Rotosound Strings
Founded in 1952 by James How, Rotosound Strings began with a passion for sound and a background in engineering. After being inspired by the zither in the film The Third Man, How designed a winding machine to create his own strings, launching a business that would revolutionize string manufacturing.
Starting in Blackfen, Kent, James and his brother Ron initially branded their strings as "Top Strings," later rebranded as "Rotop," and eventually "Rotosound" to highlight their innovation. Among their early clients were music legends like The Shadows, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.
James How’s inventive spirit led to several patented string designs, including the iconic black nylon Tru Bass strings, which replicate the tone of an upright bass. John Entwistle of The Who played a key role in developing the RS66 Swing Bass strings, which became a standard in the industry.
Rotosound also expanded into other musical accessories, selling fuzz pedals, amplifiers, and psychedelic lighting through their London showroom on Denmark Street. Their Fuzz pedal, built by Solasound, and the innovative Growler pedal, were among the products that shaped the sound of the '60s and '70s.
Throughout the decades, Rotosound strings have been used by countless legendary artists, including Jimmy Page, Herbie Flowers, and members of The Jam. The brand became a global success, with a strong presence in Japan and the U.S., where it is still a top seller. Today, Rotosound continues to be a leader in string innovation, serving musicians across genres and around the world.