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Looking for ideas re: DIY String Ball Ends

I'm currently building a tampura - and have run into a slight challenge. My nut-to bridge length is right at 40" - so I need LONG strings - that guitar shops just don't keep in stock. I have ordered rolls of music wire (1/4 lb rolls - in the appropriate gauges) so I'll have a LOT of music wire for projects... My challenge comes in as this:

Most of the projects I see make use of the ball-end of the commercially manufactured strings. Is there a good method for attaching string that has been purchased in a bulk roll and does not have ball-ends?

(i.e. a DIY ball-end, or maybe a method of tying/attaching the cigar box body end of the strings that works and does not allow a tied end to slip & go out of tune while playing?) The wire I purchased is spring-steel music wire (Precision brand).

Rex S.

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Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on April 17, 2015 at 5:26am

The knot used on a classical guitar is called a timber-hitch. Might be a little weird on wire, though as it won't tighten up right... http://www.animatedknots.com/timber/ For wound strings, you only need one loop around...

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