Chenilled strings?

[Rob Anderson]

I used to buy Martin sets that were chenilled, that is wrapped with colored thread by the loop end. I can't find them anymore. They look wonderful with a cast tailpiece. I'm looking for a heavy gauge, wound, bluegrass sets.
Any one ever used these and know where to purchase them?
Thanks,
Rob

[sunburst]

If you can find a manufacturer that still does that, you could order individual banjo strings in the gauges of your choice.
I think Vega banjo strings used to be chenilled, but I don't know who was making their strings, and I don't think they are chenilled anymore anyway.
Perhaps someone will chime in with info on a manufacturer that still chenilles.

For what it's worth, Martin called the banjo manufacturer that I used to work for and asked what the chenill was good for. They were apparently doing some research because they were thinking of discontinuing it. The only use I could think of was rattle prevention on some tailpieces, but I guess that wasn't enough reason for them to keep using it.