Strings 101 - Semi-Round Wound Strings
 

Semi-round wound strings are hybrid style of construction. They are wound strings that combine the tone of a round wound string and a flat wound string. The semi-round wound string is sometimes called a "ground-round" or "ground-wound" string. There are several different styles of wrap shapes that have evolved over the years. Style 1 uses a half-circle shaped winding. These strings can be easily confused for a flat wound string as their surface is smooth like a flat wound string. However, below the surface is a winding that makes a tangential contact with the core string, similar to a round wound string. Style 2 uses a winding that is flattened on two sides. The result is a winding that makes a surface-to-surface contact with the core string, similar to a flat wound string. The surface of this string is rougher than a flat wound string, but less abrasive than a round wound string. Style 2 is gives the darkest sounding tone of the semi-round construction styles. Style 3 is the brightest sounding type of semi-round string. It is very similar to a round wound string with exception of one side being slightly flattened. Similar to a round wound string, it has a tangential contact area with the core. Overall, semi-round strings are not very popular in today's market, but they do have their uses.