Strings 101 - Bass Strings
 

Bass strings are constructed similar to guitar strings. They both have a core and an outer wrap wire. Since bass strings require more mass, and extra outer wrap wire is wound around an inner wrap wire. Figure 1 demonstrates how the inner wrap wire (primary winding) couples to the core wire similar to a standard guitar string. The outer wrap wire (secondary winding) is wrapped around the primary winding and core wire. The core wire is often thicker in gauge compared to a standard guitar string, and often has a larger ball end. Since the bass guitar has a longer scale (between 34" to 35") it is a much longer string than the standard guitar string. Just like standard guitar strings, bass strings can come in round wound, semi-round wound and flat wound configurations as seen in Figures 2, 3 & 4.

 

Figure 1. Bass String Construction

 

 

Figure 2. Round Wound Bass String

 

 

Figure 3. Bass String Construction

 

 

Figure 4. Bass String Construction

 

Search

Strings 101
History
Cat Gut
Wound Strings
Nylon Strings
Metal Strings
Flat Wound
Round Wound
Semi Round
Coated Strings
Bass Strings
Gauges
Tuning
Changing
Maintenance