For Asian No-Knots I de-burr them as much as possible and loop the strings around the whole post. Other instruments under the four-string category include the tenor banjo and the plectrum banjo. A pack of four strings won't do a lot of good for your five string banjo, so make sure the package you choose is going to meet your needs. ', 'Bluegrass Banjo Licks - Blues Hammer - Intro Train 45 Ben Eldridge, John Hickman Style'. I've got a Goldtone Bob Carlin open back and want to change from the steel strings (with loop ends) it came with to nylon strings, but the new strings I've bought are just straight with no ends for attaching to the tailpiece. Harp strings can be had in 25' loops in lots of diameters. This will snug into the knot itself, leaving a non-cinching loop to hold the string onto your tailpiece. You'll need a fresh pack of strings, a string winder, a good pair of wire cutters, a chromatic tuner, and a pencil.  ARCHIVED TOPIC: Changing to Nylon strings, Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. De-burring them is simply not a task the average banjo player has the tools to accomplish. The first step is to make a small loop in your string, near the end. The working end is now wrapped behind the static part of the string... and then passed back through the small, initial loop. Thread the low D string through the hole of the first tuner peg on the headstock (the lower left-hand peg as you look at the banjo upright). customer reviews (1 Review) Buy View Add to wishlist. I use Chris Sands strings: .024, .028, .032, .030 wound, .024. The only difference, of course, is that you’re basically playing a smaller banjo in terms of sound. Larry, oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 08/29/2015:  12:44:13. The looped end strings have one disadvantage – where the strings could break when installing and locking them better in the tailpiece. Made in the USA & used by Guitar Legends all over the World . Banjo tutor, banjo music and ragtime banjo music. I've found that Kershner Tailpieces (either original or the Stu-Mac reproduction) work better, as the angles of the posts are rounded and they have no burrs. (When tying mono line/tippet for fishing, I learned it was a good idea to moisten the knot to lessen friction and heat thus making for a stronger knot.) I like the crisp tone of the harps strings. Get started with Bill's Beginning Banjo course, or hone your bluegrass chops in Bluegrass Banjo. Loosen the strings a little, then start working your way around the banjo, tightening the nut on each bracket 1/8 to 1/4 a turn at a time. The strings are designed for soprano ukuleles A, C, E, G tuning. Instead, some of the most common 4-string banjos are built like ukulelesand play exactly like them. DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device. Item removed from wishlist. The type of banjo string you need for your ideal sound will depend on the brightness of your instrument. If you can find an old No-Knot - use it, but for a modern one I suggest you loop over the posts not through them - and still you might come up with a cut string. I'm convinced the entire super-fancy knot for nylon strings most people recommend is a waste of time and fingernails. Original No-Knots were made of brass and had no sharp ends or surfaces. Original No-Knots were made of brass and they were poured to a mold. Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher. The video also includes tips on putting a bridge on a banjo and tightening the banjo head. I can't remember how I strung another nylon stringer I use to have, but that was about 30 years ago. Importantly, the strings are labeled from 1 to 4, allowing even novices to install each string exactly where it should be. All the edges are sharp and they will eventually cut through nylon strings no matter how much sanding you do. If I recall frets.com has good instructions on the installation of nylon strings. You also want to make sure there are no sharp edges on your tuner posts holes, nut or bridge. They are thinner and tougher than Nylguts which I found a disaster YMMV. Put the Bridge On and Tune the Banjo - On most five-string banjos the bridge should be 12"-13" from the twelfth fret. There were no sharp edges. I took Johns' suggestion and ordered a set from Robinsons and they were very helpful with a tiny order like mine. John,  Could you expand on this topic? In the middle of the last century, nylon and various metals came into use and favor, because of their consistency of tone and lower cost. The lower cost no knots have burrs on the posts (and in the slot) that can cut nylon strings and these should be smoothed. That said, you're also the perfect candidate for any number of nice old parlor instruments which were originally made with low-tension (gut) strings in mind. Picato Nylon 5-String Banjo Strings, Tie-On . I find that among their other good features Sands strings last for years (I have a set that has been on Jackie-O (my avatar) for 4 years now - and they still sound good! Discover (and save!) Available in many tunings, loop or ball ended, nickel or phosphor bronze. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright 2021 Banjo Hangout. -on some banjos, the nylgut fifth string wears out and snaps … This has been covered many times on this site as well and someone might give you a link to the information. Source of strings, diameters needed, etc. Playing Advice: Clawhammer and Old-Time Styles, http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/308300, 'Aquila Nylgut 7B Minstrel Strings Discontinued? All Forums That was the end of That tune! john bange - Posted - 08/30/2015:  08:54:18, you can get those diameters at Robinson's Harp Shop...they ship. 1 hr, 'Bluegrass Banjo Licks - Blues Hammer - Intro Train 45 Ben Eldridge, John Hickman Style' 6 hrs. For example, stainless steel strings provide a brighter, more cutting tone than phosphor bronze strings, which are warmer sounding. by using a nylon 4th string, you won't have to change for a long time. I just bought a mountain banjo that came with Aquila "Super Nylguts" and I do think they have more stretch to them than the Sands. - fretted instrument specialists, offering Clifford Essex banjos guitars mandolins strings and other parts and accessories. Changing strings on a banjo is not hard once you've done it once or twice.