When bass players talk about strings that helped define the sound of modern music, Rotosound is always part of the conversation. From the explosive tones of classic rock to the precision demanded by modern players, Rotosound bass strings have earned a reputation for bold sound, reliability, and unmistakable character.
A Brief History of Rotosound
Rotosound was founded in 1958 in Kent, England, by musician and engineer James How. What started as a small family business quickly grew into one of the most influential string manufacturers in the world. James How was deeply involved in every aspect of production, even designing and building his own string-winding machines—an early sign of the company’s hands-on, innovation-driven approach.
In the early 1960s, while flatwound strings were still the norm, Rotosound began experimenting with roundwound designs, aiming to create strings with more brightness, clarity, and presence. This forward-thinking mindset culminated in one of the most important moments in bass history.
The Swing Bass Breakthrough
In 1966, Rotosound collaborated with legendary bassist John Entwistle of The Who to develop a new type of bass string. The result was the RS66 Swing Bass set—stainless steel roundwound strings that delivered unprecedented attack, sustain, and articulation. These strings helped push the bass guitar from a background role to a leading voice in rock music and remain one of the most iconic bass string designs ever made.
Legendary Bassists Who Use Rotosound
Over the decades, Rotosound bass strings have been trusted by some of the most influential bass players in music history. Their endorsement isn’t just about branding—it’s about sound, feel, and consistency.
Notable Rotosound users include:
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John Entwistle (The Who) – A pioneer of aggressive, melodic bass playing and a key figure in Rotosound’s legacy
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Geddy Lee (Rush) – Known for his articulate, cutting tone and complex playing style
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Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, David Lee Roth) – Famous for high-output, technically demanding bass tones
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Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) – A defining force in heavy metal bass with his galloping fingerstyle attack
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Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) – Known for warm, foundational bass tones that support expansive arrangements
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Duff McKagan, Noel Redding, and many others across rock, punk, and alternative genres
From stadium tours to studio sessions, Rotosound strings have consistently proven themselves at the highest level.
The Rotosound Bass String Lineup
One of Rotosound’s greatest strengths is its wide variety of bass string types, designed to suit different playing styles, genres, and tonal preferences.
Swing Bass 66 – Stainless Steel Roundwound
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Bright, punchy, and aggressive
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Strong attack with excellent sustain
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Ideal for rock, metal, prog, and players who want their bass to cut through the mix
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The most famous Rotosound bass string set
Roto Bass – Nickel Roundwound
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Slightly warmer and smoother than stainless steel
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Balanced tone with reduced finger noise
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A versatile option for players who want clarity without excessive brightness
Jazz Bass 77 – Monel Flatwound
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Smooth feel with a warm, vintage character
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Rich low end and focused mids
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Popular for jazz, soul, classic rock, and retro-inspired tones
Tru Bass 88 – Black Nylon Flatwound
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Upright-style warmth and deep, rounded lows
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Soft feel under the fingers
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Excellent for vintage rock, dub, reggae, and acoustic-leaning bass sounds
Solo Bass 55 – Pressure Wound
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Smooth surface with a controlled, modern tone
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Less finger noise than traditional roundwounds
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Great for studio work and players who want clarity with a refined feel
Nexus Bass – Coated Strings
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Polymer-coated for extended lifespan
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Reduced finger noise and a slightly warmer response
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Ideal for touring musicians or players who want consistency over time
UltraMag Bass – High-Output Alloy
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Designed for increased magnetic response
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Strong output and focused articulation
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Well-suited for modern rigs and recording environments
Acoustic & Specialty Bass Strings
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Phosphor bronze sets for acoustic bass guitars
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Extended scale and specialty gauges available
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Designed to maintain Rotosound’s signature tone across different instruments
Why Bassists Keep Choosing Rotosound
Rotosound isn’t just a string brand—it’s part of bass history. Players choose Rotosound because:
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The strings helped define classic and modern bass tones
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They offer a wide range of materials, feels, and sounds
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The company maintains a strong tradition of quality and craftsmanship
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Their products perform consistently in both live and studio settings
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing the aggressive bite of classic rock, the smooth warmth of vintage flatwounds, or a modern, studio-ready tone, Rotosound bass strings offer a proven path to great sound. With decades of innovation, legendary artist support, and one of the most diverse bass string catalogs available, Rotosound remains a cornerstone of the bass world.
Click here to see our range of Rotosound String Sets.