Why don't manufacturers list the string silk color?

[Kevin Hailey]

Yet here we are talking about it

The only part of a string I care about is the bit between the silks. You know, the vibrating part that you make the music with.

 

[bassydrums]

Is it so bad to care about the color of silk ends just like how one may care about the color or material of a strap?

 

[Durham52]

Does anybody choose their strings by silk color as opposed to feel, tension, tone, longevity etc.? Really?

There have been plenty of "first word problem" type questions and moans on Talkbass, but silk color being a factor in selecting strings has to be up there....

 

[bassydrums]

Of course not, and it’s not a priority, but as I mentioned in an earlier reply, I would care to avoid certain colors. so yeah I don’t want a bright purple thing on my headstock just like I don’t like purple shoelaces for my boots.

 

[michael_t]

Things that no one cares or even thinks about volume #12574

13 years and 568 posts so far... Some do care and think about them.

Silk colors

 

[EXCAV8]

I think this is why I like DR strings so much- no silks.

 

[Kevin Hailey]

Is it so bad to care about the color of silk ends just like how one may care about the color or material of a strap?

It’s fine to be more concerned with the aesthetics of an object rather than it’s potential. It’s all a matter of priorities.

 

[Hasty]

Be glad you don't play the upright; I've paid $200+ for a single string!

And we actually have an interest in the silks so we can remember what strings we put on our upright so long ago.
In fact I was just thinking about this over the weekend because I couldn’t remember if my strings were mediums or weich (they are weich in case you’re wondering).

 

[Topkat13]

The same reason toilet paper manufacturers don’t list softness ratios.

 

[juggahnaught]

I wish they'd list the fabric type, myself. If I'm not going commando with my strings, I prefer a blend of polyester and spandex, although I will settle for 100% cotton in certain climates. (Wool is warm in the winter, but man, it definitely chafes the ol' tuning peg.)

 

[MasterMonkeyMan]

I would appreciate knowing if there are silks and what color the silks are.

 

[nnnnnn]

It’s fine to be more concerned with the aesthetics of an object rather than it’s potential. It’s all a matter of priorities.

It's not necessarily about being more concerned about that, just about including it as one of the (less important) factors..

 

[TOOL460002]

Because I would value silk ends in general, and colors in specific, to be worth exactly zero dollars. Some people, like yourself, clearly some amount. If they have different colors for different string types, they might as well. It isn't hard info to add. If the company just uses one thing or nothing at all I wouldn't expect it. Easy enough to figure out. That said, no clue. I've had strings with them. Not currently or in a while, mind you, but neither a plus nor minus. I like the aesthetic of nothing to be honest.

 

[Plain Old Barry]

Silk makes the tone warmer and more present. Naked string ends get cold and are embarrassed in public.

 

[DOMIT]

If it weren't for TB, I would still be playing the strings the bass came with. (...and saving a whole lot of money!)

Wait... you're supposed to change the strings?

 

[DOMIT]

But even if it doesn’t matter to your average bassist, considering that strings are often $50 and that some players would care… wouldn’t it make sense to add a line of text in the website or packaging? Just seems to make sense from a business perspective.
To me, the concern isn’t necessarily picking an actual color, more so avoiding colors I don’t want like say purple on a simple monochromatic bass. (But then if you put purple silk on a string, it almost seems like a statement and something that would be a good selling point for the manufacturer)

Simple fix: Sharpies come in a plethora of colors... and black goes with anything. You're welcome.

 

[foal30]

I think the answer is in the question. There is a ton of random stuff that niche groups of players might care about, but if it doesn't matter to the average bassist then a manufacturer is not likely to devote resources to it.

If it weren't for forums like TB you could probably live your entire life as a bassist without ever having a discussion about silk color.

I had a conversation regarding silk color years back BUT IT DID NOT involve bass guitar strings

 

[Dan_reeves]

If I recall Jon Moody said once that the companies that provide the silk to string makers are very few - and that although they request colors there can be variations and, well, you get what you get.

So I am guessing that not advertising it allows for string makers to adjust colors according to what they can buy in the market and even completely change it if they need to. I don’t actually know just speculating.

Side note, got a set of LaBella flats the other day that do not have the little number things on them anymore, but there was a switch to colored ball ends to ID which string was which. Maybe this is old news and I am just now catching up.

 

[frankie5string]

It depends on the colors. I've never liked the D'Addario colors (Purple-Gold-Red-Black-Green).

I just installed a set of Dunlop Super Bright SS rounds on my son's bass tonight. I think their colors are a little more neutral and "mature".

View attachment 4678992

Really? Your perception of maturity is dictated by the colour of your string-balls?
I would think practicing music would be better for that... ;-)

 

[Durham52]

Of course not, and it’s not a priority, but as I mentioned in an earlier reply, I would care to avoid certain colors. so yeah I don’t want a bright purple thing on my headstock just like I don’t like purple shoelaces for my boots.

OK, but you've just said it doesn't matter, but then you say, "I would care to avoid certain colors."

(You do realize my initial response was having a bit of fun, as is this one? Sorry, I'm an Aussie and we do tend to take the p#*s I'll leave now....)