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Home , Bass guitar, Guthrie Govan, RotoSound

world famous music strings • made in england welcome

2008 has been a landmark year for Rotosound Music Strings. Incredibly it is 50 string catalogue years since my father, James How founded the company. Half a century which has seen evolve from the early pioneers of rock n’ roll recording onto black plastic discs to the broad pallette of styles currently available to 33rd edition download from a small box of electrical components connected to your telephone line. Contents Introduction 3 Times change, certain principles do not. The foundation blocks on which Electric Strings 4 Rotosound was built in 1958 are still in place. We are manufacturers in the true Strings 8 sense of the word. James built the original machines himself - the current Strings 10 production line utilises modern technology built in house by our R&D department. Guitar Strings 12 Traditional Instrument Strings 20 The contribution made by Rotosound to modern music is not to be Orchestral & Jazz Strings 22 underestimated. Always prepared to listen to the requests of musicians, we OEM Unpacked Strings 24 worked with in the mid 1960’s to produce what is now known worldwide as the Swing Bass 66 set. Listen to any of ’s finest recordings Steve Diggle - you will hear the 66’s. Our association with is well documented. The Buzzcocks Go through the decades, with bands such as , Guns n’ Roses, Oasis, Pink Floyd, Rush, - Rotosound are ever-present. We continue this legacy today, supporting new talent and developing new products which will, hopefully be as famous in fifty years time.

We understand what makes a good string - we have had plenty of practice.

Jason How Chairman

Dave Pybus Company Founder James How Cradle of Filth and The Who’s John Entwistle

Pictured from top: The Jimi Hendrix Experience Pink Floyd FREEPHONE 0800 525547 TOLL FREE 1-800-675-2501 Walter Trout 3 Rotos (Nickel on Steel) Developed in conjunction with some of the worlds top artists, these unique sets deliver a smooth powerful tone that lasts while other strings have long gone dead. Superb brilliance and strength make Roto’s the first choice for the professional. Available in all the popular gauges, 12 string sets, 7 string sets and custom made singles for the discerning tone-head! Please note: w denotes wound string

E B G D A E B E B G D A E B

R8 Roto Greens - Extra Light 8 11 14 22w 30w 38w - RH10 Roto - Lt Top/Hvy Bot 10 13 17 30w 42w 52w - R9 Roto Pinks - Super Light 9 11 16 24w 32w 42w - R11 Roto Reds - Medium* 11 14 18 28w 38w 48w - R12 Roto Purples - Medium Hvy* 12 16 24w 32w 42w 52w - R13 Roto Greys - Heavy* 13 17 26w 34w 44w 54w - 12 String Sets R30XL Double Six Extra Light 8 10 8 11 17 22w - 8 10 14 24w 32w 40w - R30SL Double Six Super Light 9 12 9 12 20w 26w - 9 12 20 26w 36w 46w - R30EL Double Six Regular 10 14 10 14 22w 28w - 10 14 22w 28w 38w 48w - * Ideal for detuning

E B G D A E B

RH9 Roto Orange - Hybrid 9 11 16 26w 36w 46w - R10 Roto Yellows - Regular 10 13 17 26w 36w 46w -

Custom Gauge Single Strings NP 008-026 Plain Singles High Grade Plated Steel 7 String Sets NC 018-060 Covered Singles Nickel Plated Steel R9-7 7 String Set - Super Light 9 11 16 24w 32w 42w 52w Custom Gauge Singles Box R10-7 7 String Set - Regular 10 13 17 26w 36w 46w 56w GB1 Contains 10 each NP 008 - NP 026 R11-7 7 String Set - Medium* 11 14 18 28w 38w 48w 58w Contains 5 each NC 018 - NC 056 5 British Steels (Stainless Steel) With high iron content ferritic stainless steel covers this set offers a clear, bright punchy sound, electric guitar positive grip and plenty of twang! Available in the following gauges: Please note: w denotes wound string

E B G D A E BS9 9 11 16 24w 32w 42w BS10 10 13 17 26w 36w 46w BS11 11 14 18 28w 38w 48w

