Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
4.5 (22)
$24.95
Guitar Center
5.0 (41)
$24.95
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$22.99 New
$24.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (93)
$24.95
Thomann
4.7 (678)
$24.40 $23.90 $0.50 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105, a set of round-wound stainless steel strings that have been a top choice of prominent bassists like Billy Sheehan, John Paul Jones, and Geddy Lee. Rotosound, the iconic British brand, made history by being the first to produce these innovative strings back in 1962. The RS66LD Swing Bass Strings are renowned for their bright, punchy tone, making them the perfect fit for rock and metal genres.

These strings are not just about the sound; they offer a balanced tension which makes them comfortable to play while still maintaining a responsive feel. The balanced gauge set from 45 to 105 provides a versatile tone, suitable for various musical styles. On top of that, the long scale length has been specifically tailored for standard 34" scale basses to maximize your instrument's potential.

What sets the RS66LD Swing Bass Strings apart is the round-wound stainless steel construction. This design results in a pure, articulate tone coupled with enhanced clarity. The stainless steel alloy is incredibly resistant to corrosion and sweat, ensuring long-lasting playability and consistent tone. Plus, the textured feel under your fingers adds a familiar touch for most rock and metal bassists.

Key Features:

  • First ever round-wound stainless steel bass strings from Rotosound
  • Bright, punchy tone ideal for rock and metal genres
  • Balanced tension for comfortable play and responsive feel
  • Balanced gauge set from 45 to 105 for a versatile tone
  • Specifically tailored for standard 34" scale basses
  • Highly resistant to corrosion and sweat due to the stainless steel alloy construction
  • Textured feel under fingers for a familiar touch
  • Long-lasting playability and consistent tone

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Bass
Number of Sets 1
Coated No
Gauges .045, .065, .080, .105
Winding Type Round Wound
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Stainless Steel
Scale Length Long, 32"-34"

FAQs

What is the tone characteristic of Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass strings?

Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass strings are known for their bright, punchy tone with excellent clarity and sustain, making them ideal for rock, funk, and jazz styles.

Are Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass strings suitable for long-scale bass guitars?

Yes, the Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass strings are designed for long-scale bass guitars, fitting scale lengths of 32"-34".

What material are Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass strings made from?

These strings are made from stainless steel with a steel core, providing durability and a bright sound.

Do Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass strings have a coating?

No, Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass strings are not coated, which contributes to their natural feel and bright tone.

What gauges are included in the Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass set?

The Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass set includes gauges .045, .065, .080, and .105.

RS66LD

RS66LD

RS66LD ROTOSOUND

Video thumbnail for RS66LD ROTOSOUND by RS66LD

RS66LD ROTOSOUND

RS66LD

RS66LD

Video thumbnail for Drum & Bass Groove by Timo Orlandi

Drum & Bass Groove

Timo Orlandi

Timo Orlandi

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105.

User experience

  • Despite their rough texture, Rotosound 66 strings are favored for their bright, aggressive tone that suits Fender basses, especially when seeking a punchy, articulate sound.

    Source
  • Players report that the Rotosound Swing 66s provide an exceptional bright tone when used with a pick, highlighting the strings' versatility across different playing styles.

    Source
  • Rotosound RS66LD strings are noted for their aggressive, punchy sound with J pickups, enhancing their growly and clear tone.

    Source
  • Rotosound strings are known for their distinctive "piano string growl," which is particularly noticeable on instruments like the Rickenbacker 4003.

    Source
  • Customer service for Rotosound is highlighted positively, with helpful support when addressing string issues.

    Source
  • Despite the rough feel, some users appreciate the initial attack and distinctive tone Rotosound strings provide, especially for recording purposes.

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  • It's observed that Rotosound strings may cause faster fret wear, especially on fretless basses.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's noted that the Rotosound Swing 66 strings can bring out a growly midrange on Jazz Basses, ideal for genres requiring prominent bass presence.

    Source
  • Rotosound 66 strings are available in various gauges, with the 45-65-80-105 set being a popular choice due to its balance between brightness and playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The stainless steel Rotosound Swing 66s offer more grit and brightness than the nickel-plated version, making them a better choice for players seeking a more aggressive sound.

