ROTOSOUND Tru Bass 88 RS886LD - Warm Upright-Style Tone for 6-String

In this review the ROTOSOUND Tru Bass 88 RS886LD is assessed as a specialist set of bass strings for players who want a warm, upright-like tone from an electric 6-string. The single biggest reason to buy is the string's unique flat-wound nylon-on-steel tapewound construction that reproduces the mellow, deep character of an upright bass while keeping fret noise low and feel smooth under the fingers. This makes the RS886LD ideal for recording, jazz, and any player seeking a vintage, woody low end.

Key Features

• Made in UK: The strings are manufactured in the United Kingdom, giving a consistent build quality and attention to detail that benefits tone stability.
• Tapewound Nylon on Steel: The flat black nylon ribbon over steel core offers a buttery smooth feel and reduces fret noise for cleaner recordings and quieter fingerstyle playing.
• Upright-style Tone: Designed to reproduce the melody sound of an upright bass, these strings deliver a warm, rounded low end that suits jazz and vintage tones.
• Full 6-String Set: Gauges.050/.065/.075/.100/.115/.135 provide balanced tension across 810mm to 860mm scale basses for stable playability on long-scale instruments.
• Low Output: The strings have a lower magnetic output than roundwounds, which helps preserve amp headroom and a natural acoustic-like response.

Who It's For

The ROTOSOUND Tru Bass 88 RS886LD is best for bassists who want a true upright-style timbre from their electric instrument - studio players, jazz musicians, and anyone seeking a warm, vintage sound will appreciate these strings. Players who prefer a smooth, quiet fingerboard feel and reduced fret noise will find the tapewound nylon especially appealing.

These strings are not ideal for players who require high magnetic output, heavy slapping brightness, or very bright, cutting tones typical of modern rock and funk; such players should look at roundwound or higher-output alternatives. Also, some instruments with very narrow nut slots may need slight setup adjustments since fit has received mixed feedback.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Warm, upright-like tone that translates well in both recording and live contexts.
• Very smooth feel and reduced fret noise thanks to the flat-wound nylon ribbon.
• Consistent build quality from UK manufacturing and well-matched gauges for 6-string long-scale basses.
• Good value for players after a specialized vintage sound and tactile feel.

Cons

• Lower magnetic output means less bite through dense mixes compared with high-output strings.
• Fit is mixed for some instruments and may require nut or string-slot adjustments on certain basses.

Specifications

Brand	ROTOSOUND
Model	RS886LD Tru Bass 88
String Gauges	.050 /.065 /.075 /.100 /.115 /.135
Material	Nylon on steel tapewound
Tone	Warm, upright-style
Output	Low
Scale Length Compatibility	810mm to 860mm (32 to 34 in)

Our Verdict

The ROTOSOUND Tru Bass 88 RS886LD is a specialist choice that delivers an authentic, warm upright-like tone and a silkier playing feel than roundwounds, making it worth buying for jazz players and studio bassists. It offers solid value for anyone seeking a vintage, low-output voice from a 6-string, provided the instrument can accept the slightly thicker tapewound profile without nut work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these strings fit a long-scale 34 in bass?
Yes, the RS886LD set is specified for 810mm to 860mm scale lengths, so it fits 32 to 34 in long-scale basses.

Do these strings reduce fret noise?
Yes, the flat-wound nylon ribbon construction is designed to eliminate fret noise and produce a smoother fingerboard feel.

Are these strings loud enough for live rock shows?
No, these have lower magnetic output and a warm tone, so they may lack the bright bite needed for cut-through in heavier live rock contexts.