Roundwound

Roundwound refers to a type of wound guitar and bass strings in which the outer winding is made from round wire wound around a core. The result is a textured, ridged surface along the length of the string, which contrasts with the smoother surface of flatwound strings and the partially flattened surface of half-round or groundwound strings.

Construction and variants

Roundwound strings have a core wire with a circular cross-section and an outer wrap of round wire. The winding creates more surface irregularities and a brighter, more complex set of harmonics compared with smoother windings. Other common winding types include flatwound (made with flat ribbon wire, smoother feel and mellower tone) and half-round or groundwound (partially flattened wind, intended to balance smooth feel with tone). Roundwound sets are the default in most modern electric guitar and bass strings, while flatwound varieties are often favored for certain jazz styles, and half-rounds provide a middle ground.

Sound, feel, and performance

Roundwound strings typically produce brighter tones with more texture and higher magnetic response, offering richer overtones and more dynamic attack. They tend to feel rougher under the finger, which can provide more grip for some players but also more finger noise and faster wear on the winding and fret material over time. They are more common and affordable, with a wide range of gauges and brands.

Applications

Most contemporary electric guitars and basses use roundwound strings. Acoustic strings can also be roundwound, though windings there are often targeting different tonal goals (such as phosphor bronze or phosphor-coated threads). The choice of winding influences brightness, response, and playing feel, and players select roundwound or alternatives based on genre, technique, and personal preference.