Tru Bass 88

Specifically designed and patented in 1962 to emulate the mellow sound of an upright bass using flatwound black nylon ribbon, our Tru Bass strings have been embraced by players of all styles. Originally conceived by James How to be fitted to the Burns Black Bison bass, Tru Bass strings may be the nearest you will ever get to a double bass tone from an electric bass.

Transformative strings

Most famously used by Sir Paul McCartney on the Beatles’ Abbey Road, Tru Bass strings have been utilised by jazz, fusion, dub, and reggae players.

The distinctive black wrap and yellow silk ends of these strings have been spotted on basses belonging to icons such as Bruce Foxton, Graham Maby, and Herbie Flowers.

Tru double bass tone

The magnetic stainless steel undercovers that sit below the special black nylon tape ensures the best of both worlds by having a bass that is comfortable to handle, that will work with a conventional amplifier and yet offers a sound so reminiscent of its much larger brother.

String up a fretless electric bass with Tru Bass strings for a double bass like tone that will turn heads!

Great British quality

Manufactured in the UK to precise tolerances and using only the finest materials, you can rely on Rotosound strings for consistent tone and performance in every packet.

Iconic music strings

This innovation continues Rotosound’s proud legacy of cutting-edge string design that started with our roundwound strings in the sixties.

Developed in conjunction with some of the world's top artists, Rotosound strings are synonymous with timeless tone, longevity and rock history.

Started in 1958 by James How, an engineer who made strings for his own instruments, Rotosound became known around the world for its superior quality products and famous endorsees such as Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Queen to name just a few. The Who’s John Entwistle started a long partnership with James and helped develop the Swing Bass roundwound strings which have become the industry standard.

Gathering the most prominent artists over the following decades from Jaco Pastorius to The Edge, Oasis to Guthrie Govan, Rotosound has been the go-to string for every music generation.

• 5-string bass strings
• Tapewound bass guitar strings
• Deep, warm tone
• Double bass-like tone
• Smooth feel
• Handmade in Britain
• Factory-fresh foil packaging