Strings (music) - String Construction

String Construction

The end of the string that mounts to the instrument's tuning mechanism is usually plain. Depending on the instrument, the string's other, fixed end may have either a plain, loop, or ball end (actually a short brass cylinder) that attaches the string at the end opposite the tuning mechanism. Strings for some instruments may be wrapped with silk at the ends to protect the string. The color and pattern of the silk often identifies attributes of the string, such as manufacturer, size, intended pitch, etc.