much high end brightness. I primarily used them on a dual hum bucking Fender Stratocaster equipped with a Pearly Gates at the bridge and a '59 in the neck position. This was an odd American special issue guitar in the late '90s and tended to have a Les Paul type tone complimenting its Stratocaster build. After trying many material types then brands the Rotosound Yellows offered the best sound and reliability. The only downside to these strings is that, like other nickel wound strings, they do tend to corrode faster and if not wiped off after use will come out of the case in poor condition. That being said these strings also start to sound bad when they are dirty and the brightness they did possess goes down hill fast. A good amount of string life expectancy is related to the type of materials used and in our ability to care for the product as well. All things being equal I do continue to use these strings but am always on the look out for a new and better product.

I know what most bass players will say about a set of flat wounds. The sound is too smooth or dull for their playing style. In general that is a true statement. Many other players also shy away from the heavier gauged strings also. They prove to also thicken and darken the sound. At $35 dollars a pop there are many reasons not to ever try these strings. I would say you are doing yourself a disservice as these are the best flat wounds I have ever come across. The Steve Harris custom set has been used by Steve Harris for many years. I found that before ever using the string that Steve Harris had a bass sound that fit right in the pocket. They provide a thick and underlying sound but are still full of definition and always discernable in the mix. I have been using this set of strings now for almost four years. Before trying this set out I went through many different brands both round wound and flat round. There were many that I liked but none that I loved. Unlike guitar strings testing many varieties of strings can become a financial burden fast and as bass players we try to scrape every ounce of life out of a set before moving on to the next. These are a heavier gauge string so be ready to strengthen those muscles a bit when you use them. Being a flat wound type they are very easy on the finger tips and produce very little noise when sliding up or down the neck. I find that the sound is very easy to tailor with these strings. While not as bright as round wounds they do retain a great deal of high end reproduction somehow. They do not have a thick or muddy sound or a jazz type sound that can not be broken away from. What they do offer me is the ability to utilize them in a dark setting or a bright one. They can be mellow and smooth or with some tonal adjustments on the bass provide ample high end spank to pop and slap with. I am sure that Rotosound has done something in the process of making these awesome strings to infuse them with so much life as they are heads and shoulders above any other flat wound I have tried.