Is it a single-wall rim? Seems unlikely, but who knows?
If that's the case, then it gets real critical that the spokes don't protrude beyond thew nipples. If they do not even a cloth rim strip will do much good.
If it's a double-wall rim (far more likely) then a cloth rim strip really should sort it out - if installed correctly.
I've had tubes blow on non-woven rim strips due to overpressure causing the strip/tube to bulge down onto the spoke, but never on cloth rim strips.