    Source
  • Users find that DR strings offer a smoother feel and longer lifespan compared to Rotosound, but Rotosound is preferred for its unique tonal qualities.

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  • Users note that Dunlop Super Bright Stainless Steels maintain their "zing" longer than Rotosound strings, which can lose brightness after a week.

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  • Rotosound strings are compared to DR Black Beauties, which are described as less stiff and growler, with a twang similar to Rotosounds.

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Use cases and applications

  • Rotosound Swing 66 strings are frequently recommended for Fender Jazz Bass due to their aggressive tone, enhancing the instrument's natural brightness and punch.

    Source
  • Rotosound strings are praised for maintaining a bright tone longer than Ernie Ball Slinkies, making them ideal for players seeking a consistently aggressive sound.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's observed that Rotosound strings can cause significant fret wear on softer frets, especially on fretless basses, due to their coarse stainless steel construction.

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Build quality

  • Some users report that Rotosound strings can feel rougher compared to Ernie Ball strings, and this texture can affect playability.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 12 Reviews and 46 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
sinner4093

Simply, the best bass strings ever

Bright sounding, long lasting (to me at least, I barely sweat), and when they die the don't become this dead sounding string like most nickel strings that have pretty much no definition and because they are made of Stainless Steel they keep pretty much pristine for a loooong while (just look at Joe Dart Jazz Bass that had already old Swing 66 strings when he got it and used them until he got the Music Man) also they are aren't too tense but they are a little bit stiff on the first two strings, so low action is pretty much must do for that classic Rotosound clank

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Low action!

freedom_solossa

Legendary tone. Unmatched durability. Nothing more to ask.

I'll be honest. This string is known for its clothesline like stiffness and sandpaper like roughness. however, its legendary tone cannot be matched by any brand. and as an Indonesian and its extreme tropical climate, plus my toxic sweats, stainless steel is indeed the most logical option. fresh or dead, still loud enough to defeat any string. trust me, I've been using Ernie Ball Cobalts, Elixir Coated, and D'Addario chromes, or Dr pure blues, and they all crumble to rust. And the Rotosounds? Well in 3 months still crisp and fresh, 6 months merely some dirty stains, then 2 years already and it hasn't rusted either. The only close second was the ErnieBall hybrid Stainless Steel Slinkies.

emuemulator2

these are bad after trying DR

I used to use these when I started out, the sound is alright. They destroy your frets and your fingers like no other rounds and also die very quickly. I replaced these with DR sunbeams on my yamaha about a year ago and they still have signs of life in them.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Replaced with DR anything pretty much.

colin_marcum

Great strings

These are my favorite strings to use because of how bright and versatile they are. They sound bright for a very long time but they do even out and sound less bright like all other strings.

brandon_bolderoff

great sound, i want bigger gauge on the E string

i personally want a higher gauge on the e string. these strings instantly had a colorful sound. the A string at first was overly noisy, but that went away with use. the strings sound so natural to me, i dare say articulate. i have the string on my gretsch g5123b hollowbody bass. the string really give the bass a 50's or 60's sound, and sounds great when playing acousticly. their is some things i like about daddario strings which i'd like to have in a rotosound set. i'm definitely going to look at other rotosound models to see which is best for me. also, if your play extremely downed tune songs, this set most likely not for you.

chitsure

Let's see

This is my first time trying the round-wound stainless steel bass strings. And I think it's great compared to another set I used before.

pistaq

they are some good strings

if you want a nice bass tone, go for those strings, they are absolute monsters! the thing i hate about them that they are kinda harsh for me (playing agressive fingersyle) and they can make your fingers hurt even doe u have callusses Edit: Now I play only Stainless Steel, I got used to them.

clifford_bao_777

You know, Cliff Burton played agressive fingerstyle with the same kind of strings in a lighter gauge, maybe some 45-90s would work better for you aswell.

pope
pope

8195

More versatile than you think

Seeing the artists generally associated with these strings might let you think they're only great for various kinds of rock. They're not. I've been slapping, thumping and picking away at these for most of my time on bass and they've never failed to deliver. The reason I first chose them was simply because they were among the cheapest on offer that day, but having tried Bass Boomers, Trace Elliotts and many more since, I must say that they don't have anything to boast about compared to the Rotosounds.

diego_chang

For me on my fretless it gives that real pastorius growl.

max_santandrea

The Best

The are they best sounding string for a bright aggressive tone. I use the 50-110 set tuned to Eb Standard and Drop C#

skylinerr

Number 1

The best roundwound bass strings money can buy.

