A preliminary evaluation of the effects of modern gin stands on neps and short fiber content was conducted. The study consisted of 350-pound replicated lots of one cotton variety ginned on five different gin stands at normal ginning rates. Fiber moisture contents averaged 6.6% for the study. Total nep count per gram from gin stand A was significantly higher than those attained from stand D. Short fiber content by weight was significantly higher for stand E as compared to stand D and short fiber content by number was significantly higher for stands A and E than those attained from stand D. In essence, different gin stands produce different levels of neps and short fiber. Further studies will be conducted to substantiate these results on a broader spectrum of cottons and gin stand operating parameters, and to isolate the causative factors.