Abstract: A metallic end bead is attached to the main wire of a musical instrument string by providing the bead in apertured form, roughening or otherwise irregularizing its hole surface and then plastically deforming it to press its hole surface irregularities into the surface of a wire inserted through the hole. The bead has tapered end portions to inhibit cracking during the deforming step. The process is one lending itself to economical mass production of beaded strings and the beads may be provided with either a matte or polished finish on their visible surfaces.

Abstract: A snare for a musical drum is comprised of a set of molded plastic cords having integrally molded enlargements or nodules evenly spaced along the length of each cord. The cords are attached to metal or plastic end pieces, and in the case of plastic end pieces the end pieces and cords may all be molded as a single one-piece unit.

Abstract: A method for making a wound musical instrument string having improved tone quality and life involves the winding of a cover wire onto a core wire followed by a thermal conditioning step in which the string is heated to an elevated temperature for a significant period of time.