Nexus Electric (Polymer Coated) Mention a Type 52 pure nickel alloy string to discerning and they will tell you about the extra lift that the higher magnetism offers. Now shroud it with a special black polycoat material and you have a high energy string smooth to the touch, rich in warm tones with extended life. Available in the following gauges: Please note: w denotes wound string

E B G D A E NXE9 9 11 16 24w 32w 42w NXE10 10 13 17 26w 36w 46w

Pure Nickels (Nickel) Our best ‘top of the range electrics’ yet comprising solid nickel covers, with exceptional magnetic response, volume, clarity and tone. Truly the creme-de-la-creme of guitar strings! Available in the following gauges: Please note: w denotes wound string Pictured from left: David McCabe - The Zutons E B G D A E Ginger PN9 9 11 16 24w 32w 42w Franz Ferdinand PN10 10 13 17 26w 36w 46w PN11 11 14 18 28w 38w 48w Top Tape (Monel) Exceptionally smooth flatwounds ideal for fusion, jazz or to simply reduce finger noise in the studio. Please note: w denotes wound string

E B G D A E RS200 12 16 24w 32w 42w 52w

Matt Tuck Steph Carter Bullet for my Valentine Gallows

FREEPHONE 0800 525547 TOLL FREE 1-800-675-2501 7 Tru Bronze (80/20 Bronze) Our alternative acoustic guitar string to the 92/8 series. Comprising brass wire covers, these acoustic guitar strings offer the resonant advantages of such coupled with considerable clarity and tone, available in the following gauges: Please note: w denotes wound string

E B G D A E TB10 10 14 20w 28w 40w 50w TB11 11 15 22w 30w 42w 52w Super Bronze (Phosphor Bronze) TB12 12 16 24w 32w 44w 54w Originally known as Country Gold’s, a great sounding acoustic string due to it’s ‘contact core’ design. Pioneered by Rotosound in 1974. The choice for long sustain and brightness, these strings also slightly reduce the action on any instrument, available in five, six string gauges only. Please note: w denotes wound string

E B G D A E SB9 9 13 18 26w 38w 48w SB10 10 14 20w 28w 40w 50w SB11 11 15 22w 30w 42w 52w SB12 12 16 24w 32w 44w 54w SB13 13 17 26w 34w 46w 56w

The Holloways Jumbo King (Phosphor Bronze) Our best selling acoustic string. Phosphor Bronze wound Acoustic Guitar strings with superb warm tone, clarity and sustain. Favoured by such artists as John Renbourn and Bob Geldof. Contact Core Design Available in five, six string gauges and three, twelve string gauges. Please note: w denotes wound string

E B G D A E JK9 9 13 18 26w 38w 48w Nexus Acoustic (Phosphor Bronze, Clear Coated) JK10 10 14 20w 28w 40w 50w Take a great acoustic string from our JK range, give it a smooth polycoat dressing and you have JK11 11 15 22w 30w 42w 52w `Nexus Bronze` the string for the next generation of acoustic sound. It offers a unique tone of its JK12 12 16 24w 32w 44w 54w own with the usual enriched highs giving way to softer gentle mid-tones with a smooth feel, JK13 13 17 26w 34w 46w 56w longer life and tarnish prevention built in. Available in the following gauges: JK30SL 9 12 9 12 20 26w 12 String Set Please note: w denotes wound string 9 12 20w 26w 36w 46w JK30EL 10 14 8 12 18 28w E B G D A E 12 String Set 10 14 24w 30w 40w 48w NXA10 10 14 20w 28w 40w 50w JK30L 11 14 10 12 20w 26w NXA11 11 15 22w 30w 42w 52w 12 String Set 11 14 24w 30w 38w 52w NXA12 12 16 24w 32w 44w 54w

FREEPHONE 0800 525547 TOLL FREE 1-800-675-2501 9 classical guitar

Superia Classical Guitar Strings Grade 1 Professional Both sets come with silver wound basses and nylon trebles. CL 1’s have ballends whilst CL 2’s Grade 1 ‘Superia Pro’ classical guitar strings are manufactured to a high are regular tie on sets. Ideal strings for classical where a crisp bright tone is required tension characteristic specifically designed for fingerstyle playing. The wound strings are Silver Plated Copper on a Nylon Core and the plain strings are CL 1 Superia (ball end - nylon, normal tension) high quality rectified Nylon. NN 1, 2, 3 (trebles) NNC 4, 5, 6 (basses) CL 3 Superia Pro (Grade 1 Professional) NRH 1, 2, 3 High quality rectified nylon NRH 4, 5, 6 Silver plated copper/nylon core

