Just in case it might be of interest.

        In my visits to harpsichord builders I noticed that a number of the
people stringing instruments were wearing what appeared to be cotton
garden gloves.  This was particularly true in Bill Hyman's shop in  the
Bronx.  I had always assumed that this was to make handling the wire more
comfortable, but now I wonder if this was done to keep oils and
perspiration off the strings and pins.

        Cordially, Hal Haney