making ball end strings

I'm considering using nylon strings on a guitar that does not have a string-tie bridge. There are a number of ball-end nylon strings, but many of my favorite strings do not come with ball ends. I think I can make my own, but I'm not sure what to use for beads? Any suggestions?

[casualmusic]

Option 1: Ask the guitar store or your buddies to salvage them from old steel strings. (the least work)

Option 2: Get a pack of beads from the craft store. (a bit of running about)

Option 3: Special order those polymer strings with ball ends attached. (severely limits your choice of strings)


Method for thin flexible strings:
- I like to thread through the ball end once for thick strings and twice for thin strings. Tie the loose end two or three times round the main length like fish hook knot. Pull tight to set the knot before installing in the bridge.

Method for thickest stiff wound strings:
- Thread through the ball end and tie a single knot.



Cheers.

Good thinking Casual. I had not thought of salvaging from my steel string friends.

[Captain Jim]

Perhaps a monkey's fist with a regular nylon string? (old mariner's decorative knot)

https://www.animatedknots.com/monkeys-fist-knot

Might get a bit large on the thicker strings, though.

Yet another never thought of idea, thank you. And thank you for the demonstration--I would not know what you were talking about without the visual demonstration.

[AZLiberty]

The traditional way to do it was simply to tie a double square knot in the end.
That's what they did back in the day when Martin was selling nylon string pinned bridges.

Thinking of the Martin 00-21 NY and similar.

Thank you AZ for the info and the bit of history.