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Flea uses Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105

Flea

Bassist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Photo

Flea is known to have used Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105 strings, as evidenced by the distinct red silk wraps at both the string end and the ball end, which are characteristic of older Rotosound Swing sets, depicted in the photograph from the early-mid 80s with the Red Hot Chili Peppers

See how Paul McCartney uses Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

Paul McCartney used Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105 strings on his Yamaha bass from the late 1970s until the mid-1980s during his time with Wings and in his solo work. This is evidenced by the distinctive red silk at both ends of the strings, as seen in the photograph provided.

See how Geddy Lee uses Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105

Geddy Lee

Singer, Bassist

Rush

...
Verified via Photo

On Rotosound's website, it states that Geddy Lee uses RS66LD Swing Bass strings.

See how Roger Waters uses Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105

Roger Waters

Singer, Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Photo

According to this rig rundown, by Premier Guitar, Roger Waters uses Rotosound 66 strings.

See how Krist Novoselic uses Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105

Krist Novoselic

Bassist, Keyboardist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

In this image of Novoselic's Ibanez Black Eagle from their Bleach era, the distinct red tops of the Rotosound 66 Brights can be seen.

See how John Paul Jones uses Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105

John Paul Jones

Bassist, Keyboardist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via TalkBass.com

JpJ used Roto 66s according to the forum as well as rotosound's official website

See how Mike Dirnt uses Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105

Mike Dirnt

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Photo

Mike Dirnt used Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105 strings during the mid-90s, specifically around the Dookie and Insomniac tours. This is evidenced by photographs from the era, which show the distinctive red silk at both the string and ball ends of his bass, as seen in the provided image.

See how Jason Newsted uses Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105

Jason Newsted

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

Jason Newsted is known to have used Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105 strings on his Wal bass during the "...And Justice For All" album and subsequent tour. This is evidenced by the distinct red silk at both ends of the strings, a characteristic feature of Rotosound strings at the time, as seen in the provided image.

See how Geezer Butler uses Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105

Geezer Butler

Bassist, Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via Photo

Geezer Butler is confirmed to use Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105 strings, as evidenced by the red silk at both string ends and yellow ball ends visible on his basses during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly on his custom B.C Rich bass.

See how Jaco Pastorius uses Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105

Jaco Pastorius

Bassist, Keyboardist

Pat Metheny Group

...
Verified via Rotosound Music Strings

Jaco Pastorius is known for using Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105 strings, as confirmed by Rotosound Music Strings. He was recognized as a Rotosound artist, and due to the stainless steel nature of these strings, there are accounts of him applying epoxy glue to protect his fretboard from damage during play.

See how Joe Dart uses Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105

Joe Dart

Bassist

Vulfpeck

...
Verified via YouTube

Joe Dart confirmed he used Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass on his Jazz Bass for 10 years in a recent interview with Scott Bass Lesson due the influence of John Entwistle, he stated that he kept them because "he was too lazy to change them" but eventually fell in love with the warmer sound of old rounds so he never replaced them until he went with Music Man

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Audix D6
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1
Ampeg SVT-2 Pro Head
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1
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Community setups

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jesse_frick

jesse_frick

Gear IQ 63

raphbass

raphbass

Gear IQ 1304

johnny_t

johnny_t

Gear IQ 207

7 alternative and related items for Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105, curated by the Equipboard community.

Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Stainless Steel Bass Strings (45-105)

$21.99

similar sound

From my previous string change, the closest modern strings that sounded like rotos, albeit less stiffer and smoother. Also, it lasted very long just like rotos.

DR Strings - Hi Beams MR-45 / 45-105

$23.99 - $31.00

similar sound

They sound bright and las a while just not as bright as the Rotosounds

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