Naked Strings

[Bill Murray]

I apologize if this has been brought up already. I’m on the hunt for strings that are just bare as can be.

I’ve been rolling with Slinky’s because they have no coloring on the bottom or top end (the bottom as in the part that slides through the bridge and the top as in what coils around the tuners), but wondering if any other brands are available like this?

All string styles welcome

 

[JimmyM]

Off the top of my head, Dunlop Super Brights and D'addario XL's.

 

[HaphAsSard]

I apologize if this has been brought up already. I’m on the hunt for strings that are just bare as can be.

I’ve been rolling with Slinky’s because they have no coloring on the bottom or top end (the bottom as in the part that slides through the bridge and the top as in what coils around the tuners), but wondering if any other brands are available like this?

All string styles welcome

What you're talking about is commonly referred to as "silks". Do a subforum search for "silkless" and "no silks".

 

[tindrum]

DR High Beams, Sunbeams, Pure Blues, and Low Riders.

 

[Jon Moody]

the bottom as in the part that slides through the bridge

To be clear, are you talking about the ball ends? As in, they're either all silver or all brass, and not multi-colored?

 

[michael_t]

GHS Bassics = my favorite all-purpose NPS roundwound.

Products - BASSICS™ - GHS Strings

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[FunkHead]

Silkless strings can really tear up the machine head posts.Bad idea IMO.

 

[thisheregiraffe]

SIT Power Wound don't have silks or coloured ball ends IIRC.

SIT Strings - Hand Crafted Instrument Strings

 

[James Collins]

The Warwick strings i use are silk less also.

 

[bench]

I’m on the hunt for strings that are just bare as can be.

Just when i thought i read it all here...

 

[Bill Murray]

What you're talking about is commonly referred to as "silks". Do a subforum search for "silkless" and "no silks".

Thank you!!!

 

[Bill Murray]

To be clear, are you talking about the ball ends? As in, they're either all silver or all brass, and not multi-colored?

Ball ends don’t bother me because they’re hidden. It’s the silk I’m trying to avoid.

 

[Bill Murray]

Silkless strings can really tear up the machine head posts.Bad idea IMO.

Good to know.

 

[Jon Moody]

Silkless strings can really tear up the machine head posts.Bad idea IMO.

At one point that was a concern, yes. Now, with the large majority of string companies opting for silkless strings and better plating on chrome hardware? Not really a concern. Gold hardware is a completely different story.

Ball ends don’t bother me because they’re hidden. It’s the silk I’m trying to avoid.

There is a very small amount of companies that still silk the ball end of strings. And the ones that do usually limit it to flatwounds. You'll be fine.

 

[FunkHead]

At one point that was a concern, yes. Now, with the large majority of string companies opting for silkless strings and better plating on chrome hardware? Not really a concern. Gold hardware is a completely different story.




There is a very small amount of companies that still silk the ball end of strings. And the ones that do usually limit it to flatwounds. You'll be fine.

I have seen this a few times very recently and the Posts were really chewed up badly.

 

[Jon Moody]

I have seen this a few times very recently and the Posts were really chewed up badly.

Yeah, it "can" happen. But it's akin to a fretless fingerboard being chewed up by rounds; not nearly as common as online forums would have you believe.

If it were an actual issue, you'd see string companies switching back to using silk.

 

[FunkHead]

Yeah, it "can" happen. But it's akin to a fretless fingerboard being chewed up by rounds; not nearly as common as online forums would have you believe.

If it were an actual issue, you'd see string companies switching back to using silk.

I will only use Silk. It's an actual issue for me. Luckily, all my favorite strings have silk.

 

[GTHintz]

I like silk ends. Not only is the extra layer of protection nice to have but also it looks more classy. I wish string makers would have it as an option. Have some colors as well as a bare metal option so everyone can get the look they want and be happy. Hey Jon, what do you think about that idea? Have silk color options as well as a no silk option for strings.

 

[Juststanley]

I love the sensation of silk against my skin.....wait....wrong forum !

 

[Jon Moody]

I like silk ends. Not only is the extra layer of protection nice to have but also it looks more classy. I wish string makers would have it as an option. Have some colors as well as a bare metal option so everyone can get the look they want and be happy. Hey Jon, what do you think about that idea? Have silk color options as well as a no silk option for strings.

Short answer: Absolutely not.

Long answer: It's nice in theory, but what you're asking is for the string manufacturers to have twice the amount of inventory on their shelves, as well as the added labor of making said inventory. And the cost of the silk. Plus, that would mean the dealer would need to stock twice the amount as well, to make sure everyone was covered.