Rotosound

collapse expand iconDescription

The Rotosound RS66LD Long Scale Swing 66 Bass Strings are a set of round-wound stainless steel strings from the iconic British brand that pioneered this style. Rotosound was the first string company to produce round-wound stainless steel bass strings, introducing them in 1962 and they've become the favorite of bassists like Billy Sheehan, John Paul Jones and Geddy Lee. The RS66LD Long Scale Swing 66 Bass Strings feature a balanced gage set with a bright, punchy tone perfectly suited for rock and metal. The stainless steel wrap wire is precision-wound onto a steel core, producing a cutting tone with plenty of midrange and treble. The balanced tension makes these strings comfortable to play while still retaining a taut, responsive feel.

Round-Wound Stainless Steel Construction

The RS66LD Long Scale Swing 66 Bass Strings are constructed from round-wound stainless steel, which produces a bright, punchy tone with enhanced clarity and articulation. The stainless steel alloy is highly resistant to corrosion and sweat, ensuring these strings retain their tone and playability for a long time. The round-wound wrap wire adds texture under the fingers, providing a familiar feel for most rock and metal bassists.

Balanced Tension and Feel

Rotosound carefully engineered the RS66LD Long Scale Swing 66 Bass Strings to have a balanced tension, which provides a comfortable playing feel while still being responsive. The balanced gauge set of 45 to 105, gives you a versatile tone that suits most musical styles. The long scale length, specifically tailored for standard 34" scale basses, maximizes the potential of your instrument.

Iconic Brand, Legendary Quality

Rotosound is an iconic British brand that has been producing high-quality bass strings for over 50 years. They pioneered the round-wound stainless steel bass string and continue to be an industry leader. Rotosound uses specialized steel alloys and a proprietary manufacturing process to produce bass strings with a legendary tone and feel. The RS66LD Long Scale Swing 66 Bass Strings uphold Rotosound's commitment to excellence.

Rotosound RS66LD Long Scale Swing 66 Bass Strings
Rotosound RS66LD Long Scale Swing 66 Bass Strings

collapse expand iconReviews

4.8

41 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Give and Take

I have used Rotosound RS66LD strings for the majority of the last twelve years and have yet to review them so here goes! As for the strings' characteristics: they are stainless steel so they are a bit more course than nickel-plated steel strings but not to the point of discomfort. String tension is very well balanced and the strings lend themselves well to a variety of different styles (slap, pick, finger style, flamenco, etc.). Tonally, these strings are monsters! I have tried a plethora of different strings (as most of us have) and nothing comes close to the tone of Rotosound. They produce an awesome low mid growl that most progressive rockers will especially appreciate (think Rush or Yes). There is a trade off with these string however. It is true that they chew up frets quickly relative to other stainless steel strings. Honestly, I feel many reviews over-exaggerate this aspect of the strings as I have used them for the better part of twelve years and have only had the frets on my American Fender Jazz worked on once. For what it's worth, these are the only strings I will put on any of my basses.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Good for the price

These are decent strings. They have a very punchy tone( compared to elixir and Ernie ball ) the only problem I have with these strings is it's life. I bought these strings on a Saturday and they losT their life on Wednesday. Overall, these are some decent strings.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Concerts14
  2. Practicing10
  3. Back-Up5
  4. Any bass or style, especially with pick1
Cons
  1. No Cons1
  2. I don't like colored ball ends.1
  3. Short Life1
  4. A little rough on fingers and frets1
  5. Tone Doesn't Last1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced13
  2. Professional Musician5
  3. Novice3
Pros
  1. Good Tone21
  2. Consistent13
  3. Long Life10
  4. Well Built / Quality8
  5. Killer Tone1
  • Rotosound bass strings: the tone that revolutionized bass!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 months ago

    byKelly

    fromCurrently Vancouver Washington

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Since 1981, Rotosound Bass Strings have been my preferred choice. I first became captivated by these strings when I saw Steve Harris/Maiden using his 1970s P bass with Rotosound strings during the Killers tour. The incredible tone he achieved is what drew me in. These strings consistently provide a distinctive, gritty growl along with clear yet impactful sounds that ring out with every note. Having tried every brand of bass strings available, I invariably return to Rotosound because they remain the top option. I favor their standard gauge roundwound strings. Give them a try, hear and feel the difference!

  • I would definitely buy this product again

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byCharles

    fromNj

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    After buying a few sets of strings I came across rotor sound being a who fan and Rush fan how bad could they be I bought a set and never looked back they have a great bright sound and haven't chewed up my frets as One reviewer said it would and I'm happy that guitar center carries them cuz I went to a local small store and they didn't carry them

  • Yes I have purchased many times

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byscott

    fromRichmond VA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I have Rotosounds strings for many years. They seem to be a bight sounding bass strings that last well. Not a lot noise when you slide on the strings as well.

  • Great strings .

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byAnthony

    fromNew York

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I've always used these and they don't disappoint.

  • Rotosound is the roundwound you were looking for!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byDavid

    fromCupertino, CA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Been playing since the 70's. The Rotosound Swing Bass strings were the "good" ones to get back then and still are today. Thes are stainless wound, very flexy core and feel. The sound like a grand piano the first week, and calm down to a lovely tone. They don't eat your frets.

  • Good stuff

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byJohn

    fromLos Angeles, Ca

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Been using Rotosound steels for over 50 years

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byAaron

    fromundisclosed

    Do these have red silk on both ends of the string?

    Do these have red silk on both ends of the string?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes