The first commercially available roundwound string was developed in 1963 by James How at Rotosound, a British guitar and bass string manufacturer. Most flatwounds will cost more on average than roundwound strings, although they will last much longer. Flatwound strings generally have higher tension and can be more difficult to keep in tune than roundwound strings. The main problem with flatwounds for many bass players is that they just don’t have the bright, aggressive tone that roundwounds can deliver.
Many producers and recording engineers prefer flatwound strings because they sit better in the mix and are easier to control sonically in a recording. For many bass players, flatwound bass strings sound better the older they get. Flats are easier on the fingers than rounds and can last much longer. Flatwounds are also much kinder to frets than roundwounds, or fingerboards if you play a fretless bass. Because of their flat ribbon windings, flatwounds produce very little finger noise (squeaking) while playing. They have long been a favorite for bass players in reggae, country, blues, jazz, roots rock, and they are now popular with many indie bands. Flatwounds have a deeper, mellower sound than roundwound bass strings, and they suit all different types of musical genres. Many young, and not so young, bass players are rediscovering the flatwound string and appreciating its unique tonal characteristics. In recent years, however, the flatwound bass string has made a huge comeback in the music scene.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that the roundwound string became the dominant choice among bass players and music producers. The flatwound bass guitar string was the staple of the electric bass sound all through the 1950s, ’60s and into the ’70s. Some flatwounds have round steel cores or outer nickel wraps.
Most flatwound bass strings consist of a high carbon steel hex core with a polished stainless steel outer ribbon wrap. The first commercial electric bass strings were flatwound strings introduced around 1951 by Fender for use on their new electric bass guitar.
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