Thread on Bass String Ends

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I was just wondering why Ernie Ball has chosen not to have thread at the end of their bass strings. Does it really make a difference? Is it worth the extra cost? Is it just for looks? Why do most other manufacturers have thread on the ends, or more specifically, the tuning peg ends?

By the way, I did do a search, but you can imagine how many hits I got with "thread"!

 

[Big Poppa]

It serves no purpose other than to add to the retail cost.

 

[chillwill1990]

I think it's mostly aesthetics. Plus, by performing the extra labor, it can cost extra money.

 

[TNT]

The truth is that bass players who play with "thread" on the end of their strings are a bunch of old ladies, who, just in case, they need to do a little sewing in between sets, can do so.

Keep the "thread" off my gear otherwise my grandma may want to start playing bass.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

It serves no purpose other than to add to the retail cost.

Good to know.

I've got a couple of sets of Slinkys on their way. I'm looking forward to putting them on my SR5 after having had a specific set on for so many years.

 

[EBMM7181]

Besides the great tone, and long life, thats another reason why I use EB strings, because I dont like thread on strings.

 

[Soul Man]

It serves no purpose other than to add to the retail cost.

One of the world's greatest mysteries SOLVED!

BP to the rescue

 

[Bassman_1980]

Well, there is another reason for having a "thread" (which are better known as "silk ends") on a bass string: the string gets a better grip/hold on the tuning peg

the strange thing with EB strings is: the flatwounds do have silk ends...

greets,

Arjan

 

[EagleMoon]

I always thought it was to prevent scratching of the tuning pegs.

 

[oli@bass]

It serves no purpose other than to add to the retail cost.

So.... that's the reason why the EB flatwounds Group III costs double the price of a set of 9050s...

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I just put a set of Slinkys (nickel) on my SR5 and no slipping problems. By the way, they sound and feel great!

It may be more of a problem with flatwounds though. I once tried another brand's set and the D string just wouldn't grip on the tuning peg. They were super smooth and had really wide outer wraps.

 

[midopa]

are you KIDDING the threads slightly dampen the vibrations of the strings such as to give a nice smooth warming of the tone o man it is such a Thing

 

[silverburst]

I thought they were a carry-over from the upright bass days to help with the wooden pegs. I may just be talking out of my butt, though.

The Ernie Ball Group II flats I use on my Bongo have blue thread on the end of them...

 

[mynan]

are you KIDDING the threads slightly dampen the vibrations of the strings such as to give a nice smooth warming of the tone o man it is such a Thing

That sounds good, but I would think that the thread is on the wrong end of the nut and bridge to make any noticable difference.

 

[RUINER]

Never had a problem using strings without the thread on the end, plus they're just hideous. In my humble opinion.

 

[timmy5strings]

Threads won't work on a 30th, at least the D'Acme flats I tried. The threads sat in the nut and things just didn't work out the way I wanted. It was horrible, maybe I need to get super long scale ? What do you recommend as far as flats for the 30th ? I just want to check it out.

 

[oli@bass]

I put EBMM Group III on my fretless 30th. I also got me a set of 9050s but haven't tried them yet.