Grade 1 ‘Black n’ Silver’ classical guitar strings are manufactured to a normal tension characteristic specifically designed for fingerstyle playing. The wound strings are Silver Plated Copper on a Nylon Core and the plain strings are high quality rectified Black Nylon. CL 4 Black n’ Silver (Grade 1 Professional) BS 1, 2, 3 High quality rectified black nylon BS 4, 5, 6 Silver plated copper/nylon core

Grade 1 ‘Silk n’ Steel’ guitar strings are manufactured to a medium charac- teristic specifically designed for fingerstyle playing. The wound strings are Silver Plated Copper on a Nylon and Steel Core and the plain strings are high quality plated Steel. CL 5 Silk n’ Steel (Grade 1 Professional) SS 1, 2, 3 High quality plated steel CL 2 Superia (tie on - nylon, normal tension) SS 4, 5, 6 Silver plated copper/nylon & steel core NR 1, 2, 3 (trebles) NRC 4, 5, 6 (basses)

Julie Ellison John Renbourn

FREEPHONE 0800 525547 TOLL FREE 1-800-675-2501 11 bass guitar

Bronze Bass 44 (Phosphor Bronze Roundwound) Nexus Bass (Polymer Coated) Phosphor bronze wound acoustic bass strings deliver a Take the worlds most famous maker of electric bass strings, deep bright tone for acoustic bass guitars, available in 4 and look for a high energy rich in mid-tones alternative to steels 5 string sets. with high presence, add a silky smooth black polycoat dressing over a Type 52 wrap and you have Nexus Bass the G D A E B string with extra life to suit the player for all seasons. 4 String Sets RS 44LC 40 60 80 100 G D A E B RS 44LD 45 65 85 105 4 String Sets 5 String Set NXB 43 43 59 82 98 RS 445LD 45 65 85 105 130 NXB 48 48 63 82 103 Low B NXBL 130 - - - - 130

Solo Bass 55 (Stainless Steel Pressure Wound) The original ‘pressure wound’ Bass string designed in the mid 70’s. Due to rolling, is retained and therefore brightness. Solo Bass strings eliminate finger noise, reduce wear, work well on fretless basses and excel in the studio.

G D A E B 4 String Sets SM 55 40 60 80 100 RS 55LD 45 65 85 105 5 String Set RS 555LD 45 65 85 105 130

Pictured clockwise from top: John Paul Jones Duff McKagan FREEPHONE 0800 525547 TOLL FREE 1-800-675-2501 13 Swing Bass 66 (Stainless Steel or Nickel Roundwound) The most popular Roundwound bass string ever. Rotosound was the first string company to produce this kind of string. bass guitar Introduced in 1962 it changed the sound of the instrument instantly. The favourite string of many players including Billy Sheehan, John Paul Jones and Geddy Lee. Available in all popular gauges and scale lengths. The steel used to produce these strings is unique, combined with a highly secretive manufacturing process.

C G D A E B G D A E B 4 String Sets Double Ball End - 4 & 5 String Sets RS 66LA 30 50 65 85 RDB 66LC 40 60 75 95 FM 66 Funkmaster 30 50 70 90 RDB 66LD 45 65 80 105 RS 66LB 35 55 70 90 RDB 665LD 45 65 80 105 130 RS 66LC 40 60 75 95 Non Standard Scale Lengths SM 66 40 60 80 100 RS 66S (Short) 40 50 75 90 RS 66LD 45 65 80 105 RS 66M (Medium) 40 50 75 90 RS 66LE 50 70 85 110 RS 66EL (Extra Long) 45 65 80 105 RS 66LF 45 65 85 105 Nickel - 4 & 5 String Sets BS 66 43 65 80 110 SM 66N 40 60 80 100 RS 66LH Drop Zone 65 80 105 130 RS 66LDN 45 65 85 105 5 String Sets RS 66LN 45 65 80 100 RS 665LB 35 55 70 90 120 RS 665LDN 45 65 85 105 130 RS 665LC 40 60 75 95 125 SM 665 40 60 80 100 125 RS 665LD 45 65 80 105 130

