What is the gauge of the Rotosound RS66LC set?

The RS66LC set is a medium-gauge set featuring string thicknesses of .040, .060, .075, and .095. This provides a slightly lighter tension than standard medium sets.

Where are Rotosound strings manufactured?

All Rotosound Swing Bass 66 strings are handmade in the United Kingdom. The company continues to use much of the same machinery it has utilized since the 1960s.

What materials are used in the RS66LC strings?

These strings are constructed from stainless steel. This material is responsible for the strings' characteristic brightness and durability.

Who helped develop the original Swing Bass 66 strings?

The strings were developed by Rotosound founder James How in conjunction with John Entwistle, the legendary bassist for The Who.

What is the significance of the red silk ends?

The red silk ends are a signature aesthetic feature of Rotosound strings. Beyond branding, the silk wrapping helps to protect the string and the tuning machine post from wear.

Are these strings suitable for 34-inch scale basses?

Yes, the RS66LC is a 'Long Scale' set, which is the standard size for most 34-inch scale bass guitars. It is designed to fit these instruments perfectly.

How would you describe the sound of these strings?

The sound is bright, energetic, and punchy. They are designed to cut through a musical mix with a tight low end and clear high-frequency definition.

Are these strings roundwound or flatwound?

The RS66LC strings are roundwound. This design gives them a brighter tone and a more textured feel compared to smooth flatwound strings.

Is the RS66LC set good for rock music?

Yes, these strings are iconic in the rock genre. They were specifically developed to provide the aggressive, biting tone required for high-volume rock performances.

Can I use these strings for fingerstyle playing?

Absolutely. While they have a bright tone that suits pick players, their balanced tension and smooth feel make them highly responsive for fingerstyle players as well.

How do these compare to nickel-plated strings?

Stainless steel strings like the RS66LC are generally brighter and more 'growly' than nickel-plated strings. They also tend to be more resistant to corrosion but may feel slightly more abrasive to the touch.

What is the typical price for a set of RS66LC strings?

The typical price for a set of Rotosound RS66LC Swing Bass strings is approximately £25. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Gear article

Rotosound RS66LC Swing Bass 66 Long Scale Medium (40-95)

The Rotosound RS66LC Swing Bass 66 is a set of stainless steel roundwound bass strings handmade in the United Kingdom. Originally developed in the 1960s, these strings are known for their bright, energetic tone and are a staple in rock music history.

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Overview and History

The RS66LC Swing Bass 66 represents a significant milestone in the development of the electric bass guitar. Developed by Rotosound founder James How in collaboration with John Entwistle of The Who, these strings were designed to provide the clarity and bite that early flatwound strings lacked.

To this day, the strings are manufactured in the UK using the same machinery and artisanal methods established during the 1960s. This commitment to heritage ensures that the contemporary RS66LC set maintains the same tonal characteristics that helped define the sound of classic rock.

Construction and Key Features

The RS66LC set is constructed from premium stainless steel, a material chosen for its magnetic properties and resistance to corrosion. The strings feature a roundwound design, which provides a textured surface and contributes to their signature high-end frequency response.

Key features include: * Gauge: 40, 60, 75, 95 (Medium light tension). * Red Silk Ends: A visual hallmark of the Rotosound brand that also helps protect the tuning pegs. * Long Scale: Designed to fit standard 34-inch scale bass guitars. * Handmade Quality: Each set is produced in Britain to ensure consistent quality control.

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Tonal Character

The sound of the RS66LC is characterized by a bright, energetic top end and a tight, well-defined low end. Because they are made of stainless steel, they offer more 'cut' and 'growl' than nickel-plated alternatives.

This aggressive tonal profile allows the bass to remain audible in dense rock mixes. Despite the brightness, the strings maintain a balanced tension that provides a smooth feel, accommodating both percussive pick playing and nuanced fingerstyle techniques.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Rotosound catalogue, the RS66LC (40-95) offers a lighter tension compared to heavier sets like the RS66LD (45-105). While other brands like D'Addario or Ernie Ball offer stainless steel strings, Rotosound is often preferred by those seeking a specific vintage UK-manufactured 'bark'.

Compared to nickel strings such as the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky, the RS66LC is noticeably brighter and has a rougher texture. While orchestral strings like those from Thomastik or Larsen focus on bowed resonance, the Swing Bass 66 is purpose-built for the high-impact requirements of electric amplification.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the gauge of the Rotosound RS66LC set?: The RS66LC set is a medium-gauge set featuring string thicknesses of .040, .060, .075, and .095. This provides a slightly lighter tension than standard medium sets.
Where are Rotosound strings manufactured?: All Rotosound Swing Bass 66 strings are handmade in the United Kingdom. The company continues to use much of the same machinery it has utilized since the 1960s.
What materials are used in the RS66LC strings?: These strings are constructed from stainless steel. This material is responsible for the strings' characteristic brightness and durability.
Who helped develop the original Swing Bass 66 strings?: The strings were developed by Rotosound founder James How in conjunction with John Entwistle, the legendary bassist for The Who.
What is the significance of the red silk ends?: The red silk ends are a signature aesthetic feature of Rotosound strings. Beyond branding, the silk wrapping helps to protect the string and the tuning machine post from wear.
Are these strings suitable for 34-inch scale basses?: Yes, the RS66LC is a 'Long Scale' set, which is the standard size for most 34-inch scale bass guitars. It is designed to fit these instruments perfectly.
How would you describe the sound of these strings?: The sound is bright, energetic, and punchy. They are designed to cut through a musical mix with a tight low end and clear high-frequency definition.
Are these strings roundwound or flatwound?: The RS66LC strings are roundwound. This design gives them a brighter tone and a more textured feel compared to smooth flatwound strings.
Is the RS66LC set good for rock music?: Yes, these strings are iconic in the rock genre. They were specifically developed to provide the aggressive, biting tone required for high-volume rock performances.
Can I use these strings for fingerstyle playing?: Absolutely. While they have a bright tone that suits pick players, their balanced tension and smooth feel make them highly responsive for fingerstyle players as well.
How do these compare to nickel-plated strings?: Stainless steel strings like the RS66LC are generally brighter and more 'growly' than nickel-plated strings. They also tend to be more resistant to corrosion but may feel slightly more abrasive to the touch.
What is the typical price for a set of RS66LC strings?: The typical price for a set of Rotosound RS66LC Swing Bass strings is approximately £25. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.