What is the gauge of the Rotosound SH77 set?

The SH77 set features a custom heavy gauge of .050, .075, .095, and .110. This configuration is specifically chosen by Steve Harris to provide a high-tension feel and a thick, punchy tone.

What material are these strings made from?

These strings are made from Monel, which is a nickel-copper alloy. This material is chosen for its durability, corrosion resistance, and warm, vintage-leaning tonal characteristics.

Are the Rotosound SH77 strings flatwound or roundwound?

The SH77 strings are flatwound. They feature a smooth outer surface that reduces finger friction and fret wear while providing a distinctively punchy midrange.

What scale length are these strings designed for?

They are designed for long-scale basses with a scale length between 32 inches and 34 inches. They may not fit correctly on short-scale or extra-long-scale instruments.

What are the signature silk colours on the SH77 set?

The strings feature custom claret and blue silk ends. These colours are a tribute to West Ham United, the favourite football club of Steve Harris.

Can these strings be used for genres other than heavy metal?

Yes, while designed for Steve Harris's metal tone, the Monel flatwound construction makes them suitable for any genre requiring a warm, punchy, and vintage sound. They are versatile enough for rock, blues, and even jazz.

How does Monel compare to standard stainless steel strings?

Monel is generally warmer and more corrosion-resistant than stainless steel. It provides a unique magnetic response that helps the bass cut through a mix with a more defined midrange.

Are these strings suitable for slap bass?

While flatwounds can be used for slapping, the SH77 set is specifically designed for aggressive fingerstyle playing. The high tension and flat surface may not provide the 'snap' typically desired by slap players.

How much do these strings typically cost?

The typical price for a set of Rotosound SH77 Steve Harris signature strings is approximately £43.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Do these strings help reduce finger noise?

Yes, because they are flatwound, they have a smooth surface that significantly reduces the 'squeak' or sliding noise commonly heard with roundwound strings. This makes them excellent for both studio recording and live performance.

Who is the artist associated with these strings?

These are the signature strings of Steve Harris, the founding member and primary songwriter of the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He has used Rotosound strings for the majority of his career.

What is the primary benefit of the heavy 110-gauge E string?

The .110 gauge E string provides a very firm feel and a massive low-end foundation. It ensures the string does not become too floppy during aggressive playing, maintaining pitch stability and punch.

Gear article

Rotosound SH77 Steve Harris Signature Bass Strings

The Rotosound SH77 is a custom-gauge set of Monel flatwound bass guitar strings designed for Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris. Characterised by a heavy 50-110 gauge and high-tension construction, these strings are engineered to deliver the aggressive midrange punch and smooth feel required for fast fingerstyle heavy metal performance.

Rotosound SH77 Steve Harris Bass Monel Flatwound Long Scale Custom 50-110

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Background and Design

The Rotosound SH77 set is the result of a long-standing collaboration between British string manufacturer Rotosound and Steve Harris of Iron Maiden. While flatwound strings are traditionally associated with jazz or Motown, Harris utilised them to create a distinctive, percussive 'clack' and heavy growl that defined the sound of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. These strings are manufactured in the United Kingdom and feature visual identifiers unique to Harris, including silk ends in the claret and blue colours of West Ham United FC.

Material and Construction

The SH77 strings are constructed using Monel, a specialised nickel-copper alloy. Monel is noted for its high resistance to corrosion and its specific magnetic properties, which contribute to a warmer tone compared to standard stainless steel. The flatwound design involves a flattened outer ribbon wire wrapped over a hexagonal core, resulting in a smooth surface that reduces finger noise and provides a tactile feel suitable for high-speed fingerstyle playing. The custom gauges of .050, .075, .095, and .110 provide significantly higher tension than standard light or medium bass sets.

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Sonic Characteristics

Despite being flatwounds, the SH77 set is voiced for a tight, punchy response with pronounced midrange frequencies. This allows the bass to cut through dense arrangements featuring multiple distorted guitars, a hallmark of the Iron Maiden sound. The strings provide defined low frequencies without becoming muddy, offering a 'vintage-leaning' warmth that retains enough grit for aggressive rock and metal applications.

Target Audience and Compatibility

These strings are specifically tailored for players who employ an aggressive fingerstyle technique and require high tension for stability. They are designed for long-scale basses with a 32-inch to 34-inch scale length. While they are a signature product for Steve Harris fans, they also suit any bassist looking for the durability of Monel and the smooth feel of flatwounds without sacrificing the bite needed for rock music.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the gauge of the Rotosound SH77 set?: The SH77 set features a custom heavy gauge of .050, .075, .095, and .110. This configuration is specifically chosen by Steve Harris to provide a high-tension feel and a thick, punchy tone.
What material are these strings made from?: These strings are made from Monel, which is a nickel-copper alloy. This material is chosen for its durability, corrosion resistance, and warm, vintage-leaning tonal characteristics.
Are the Rotosound SH77 strings flatwound or roundwound?: The SH77 strings are flatwound. They feature a smooth outer surface that reduces finger friction and fret wear while providing a distinctively punchy midrange.
What scale length are these strings designed for?: They are designed for long-scale basses with a scale length between 32 inches and 34 inches. They may not fit correctly on short-scale or extra-long-scale instruments.
What are the signature silk colours on the SH77 set?: The strings feature custom claret and blue silk ends. These colours are a tribute to West Ham United, the favourite football club of Steve Harris.
Can these strings be used for genres other than heavy metal?: Yes, while designed for Steve Harris's metal tone, the Monel flatwound construction makes them suitable for any genre requiring a warm, punchy, and vintage sound. They are versatile enough for rock, blues, and even jazz.
How does Monel compare to standard stainless steel strings?: Monel is generally warmer and more corrosion-resistant than stainless steel. It provides a unique magnetic response that helps the bass cut through a mix with a more defined midrange.
Are these strings suitable for slap bass?: While flatwounds can be used for slapping, the SH77 set is specifically designed for aggressive fingerstyle playing. The high tension and flat surface may not provide the 'snap' typically desired by slap players.
How much do these strings typically cost?: The typical price for a set of Rotosound SH77 Steve Harris signature strings is approximately £43.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Do these strings help reduce finger noise?: Yes, because they are flatwound, they have a smooth surface that significantly reduces the 'squeak' or sliding noise commonly heard with roundwound strings. This makes them excellent for both studio recording and live performance.
Who is the artist associated with these strings?: These are the signature strings of Steve Harris, the founding member and primary songwriter of the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He has used Rotosound strings for the majority of his career.
What is the primary benefit of the heavy 110-gauge E string?: The .110 gauge E string provides a very firm feel and a massive low-end foundation. It ensures the string does not become too floppy during aggressive playing, maintaining pitch stability and punch.