An improved musical instrument string combines the attributes of superior corrosion resistance, low stiffness, and long life during storage and end use. Superior corrosion resistance is achieved through surface treatment of wound strings with an organosilane compound, where the preferred winding is a copper alloy such as phosphor bronze, and the preferred organosilane surface treatment comprises an aminotrialkoxysilane such as N-2-aminoethyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane.