Rotosound RS885LD Black Nylon Flatwound 5 String Bass Strings

In this review the Rotosound RS885LD Black Nylon Flatwound 5 String set is assessed for players who want an electric bass with the warmth and quiet of a double bass. The bottom line: these strings deliver a deep, rounded low end and near-silent fret noise that suits jazz, dub, reggae and studio work. Built in England and famed for a distinctive black wrap and yellow silk ends, they are best chosen for tone and feel rather than aggressive slap or bright modern styles.

Key Features

• Black nylon flatwound wrap: produces a mellow, double-bass-like tone with reduced finger noise for cleaner recordings and subdued stage volume.
• Fine materials: manufactured from quality components in England, these strings feel smooth under the fingers and resist corrosion for longer life.
• Distinctive appearance: the black wrap and yellow silk ends give instruments a classic, identifiable look used by prominent players.
• Balanced low-end response: tuned for deep warmth across five strings, they deliver a full-bodied bottom end that complements upright-style playing.
• Long life: the flatwound construction and choice of materials extend usable life compared with many plain steel rounds.
• British heritage: a design lineage dating back to 1962 that aims to emulate upright bass tone on electric instruments.

Who It's For

These strings are ideal for bassists seeking a warm, rounded sound reminiscent of an upright bass: jazz players, session musicians, reggae and dub performers, and anyone who records and needs minimal fret noise. The RS885LD set particularly suits players using five-string basses who want the low B to sit warmly in a mix rather than cut with brightness.

Players who rely on bright, percussive slap or need aggressive attack and high sustain may prefer a different construction. Those who demand extremely tight modern metal tone or more treble presence should look at more modern roundwound or tapewound options instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Deep, warm tone that approximates double bass character, ideal for vintage and acoustic styles.
• Very low fret and finger noise, making them excellent for studio work and clean mixes.
• Longer life and smooth feel thanks to flatwound construction and quality materials.
• Recognizable, attractive black wrap with yellow silk ends that suit classic instruments.

Cons

• Not suited to players seeking bright, highattack tone or aggressive slap techniques.
• Fit can feel thick on some fingerboards; a few users report they seem too fat for certain necks or setups.

Specifications

Product name	RS885LD Black Nylon Flatwound 5 String
Gauge	65-135
String type	Black nylon flatwound ribbon
Made in	England
Recommended styles	Jazz, fusion, dub, reggae, studio
Distinctive features	Black wrap with yellow silk ends

Our Verdict

The Rotosound RS885LD set is a compelling choice for bassists who prioritise warmth, quiet operation and a double-bass-like character from a five-string electric. With a long-life flatwound construction and distinctive look, they represent good value for players in jazz, reggae and studio contexts, though they are less suited to bright, percussive modern styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these strings reduce fret noise?
Yes, the black nylon flatwound ribbon construction significantly reduces fret and finger noise compared with roundwound strings.

Are they suitable for five-string low B use?
Yes, the 65-135 gauge set is designed to provide a full, warm low B that blends with the rest of the set for deep low-end response.

Who originally used these strings?
These Tru Bass-style strings were famously used by players such as Sir Paul McCartney and were developed to emulate upright bass tone on electric instruments.