Funkmaster Ideal for slap bass styles

Drop Zone Ideal for drop tuning

C G D A E B 6 String Sets SM 666 30 40 60 80 100 125 RS 666LC 30 40 60 75 95 125 RS 666LD 35 45 65 80 105 130 8 String Set RS 668 20 30 35 45 45 65 80 105

Pictured clockwise from top: Doug Ardito Doug Wimbish FREEPHONE 0800 525547 Billy Sheehan TOLL FREE 1-800-675-2501 James LoMenzo 15 bass guitar

Jazz Bass 77 (Monel Flatwound) Tru Bass 88 (Black Nylon Flatwound) Highly praised by Bass Player Magazine as their favourite Most famously heard on album ‘Abbey Road’. Super Flatwound. Unique materials produce a very bright tone. Oasis, smooth with ultra low tension transforms any electric bass into a Steve Harris, Roger Waters and many others have all favoured jazzy upright sound. Works great on fretless. Also works well with this particular string over the years. any kind of jazz, fusion, dub and styles. Heard on ‘Transformer’ by Lou Reed, courtesy of . G D A E B 4 String Sets SM 77 40 60 80 100 RS 77LD 45 65 85 105 RS 77LE 50 75 95 110 5 String Set RS 775LD 45 65 85 105 130 Non Standard Scale Lengths RS 77S (Short) 40 50 75 90 RS 77M (Medium) 40 50 75 90 RS 77EL (Extra Long) 45 65 85 105

SH77 (Monel Flatwound) Steve Harris signature set. Steve’s custom gauge flatwound set Pictured clockwise from top: with his favourite West Ham colours on the silk ends. All he has Bruce Foxton ever used throughout his career. Herbie Flowers

G D A E SH 77 50 75 95 110

G D A E B 4 String Sets RS 88LD 65 75 100 115 5 String Set RS 885LD 65 75 100 115 135 Non Standard Scale Lengths RS 88S (Short) 65 75 90 115 RS 88M (Medium) 65 75 90 115 RS 88EL (Extra Long) 65 75 100 115

FREEPHONE 0800 525547 TOLL FREE 1-800-675-2501 17 bass guitar

PSD Bass 99 ( String Design - Stainless Steel Roundwound) The ultimate in power, sustain and brightness. Contact-core design improves string movement. Designed to fit any Bridge styles. Favoured by John Paul Jones.

G D A E B Custom Bass Singles Boxes 4 String Sets RS 66 Stainless Steel ‘Swing Bass’ Range RS 99LD 45 65 85 105 BB1 SBL 025 - 105 6 each 5 String Set SBL 110 - 140 3 each RS 995LD 45 65 85 105 130 BB2 SBL 025 - 130 3 each

Roto Bass (Nickel Roundwound) Custom Bass Single Strings Nickel on steel, extra bright, unsilked so therefore less expensive RS 44 ‘bronze bass’ range BBL 30 & 125 - 130 only available than the RS series. RS 55 ‘solo bass’ range RLL 30 & 125 - 130 only available RS 66 ‘swing bass’ range SBP 20 (plain) G D A E B SBL 25 -140 all gauges 4 String Sets RDB 66 ‘swing bass’ range DBL 30 & 125 - 130 only available RB 35 35 55 75 95 RS 77 ‘’ range JBL 35 & 125 - 130 only available RB 40 40 60 80 100 RS 88 ‘tru bass’ range TBL 50 & 135 only available RB 45 45 65 85 105 RB ‘roto bass’ range RBL 30 - 110 & 125 - 130 only available RB 50 50 70 90 110 5 String Sets Scale Lengths RB 40-5 40 60 80 100 125 Scale Lengths Inches mm RB 45-5 45 65 85 105 130 Short Scale 30 760 Medium Scale 30 - 32 760 - 810 Long Scale 32 - 34 810 - 860 Extra Long Scale 331/2 - 36 850 - 915

String Lengths - Ballend to silk Short Scale 32.5 820 Medium Scale 35.25 895 Long Scale 36.25 920 Extra Long Scale 39.25 995

Please note When fitting Rotosound Bass Strings be sure that the silked part of the string ONLY is wound around the machine post. If the speaking length of the string is wound around the post then the string may be prone to breakage. This type of breakage is not covered by our normal warranty.

