Rotosound RH9 Nickel Hybrid Electric Guitar Strings (9-46 Gauge) - Balanced Tone & Durability for Rock, Blues & Jazz Performances

There's a lot of different strings out there, and my response to most of them are "meh, they're strings." I can't tell you how many different brands I've tried, but here's a small list: EB, DR, GHS, D'addario, Elixer, Dunlop, and Dean Markley to name a few. This is my first time trying Rotosounds, as I found out about them because of Mr Govan's endorsement of them. Prior to these, I was a DR and D'addario guy playing in a band professionally (DR's by choice, D'addario as a fall back because of their availability and these 2 strings are the only brands that don't instantly corrode under my fingers like EB strings do). When the D'addario NYXLs were released, I switched over to those.However, I was immediately impressed by these strings. Their tuning stability is insane, and better than D'addario NYXL. I have a wide vibrato and 5 out of strings stayed right in tune on my strobe tuner after 30 minutes of paying with no stretching of the strings after stringing my guitar up. They also intonate very well. However, what blew me away was the feel and tone of these strings. They are super smooth and the tension is just right on them. They are loose enough to perform great bends, but have just enough tension to remain controllable. The note attack is really good and crisp and these strings just sing. I normally use 10s or 11s and can't wait to try out those gauges by Rotosound. If I can get a good supply of them I may switch over to them for good, they're that good!The downside, is they don't seem to like my body chemistry as much as D'addario or DR strings and start to tarnish rather quickly for me (after about 30 minutes, the strings were turning bronzeish from my fingers like EB strings do). However, I can get good life out of EB strings by applying Finger Ease before playing, and wiping the strings down well after use, so I'm not too worried.NOTE: I can't speak for issues of the strings snapping. The ball ends seem to be wound a little differently than I've noticed on other brands, and that may be the reason. However, all of my guitars but 2 are Floyd Rose equipped so I chop off the ball ends. And from years of using DR Tite-Fits (round core), I wrap my strings the old fashioned way (aka the lock wrap) and I have not had any issues with string breakage.I like them light have good sound for price also great tone and bendable just a bitThe extra high E is a bonus! Other than that, these are just great electric guitar strings. Better than D'addario IMHO. Sound rings like it should.I am a guitar builder and I use these strings nearly exclusively. They last a long time, they are good price and I prefer the tone that a stainless steel string provides.If you use nickle strings, I would recommend making the switch and going with these strings. I generally don't have to swap them out till about 2 months and they work very well.Pros:1)Great Tone2)Good Quality3)Good PriceCons:1)None I can think of5 stars - Great strings. I've mainly used the D'Addario hybrids because they were cheap, but I think these are worth the extra money. I think they are a little brighter and much fuller sounding than a fresh set of D'Addario's. I can't speak on the longevity of the strings, since I just put them on.EDIT: 4/26/17 - I dropped a star, because the top three strings are already starting to feel very worn/oxidized with three months of very light to moderate playing. There is an uncomfortable friction when trying to slide on these strings that I didn't get with other worn strings.Strings that hardly ever break, haven’t broke one yet. Very durable use these on my Fender strats.My personal favorite brand of strings. Feels amazing to play and sounds phenomenal.They're ok strings. I only bought them because I met the founder of the company and told him I'd try them. They were on my guitar for two weeks then I went back to what I usually use.I’ve been using Rotosounds 10-46 for quite some time now, and the quality has surprised me. So, I decided to get some hybrid 9-46 for the first time. All I can say is they are great quality, and up there with the more commonly mentioned brands.As for the packaging, they come in an anti-corrosion type of bag which makes the strings fresh and bright straight out the pack. This is ideal as with some brands it feels the strings are already dead on arrival. Another thing is that there is a fitting guide on the back to direct you on which string is which, since the ball ends are coloured in red, white, and blue which is different and could confuse first time users. So, this will help with the new players.As mentioned, the strings are bright out the pack, and for me have remained bright for quite some time. They are also very resistant considering with a lighter gauge for the three highest strings means they are more prone to breakages. I’ve only broken the high E after having them on my guitar for a white, however this is where the free high E string comes in handy. Just put another one on, and you’re good to go. Really appreciate the free added string. Not only this, but the strings also sound really good.Overall, these strings are definitely worth buying. I see why the list of Rotosound artists seen on the back of the packet use them. I have yet to receive a mediocre set of strings from them, they are very consistent. Would recommend!I had been having a little trouble bending strings while soloing........I'm getting a little old!I had been using 10s which were OK. I tried a "real" set of 9s while they were OK for lead stuff power chords lacked a little. I saw this "hybrid" set and gave it a go. Power chords are the same as with a set of 10s string bends are so much easier and for me more fun. If like me you have trouble with string bends or a "tight" action these may be for you. A set for less than £5 or round $6 is worth a try.As a long, long, long time user of these strings, with a history of breaking strings when gigging and rehearsing I've decided enough is enough and I'm gonna look for another brand. New record for me the other day when rehearsing - broke two wound strings at once, broke one of the new ones two songs later....... I've seen others complaining as well so it's not just me living up to the nickname "hoof hands" lolNormally use Roto 10's, but this was an experiment with hybrid giving 9's etc for top three strings. I like the ease of country bends on top three stings whilst still able to maintain solid chord work on bottom three. Tested on Fender Telecaster.Dynamite, great quality strings.Sound bright and tight, and knock spots off lots of more expensive brands.I'm a life-long user of Ernie Ball, but I've recently made the change to Rotosounds.