Are Rotosound strings any good?

[Rex_Rocker]

I normally use D'Addario 11-56 or Ernie Ball 12-56 because that is what they sell at the store, but I've never been 100% happy with either set. years ago, I used to put a custom set that's 11-56, but that was when I could find neither 11-56 or 12-56 at the store. However, my 2nd, and 3rd strings were a bit different than from the 11-56 D'Addario set that they make.

I found the Michael Amott 11-59 Rotosound set, and the gauges he uses are closer to my old 11-56 set... except his 6th string is a 59, but lately I've been feeling I'd like to beef up that 56 as well, so it would work out. Plus it doesn't help that I used to really like Arch Enemy.

However, to get those, I'm probably going to have to order sets off Thomann or something, since I don't find anyone who sells them here. And for that to work out, I'm going to have to buy a few sets, so if I don't like them, I'm going to be stuck with them, and I'd rather not.

Just wanted you guys' opinions on Rotosound.... are they normally well thought of? I'm normally not picky about string brands, but both D'Addario and Ernie Ball have worked well for me. I used to break Dean Markleys like they're made of spaghetti, but most other brands don't make a set with the gauges that I like (11-15-24w-32-44-56).

So... opinions? Thanks!

 

[Phantasmagoria]

I use Roto Pink's (9-42) all the time. Alway's switching between them and D'add Extra Light's. Hardly notice the difference. Ernie Ball's are good too but don't last too long here & rust easily w/ the heat/humidity. I keep a few sets around (EB's) for my 7 string guitar's. They sound better than Dadd's for some reason.... a bit more middy/less bassy. Roto's sound better for my 7 Stringer's too...

 

[GuitarDoc]

I've never liked GHS and will never buy them again (poorly made, break too many at the ball/wound end).
Dean Markleys are ok but certainly nothing special.
I've tried many D'Addario sets, again, just ok (can't get them to stay in tune very well).
I've had mostly good results from Ernie Ball (great quality, great sound, great price).
I've only tried a couple Rotosounds and have nothing bad at all to say about them (except they were expensive).
My favorites are Dunlop. Stay in tune, last a long time, and are reasonably priced. (The last sets I bought were in huge bulk, 20 packs, many years ago. I read current reviews about them which aren't that great so I wonder if the quality has gone down).

 

[Inflames626]

I've always felt the differences in string brands were minimal. Same basic product put in different packaging. Like corn flakes, essentially.

I've always used Ernie Ball 10 gauge as a go to E 25.5" set and then go up in gauge from there depending upon tuning.

Tried stainless (too bright) and pure nickel (too warm). Tried Elixirs (sounded too plastic--G string was dead sounding and probably wound). So I stayed with regular nickel wound.

Most specially coated strings don't offer tone I like in return for what is supposedly longer string life. If I don't like the string tone, it's the same as a dead string.

How I deal with this is I keep my strings on forever unless I'm recording. I don't mind practicing on dead strings. I hate noisy, metallic strings that pick up fret noise more than dead sounding ones (I like bass strings a little worn in).

I think being particular about string brands is a bit too much. Kind of like carrying on about picks, straps, or cables.

Back in the day (90s) it was whatever was available at my local shop, which was usually Ernie Ball. Now I just get Ernie Ball without thinking about it.

 

[Inflames626]

Bass strings may be a whole other matter since here they cost almost as much as a tank of gas...

 

[Rex_Rocker]

I've always felt the differences in string brands were minimal. Same basic product put in different packaging. Like corn flakes, essentially.

I've always used Ernie Ball 10 gauge as a go to E 25.5" set and then go up in gauge from there depending upon tuning.

Tried stainless (too bright) and pure nickel (too warm). Tried Elixirs (sounded too plastic--G string was dead sounding and probably wound). So I stayed with regular nickel wound.

Most specially coated strings don't offer tone I like in return for what is supposedly longer string life. If I don't like the string tone, it's the same as a dead string.

How I deal with this is I keep my strings on forever unless I'm recording. I don't mind practicing on dead strings. I hate noisy, metallic strings that pick up fret noise more than dead sounding ones (I like bass strings a little worn in).

I think being particular about string brands is a bit too much. Kind of like carrying on about picks, straps, or cables.

Back in the day (90s) it was whatever was available at my local shop, which was usually Ernie Ball. Now I just get Ernie Ball without thinking about it.

I'm not picky about strings either. They all sound like strings, LOL. I do notice the EB's sound slightly different from D'Ads, but I can live with either. Both give me something I can work with.

What I'm picky about is string gauges. I hate how 99% other brands' high gauge strings are super unbalanced. 11-56 is a happy medium for me because I do like my top string slinkier, and for the bass strings, I like as heavy as I can get while still not sounding off and dull. Not many other brands offer those kinds of sets. If someone does an 11-56, it's usually with a stupidly tihck 5th or 4th string. I'm 100% sure I like a 32 and 44 respectively in there. I like the 56, but I've been wanting to up that gauge slightly for a while. The top strings I can learn to live with whatever the set comes with, but if got closer to my old custom set, it would be better.

 

[Inflames626]

EB has something like this. Maybe look for it in 11s.

https://www.amazon.com/Ernie-Ball-Skinny-Bottom-Nickel/dp/B0002PBS68?th=1

 

[Rex_Rocker]

EB has something like this. Maybe look for it in 11s.

https://www.amazon.com/Ernie-Ball-Sk...0002PBS68?th=1

My second choice after the D'Ads are the EB Magnum Slinkies. However, those seem to be on an off when it comes to availability. I can also live with the Not Even Slinkies, but the unwound plain 24 is just BAD, so I'd rather not, LOL.

I don't mind it if the top strings are 12's. TBH, if I could order Magnum Slinkies off Long and McQuade right now, I wouldn't even hesitate. I just would do a whole lot less bending on the top strings, but it's not like I bend a lot either. But they're not available until Jan 2024.