Rotosound RS88S Black Nylon Flatwound Short Bass Strings - UprightLike

Our review of the Rotosound RS88S Black Nylon Flatwound Short Bass Guitar Strings finds them best suited to players chasing a warm, upright-like tone and near-silent fretwork. These strings recreate the mellow, rounded voice of a double bass while offering the stability and playability of electric bass strings; the single biggest reason to buy is the distinctive black nylon ribbon wrap that produces deep, thumpy low end and dramatically reduces fret noise. Players who value vintage British tone and a smooth, buttery feel will appreciate what these strings deliver.

Key Features

• Black nylon flatwound: Produces a mellow, upright-style tone with reduced finger and fret noise for clean recordings and vintage styles.
• Short scale gauges (65 75 90 115): Offer balanced tension and a full low end while remaining comfortable for modern electric basses.
• Manufactured in England since 1958: Backed by a long tradition of consistent manufacturing quality and attention to materials.
• Long life strings: The flatwound construction and quality materials help maintain tone and feel over extended playing periods.
• Distinctive appearance: Black wrap with yellow silk ends gives a classic look that many players and collectors find appealing.

Who It's For

These strings are ideal for jazz, fusion, dub, and reggae players who want a warm, rounded low end similar to an upright bass, and for session players seeking low fret noise during recording. Bassists who admired the historic tones on landmark records will find the RS88S a faithful route to that sound.

Players who prefer bright, modern slap tone or aggressive pick attack might look elsewhere; flatwounds sacrifice the high-frequency snap and brightness of roundwounds. Also, those who require ultra-thin or extra-long scale gauges should confirm fit, as these are short-scale gauges designed to emulate a specific vintage feel.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Warm, upright-like tone that reduces fret buzz and makes electric bass sound more like a double bass.
• Buttery smooth feel that is easy on the fingertips during long sessions.
• Durable construction that preserves tone and extends string life compared with many coated or cheaper sets.
• Strong vintage British character and attractive black wrap with yellow silk ends.

Cons

• Not suited to players wanting bright, percussive slap or a lot of top-end shimmer.
• A small number of players report fit issues on certain instruments due to the string profile.

Specifications

Product name	Rotosound RS88S Black Nylon Flatwound Short Bass Guitar Strings
Gauges	65, 75, 90, 115
Wrap material	Black nylon flatwound ribbon
Origin	Manufactured in England
Style	Short scale, flatwound Tru Bass
Ends	Yellow silk ends
Intended tone	Upright-like, warm, mellow

Our Verdict

The RS88S Tru Bass strings are a strong choice for bassists after a vintage, upright-inspired tone with very low fret noise; their durable flatwound construction and comfortable feel make them good value for players in jazz, dub, reggae, and studio work. Those seeking bright, modern slap tones or non-standard gauges should consider a different set, but for warm, British-style tone and longevity these strings are hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these strings suitable for recording?
Yes. The flatwound black nylon ribbon reduces fret noise and produces a warm, consistent tone that records cleanly, especially for jazz and vintage styles.

Will these fit a long scale bass?
These are short-scale gauges by specification; players with long scale instruments should check tension and fit before switching, as some users report fit or feel differences.

How long do they typically last?
They are built for long life; many players report sustained tone and feel longer than cheaper sets, though exact lifespan depends on playing and maintenance.