Rotosound
Since 1958, Rotosound strings have played an integral role in the world of music, dating back to the birth of Rock 'n' Roll itself. Founded by James How and his brother Ron, this iconic brand has been a driving force in shaping the sound of countless artists and genres over the past 60 years.
1950s: The First Man
The journey began in 1952 when James How, a student of violin and viola with a background in engineering, developed a fascination with the zither after watching the film "The Third Man." With ingenuity and determination, he designed a string winding machine to create his own zither strings, marking the inception of his string-making adventure.
1958: Building A Business
Years of innovation led to the establishment of Orchestral & Jazz Strings in 1958, later rebranded as Rotosound. This brand quickly gained recognition among iconic musicians, including The Shadows, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and orchestras like the London Symphony and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
1960s: Rotosound Is Born
In 1963, James and Ron How introduced the Rotosound brand, reflecting the distinctive, bright sound of their roundwound strings. They also patented string designs, such as the black nylon Tru Bass strings, designed to replicate the tone of an upright double bass.
1966: The John Entwistle Connection
Bassist John Entwistle joined forces with Rotosound in 1966 to develop the RS66 Swing Bass sets, which became renowned for their unique sound. This collaboration marked a significant moment in the brand's history.
1970s: Rock Royalty Choose Rotosound
The 1970s saw Rotosound's reputation soar as legendary artists like Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Who, and Slade embraced their strings. The iconic 'The Who Sell Out' album even featured a jingle advert for Rotosound strings.
1980s: Expanding Horizons
The '80s brought expansion with James How Industries setting up a new factory in Bexleyheath. Rotosound strings continued to be the choice of renowned bassists like Chris Squire of Yes and Herbie Flowers, who played with artists such as T. Rex and David Bowie.
1990s: The Sound Of Grunge
With the rise of grunge and alternative rock in the '90s, Rotosound remained a favorite among prominent bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Kyuss.
2000s: Signature Sounds
The new millennium brought signature sets for artists like Michael Amott and Paul Allender. Rotosound also introduced innovations like the Nexus range of coated strings.
2010s: Celebrating 60 Years In Style
In 2018, Rotosound celebrated its 60th anniversary with events at the NAMM show featuring bass legends Billy Sheehan and Doug Wimbish. The brand expanded into distribution, solidifying its position in the music industry.
2019: By George! They Found Harrison's Strings
A touching anecdote surfaced when a guitar once owned by George Harrison of The Beatles was found with a pack of Rotosound strings. It showcased the brand's enduring legacy and connection to music history.
Throughout its remarkable journey, Rotosound has remained at the forefront of the music industry, providing strings that have shaped the sound of generations. From the birth of Rock 'n' Roll to the evolution of various music genres, Rotosound strings have been instrumental in defining eras and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. With six decades of innovation and dedication, Rotosound continues to be a symbol of quality and excellence in the realm of music strings.
