Rotosound use a 80 instead of 85 on Swing Bass strings.... Thoughts on this?

[Max Dread]

Hi all

I'll admit firstly that I am mainly a 6 stringer....

But with that out of the way.... I'm looking to restring my bass and i have a set of Rotosounds in the cupboard. I noticed the gauge is 45, 65, 80, 105. Most sets I've had in the past have had an 85 instead of an 80.

I just wondered if anyone knows the reasoning behind this and how much of a difference it will make feel wise? Any thoughts on whether it is a good thing or bad thing would also be helpful.

Cheers

Max

[iiipopes]

I wish they would also use a 60 instead of a 65 in order to balance out the tension. When I used Rotosounds, I custom ordered through the Rotosound customer rep 45-60-80-105 for my fanned fret P-style bass.

[WarrenD]

Mr. Dread,

I think the reason the standard set has an .80 A string is because during the early days of experimentation with John Entwistle, he tried various gauge mixes and decided .45 .65 .80 .105 was most comfortable, so that became the standard.

If I'm wrong, I would say the reason is likely to be because .80 .105 are more balanced tension-wise than .85 .105.

Cheers!

[WarrenD]

I should say their 'Custom Gauge' set is as most other standard gauges; .105 .85 .65. 45. It's also known as 'Standard .85' on stringbusters.com