Stephen John Prior - Posted - 11/26/2011:  08:15:08

Just strung up a old 5 string openback with Nylgut strings. Any recommendations on the best tailpiece for nylguts ? I'm using a Fielding at present. I'd be interested in other players experiences.    

George Flink - Posted - 11/26/2011:  08:54:06

A No Knot will work. Mugwumps has instructions re. stringing.

jbalch - Posted - 11/26/2011:  09:42:14

Here is a link to the Mugwumps page George mentioned:  mugwumps.com/no_knot.html

I use a reproduction no-knot with NylGuts.  They work great ...as advertised ...no knot is required.

Some folks have reported that the edges of the slots are too sharp and sometimes cut the strings.  I have not had this problem. But just in case, it might be a good idea to ease the edges a bit with some sandpaper or a small file.

These reproduction cammed no-knot tailpieces also work very well. I have one of them too. They are very cool and a good bit more expensive: elderly.com/accessories/items/P115DLX.htm

Edited by - jbalch on 11/26/2011 09:49:29

Stephen John Prior - Posted - 11/26/2011:  12:04:20

Thanks guys. Have tried a No Knot already (took me about half an hour to remove the sharp edges)
The cammed one looks interesting though. I prefer the tone of the Fielding so far, perhaps because of the slight down pressure it exerts behind the bridge. Anyone tried a Waverley with Nylguts ?

Rob MacKillop - Posted - 11/26/2011:  12:11:05

I have that crammed no-knot, but it does cut the first string, which I now have to cover in cellotape atthe cam. Otherwise it is great!

jbalch - Posted - 11/26/2011:  12:18:24

Re: Waverly tailpieces, I don't like them.  The quality of modern reproductions is not good (IMHO).  I've never tried one with NylGut.  But I have used them with steel ... and always replaced them with something that suits me better.

If I wanted downward pressure (I don't) ... I'd try a Kershner. 

gmohrs - Posted - 11/26/2011:  23:29:07

Funny. I have a Waverly tailpiece on my Cedar Mountain banjo, but I've always wondered what it would sound like with a Fielding tailpiece. If you want to swap, let me know.

Mike Moss - Posted - 11/27/2011:  14:39:53

Have you tried a Fielding tailpiece? It's a tad pricey, but it's very well-made (no sharp edges, with smooth metal knobs to tie on nylgut/nylon strings) and provides more downward pressure than a no-knot. It's probably the best modern-made tailpiece I've found for non-steel strings.