What's the reason for textile wrapping of the string end?

[jj.833]

Some strings have this textile wrapping around the tuner end. I was wondering why ... and can't figure it out. Any ideas?

The only idea that comes to my mind is tradition. The double bass strings are usually (always?) wrapped like this, and color of the textile is a means to identify the brand of the string.
Thanks, and have a nice day!

Edit: silk, not textile, sorry my English!

 

[two fingers]

I think it was originally to stop string from coming unwound. At some point, that problem was solved by manufacturing technique. But it's tradition these days.

Pure conjecture on my part.

 

[bassdude51]

To keep from scratching up your hardware. The tuner posts and butt end of the bridge.

My number one gripe with silk are colors that to not match my bass. (Green? Purple? Blue? Turquoise? etc.) IMHO, all silk should be silver or black or clear. Matches every color a bass could be.

 

[michael_t]

color of the textile is a means to identify the brand of the string.

Silk colors

Ken Smith puts silk on all of their strings at both ends, claiming "the silk protects your valuable hardware".

Most flats come with silk at least at the tuner end as the flat ribbon wire used for the outer cover can have razor-sharp edges.

Tapewounds NEED the silk at both ends in order to keep the outer nylon cover from unravelling.

 

[GTHintz]

I've noticed that silk definitely keeps the scratches and grooves on your tuning posts to a minimum. It's cosmetic honestly but it does actually help with that.

 

[Luckydog]

Its to irritate people when they get frayed, so that they buy new sets to replace more frequently!