I'd say some sort of spoke prep is pretty optional for brass nipples on thick spokes at 32 or 36h.
Originally Posted by
phulin
I was planning on brass nipples and 14/17/14 spokes.
You'll definitely want a lube on the threads with spokes that skinny, and tape flags or some way to grip them if you're putting much tension on them. With brass nipples I wouldn't bother lubing the nipple/rim interface unless it was 24h or less.