FREEPHONE 0800 525547 TOLL FREE 1-800-675-2501 19 traditional

RS 65 - Swanee G Banjo RS 80 - Troubadour High Quality nickel wound loop end 5 string banjo sets. High Quality phosphor bronze wound loop end 8 string mandolin sets. RS 651 D 10 RS 801 E 10 RS 652 B 12 RS 802 E 10 RS 653 G 15 RS 803 A 12 RS 654 D 19w RS 804 A 12 RS 655 G 10 RS 805 D 23w RS 806 D 23w RS 807 G 34w RS 808 G 34w

RS 70 - Athena Bouzouki RS 85 - Laguna High Quality phosphor bronze wound loop end 8 string bouzouki sets. Precision monofilament nylon RS 701 G 11 ukelele sets RS 702 G 11 RS 851 B 23 RS 703 D 14 RS 852 F 29 RS 704 D 14 RS 853 D 29 RS 705 A 11 RS 854 A 23 RS 706 A 24w RS 707 E 15 RS 708 E 30w

RS 75 - Missouri Tenor Banjo High Quality nickel wound loop end 4 string banjo sets. RS 751 A 10 RS 752 D 12 RS 753 G 23w RS 754 C 32w

FREEPHONE 0800 525547 TOLL FREE 1-800-675-2501 21 orchestral

RS 3000 Superb Cello RS 1000 Student Quality flatwound set of four strings Economy set for the beginner. Silver wound RS 1001 E 10 RS 3001 A 22 RS 1002 A 13 RS 3002 D 33 RS 1003 D 24 RS 3003 G 47 RS 1004 G 30 RS 3004 C 63

RS 2000 Professional Viola Quality flatwound set of four strings RS 2001 A 14 RS 2002 D 25 RS 2003 G 30 RS 2004 C 43

RS 4000 Superb A great set for Jazz and styles of playing. The G and D strings are nylon on a nylon core. The A and E are monel flatwound on a nylon core. Super flexible and easy to play in all positions. RS 6000 Professional Violin

Quality flatwound set of four strings RS 4001 G 84 RS 6001 E 10 RS 4002 D 105 RS 6002 A 14 RS 4003 A 87 RS 6003 D 25 RS 4004 E 104 RS 6004 G 30 Also available RS 4005 High C 67

FREEPHONE 0800 525547 TOLL FREE 1-800-675-2501 23 oem

Strings supplied “On the Straight”, vacuum sealed in quantities of 144 per gauge. Strings on the Straight can be supplied with Rotosound Hang Tags.

Bass Nickel Plated Steel/Roundwound Bass URBL 30-110 URBL 125-130

Stainless Steel / Roundwound Bass USBL 25-135

Guitar Steel Plain - Electric / Acoustic Guitar UNP 8-26

Nickel Plated Steel / Roundwound Electric Guitar UNC 18-60

Phosphor Bronze / Roundwound Acoustic Guitar UJKR 18-60

Classical - Ball End UNN 1-3 UNNC 4-6

Classical - Tie On UNR 1-3 UNRC 4-6

UK Unit 3B, Morewood Close, Sevenoaks, TN13 2HU, United Kingdom Tel: 01732 450838 • Fax: 01732 458994 • Email: jason@.com USA Rotosound USA Inc., City National Bank Building, Suite 208, 4605 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, California 91602, U.S.A. Tel: 001 818 505 0158 • Fax: 001 818 505 0582 • Email: [email protected] www.rotosound.com • www.myspace.com/rotosoundmusicstrings

FREEPHONE 0800 525547 TOLL FREE 1-800-675-2501