[limbwalker]

OP: try 18 strands. I think you will find it quieter and more stable than 16 strands. More "thump" and less "thwack" if that makes any sense.

BCY recommends 18-20 for 8125. I'm also in the 36# to 38# otf range and 16 strands of 8125 is too loud and snappy for me. 18 strands 8125 is quieter and feels more solid. My understanding is that thinner strings are louder and less stable than thicker, but may be a fps or two faster. Stability is better than one or two fps imho. Center serving thread diameters come in many thicknesses to accommodate nock size.

I agree with this. I've tried 16 strands of 8125 before, and didn't really care for it. You don't gain much in performance if you go to fewer strands because you end up having to tune a stiffer arrow anyway. 18 or 20, with the appropriate diameter serving for your nocks, is what I'd stick with. For years I've shot 18's out doors with small groove nocks, and 20's indoors with large groove nocks. But to be honest I don't think it makes enough difference to really notice on the scorecard.