whiteaker - Posted - 12/19/2011:  08:40:52

Hi,

I have a goodtime classic banjo I was wanting to convert to Nylgut strings. Is there anything I need to know as far a setting it up for the new strings. Will it hurt any thing converting it? Sorry if this has been discussed before, I didn't find it on a search.

Thanks, Aaron

fordman24t - Posted - 12/19/2011:  09:10:43

I made a search using "goodtime nylgut" and a few pages came up. I did not explore them. Give it a try.

Stan

The Old Timer - Posted - 12/19/2011:  09:23:25

I did the same recently with my Ramsey Fretless Special. No you won't hurt anything. You'll have to figure out how to make your own knots in the Nylguts, they have no loops. I tied little bowline loops and hooked them on the No Knot tailpiece. They take a day or two to stretch in, so don't be dismayed by that. If you have geared tuners, you have turn them like CRAZY to pull up the slack in the Nylguts.

Normally you would tune Nylguts lower than steel, to open E or something like that. Just be careful tuning them up to G that you don't break them, they're expensive! Again, you'll have to crank the tuners forever to get up to G due to the stretch.

I found a "regular" bluegrass or clawhammer type bridge didn't let me get a good "purchase" on the Nylgut strings so I could really "snap" them hard to get good volume. So I ordered a 3/4" tall Morris bridge from Elderly Instruments, at the advice of BHO members who play old stroke style banjo. Worked GREAT for me!

You can't hurt anything except the Nylguts themselves, and perhaps your own patience. Have fun!

shannonhearne - Posted - 12/19/2011:  09:30:59

shannonhearne - Posted - 12/19/2011:  09:43:38

It is also a good idea to:



- Make sure your tail piece has no rough or sharp edges where it comes in contact with the strings. (They cut easily)  The rough/sharp edges cab be smoothed out with a gentle sanding.



- Check your bridge and the nut to make sure the grooves are large enough to accept the Nylgut strings (Its normally not a problem with Nylguts, but can be an issue with nylon strings, which I prefer to Nylguts.)



- Giving these strings a while to stretch out before attempting to bring them to an open E or an open G tuning is a good idea.  I generally allow a couple of days. (minimum)



Good luck, - sch

 

Edited by - shannonhearne on 12/19/2011 09:47:53

George Flink - Posted - 12/19/2011:  10:02:02

Mugwumps has a nice bit on attaching gut strings to a no knot t-p. Loops also will work.

aeroweenie - Posted - 12/19/2011:  10:31:16

If you have a tail piece with slots in the pegs, I would avoid putting the strings through them.  Rather than trying to file them smooth, it takes less time to tie a double slip knot (I don't know the proper term) to create a loop in the string which you then slip over the peg.

As mentioned above, you still need to make sure there are no other sharp/rough metal parts touching the strings.  I find Nylguts stretch for a week or more but once done stretching are very stable and last a long time.

trapdoor2 - Posted - 12/19/2011:  10:45:46

Go to the polymer string group here: banjohangout.org/group/polymerstrings

Lots of links and info there.

R Buck - Posted - 12/19/2011:  10:53:35

I have a 1980's Ramsey fretless strung up with Sands Classc hards.  I tune them up to pitch, yes even A and D tuning.  You may find that the nut and bridge slots may be too narrow and may need to be opened up some.

Bufo Bill - Posted - 12/19/2011:  14:50:26

I'm linking this in the Polymer Strings group page. Why don't you join us there?
All the best from Bill.