coloured cotton

[oxfordchris]

Hi daft question maybe.
why is there coloured cotton at the end of some bass strings?
thanks
Chris

[Ou7shined]

I think the silks are there to deaden the contact of the strings to the body outside of the nut and saddle.

[JTUK]

I prefer strings without these winds..as in DR and Newtone I think they are more brand ID

[discreet]

[quote name='Ou7shined' timestamp='1318777666' post='1406062']

I think the silks are there to deaden the contact of the strings to the body outside of the nut and saddle.
[/quote]
Yes, basically to protect the strings. The colour of the silk can be used to identify the size and denomination.

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

They look good unless the colour clashes with the bass.

[oxfordchris]

Thanks for the replies

[EssentialTension]

[quote name='Jean-Luc Pickguard' timestamp='1318778726' post='1406080']
They look good unless the colour clashes with the bass.
[/quote]
Get a white or black bass and any colour looks fine.

[Happy Jack]

From Wikipaedia:

Strings for some instruments may be wrapped with silk at their ends to protect the string. The color and pattern of the silk can be used to identify the size and denomination of the string.

Also, check out http://www.quinnviolins.com/qv_stringidsearch.shtml (especially if you play a violin bass )

[hillbilly deluxe]

Coz it looks pretty,and everybody knows that red silk adds to your status as a musician.

[discreet]

[quote name='hillbilly deluxe' timestamp='1318805338' post='1406461']
Coz it looks pretty,and everybody knows that red silk adds to your status as a musician.
[/quote]
You big girl's blouse.

[Alfie]

Pretty much the only reason I use Fender 7150s is because of the gold silk, it goes really well with my daphne blue precision. Bling.

[Dom in Dorset]

String manufacturers wrap the ends in coloured thread because the world would end if they didn't.
Tax discs are circular for the same reason.

[Lfalex v1.1]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1318778646' post='1406079']
Yes, basically to protect the strings...
[/quote]

Hmmpf!
Never mind my lovely hardware, then!

[Lozz196]

I`ve got sooooooo used to Rotosound Steel Roundwounds - red silk - that anything else just looks wrong. I really want to try Rotos Nickel Rounds, but daftly, the fact that they have blue silks is really putting me off.

[Machines]

The problem is when they start to fray and look messy - nothing a lighter can't fix in a few seconds though .

[Lfalex v1.1]

[quote name='Machines' timestamp='1318950581' post='1408136']
The problem is when they start to fray and look messy - nothing a lighter can't fix in a few seconds though .
[/quote]

*Please do not attempt this when the strings are ON the bass*

[Dave D]

[quote name='hillbilly deluxe' timestamp='1318805338' post='1406461']
Coz it looks pretty,and everybody knows that red silk adds to your status as a musician.
[/quote]

Maybe its like different colour belts in karate?

That makes me a 3rd Dan, purple silk!!

Is that good??

[EssentialTension]

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1318966503' post='1408429']

*Please do not attempt this when the strings are ON the bass*
[/quote]
Exactly: