Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
RS66LD
RS66LD ROTOSOUND
RS66LD ROTOSOUND
RS66LD
Drum & Bass Groove
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.
Source -
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.
Source -
Users note that Dunlop Super Bright Stainless Steels maintain their "zing" longer than Rotosound strings, which can lose brightness after a week.
Source -
Rotosound strings are compared to DR Black Beauties, which are described as less stiff and growler, with a twang similar to Rotosounds.
Source
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.
Source
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.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 12 Reviews and 46 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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
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.
On Rotosound's website, it states that Geddy Lee uses RS66LD Swing Bass strings.
.jpeg?v=1783313150)
According to this rig rundown, by Premier Guitar, Roger Waters uses Rotosound 66 strings.
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.
JpJ used Roto 66s according to the forum as well as rotosound's official website
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.
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.
.jpeg?v=1783192151)
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.
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.
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
Album Usage
The Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105 has been featured on the following albums:
Rack
The Jesus Lizard (2024)
Come & Get It
Badfinger (2020)
Naughty Boys (2019 Bob Ludwig Remastering)
Yellow Magic Orchestra (2019)
Gira Me Verás Volver
Soda Stereo (2008)
Operation: Mindcrime II
Queensrÿche (2006)
El Ultimo Concierto A (Remastered)
Soda Stereo (1997)
(What's The Story) Morning Glory? (Deluxe Remastered Edition)
Oasis (1995)
Insomniac
Green Day (1995)
Dookie
Green Day (1994)
Gish (Remastered)
The Smashing Pumpkins (1991)
Bleach
Nirvana (1989)
...And Justice for All (Remastered)
Metallica (1988)
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division (1979)
School's Out
Alice Cooper & Alice Cooper (1972)
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.
-s.webp?v=1783422591)
Community setups
Show yours
Similar
Add recommendation7 alternative and related items for Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 45-105, curated by the Equipboard community.
$1,158.11 - $1,599.99
$21.99
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.
$763.00 - $894.26
$23.99 - $30.00
$25.99 - $31.00
$21.59 - $29.95
More Rotosound Strings
$43.00 - $48.95
in Strings Rank
$5.60 - $7.50
in Strings Rank
$22.60 - $26.95
in Strings Rank
$20.90 - $26.95
in Strings Rank
.jpeg?v=1783244342)
$43.00 - $49.99
in Strings Rank
$20.90 - $26.95
$21.59 - $29.95
$28.00 - $35.95
$20.90 - $26.95
$5.60 - $7.50
$5.60 - $7.50
$36.99 - $41.95
$5.60 - $6.95
$5.60 - $7.50
$7.20 - $11.35
$16.90 - $19.99
$20.00 - $26.95
$6.20 - $9.95
$7.20 - $8.99
$7.20 - $33.02
$44.99 - $48.95
$16.90 - $20.95
$32.00 - $39.99
$44.95 - $47.00
$6.60 - $10.94
$5.30 - $7.50
$7.20 - $10.95
$8.90 - $11.99
$31.00 - $35.95
$20.90 - $26.95
$56.00 - $59.95
$34.95 - $48.95
$6.20 - $9.20
![Rotosound Ultramag Alloy-52 Wound 45-105 Bass Guitar Strings, Long Scale [UM45]](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/item/image/123698/rotosound-ultramag-alloy-52-wound-45-105-bass-guitar-strings-long-scale-um45-m.webp?v=1783431559)
Accessories & Related Items
Gear Guides
Most Popular Strings
Most Popular Brands
