Jane C - Posted - 01/13/2012:  15:16:14

I asked for some nylon strings in my christmas stocking and was fortunate enough to get some. I want to try them on an old John Grey open back, but the strings are just strings with no handy loops to fit on the pins of the tail piece. Has anyone any tips? I could work out how to twist and secure a loop on the nickel wound 4th as the metal would bind but what do you do with the nylon ones? Please and thank you. Jane c

Quartermaster James - Posted - 01/13/2012:  15:23:56

Just run a search for Nylgut knot and you'll get your pick of posts through which to sort.

Like this, for example: banjohangout.org/archive/133916

rudy - Posted - 01/13/2012:  15:29:13

Just use "nuts" photo guide for tying a simple overhand knot to use with a funky no-knot tailpiece. Find the photos at his home page HERE. 

GhostChile - Posted - 01/13/2012:  17:29:31

I like to use a "perfection loop". Any tackle store or even u tube probly got a video. Cabelas showed me

rudy - Posted - 01/13/2012:  17:51:20

Perfection loop:

rudy - Posted - 01/13/2012:  17:55:41

The perfection loop looks good if you're placing the loop over a post, not doable if you're using it as an attachment through a string hole in the tailpiece, like might be found on an early banjo type of tailpiece.  In that application you can use the standard bowline, but even the bowline I find to be a bit on the cumbersome side.

trapdoor2 - Posted - 01/14/2012:  05:37:33

For vintage "thru hole" (except those that were designed for a simple stopper knot) and "bar" (like a Stewart Common-Sense) tailpieces, I usually use a clinch knot. With nylon/nylgut/gut I don't usually go with the full 5 turns, two or three is adequate. It also works fine on post-types but I generally prefer a bowline for those. I used to tie a figure-eight in the tag end to prevent slippage but after a few years, I never had one slip...so I quit.

Edited by - trapdoor2 on 01/14/2012 05:39:54

rudy - Posted - 01/14/2012:  06:05:01

trapdorr2, I like that one more than the perfection.  What I don't like about the perfection is the tight loop right at the first point of tension as the line leaves the knot.  That tight curl looks like a trouble spot for Nylgut.

Forrest - Posted - 01/14/2012:  07:16:05

A bowline knot would also work.  They are fairly effective at not slipping, especially when under a constant tension.  It's fairly easy to tie a bowline around a post or through a tailpiece hole.

sailing.about.com/od/learntosa...wline.htm

Edited by - Forrest on 01/14/2012 07:17:04

rubicon - Posted - 01/14/2012:  09:39:23

Donald Zepp has this posted on his web site  zeppmusic.com/bowline.htm  simple step by step ways to tie the strings good luck ?

banjered - Posted - 01/15/2012:  05:43:08

I like a bowling on the fourth string/ I wrap the loop around a pencil to get it the right size. I like the double strands of thr stiffer 4th string to pass over the top of the no-knott. All the others I tie a figure eight knott at the tip of the string for a catch knott, then use a simple overhand knott (the kind you use on your shoes) such that it catches the catch knott. Simple, never slips. Banjered

oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 01/15/2012:  12:35:19

I simply tie a square (reef) knot in the end of the string, then put a single hitch in the string and put it over the post on the tailpiece. The hitch tightens but can't pull through because of the square knot. It comes out similar to a classical guitar knot, but actually simpler

I recommend going over the entire post on the Asian No-Knot tailpiece (Golden Gate, Saga and a couple other names) as it is full of burrs and made of steel. It really can't be used as a no knot tailpiece. The originals were brass, and they were wider. The slots were not sharp. If you have an old one it is probably going to work.

Quartermaster James - Posted - 01/15/2012:  15:01:32

quote:

---

Originally posted by oldwoodchuckb

 

It really can't be used as a no knot tailpiece.

---

Oh! Really?

Glad I wasn't told that earlier!

Edited by - Quartermaster James on 01/15/2012 15:04:50

Bufo Bill - Posted - 01/16/2012:  10:12:49

Very useful info, thanks guys. Linking this thread to the Polymer Strings Group. Hijack over.;-)
All the best from Bill.

japus - Posted - 01/16/2012:  16:52:11

I've used the bowline know and it is working well, however being familiar with the improved clinch knot I think I may use that from now on.

Another knot I have used thousands of times is a palomar knot , I know this will stay once it's tightened..

oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 01/16/2012:  21:24:31

I congratulate you James. I've never had a thin Nylon String remain whole after running through the burr filled slot of the Asian No-Knot.

Hawgfiddle65 - Posted - 01/17/2012:  01:49:17

Hi

I use a rapala knot, a fishing knot used to create a small loop to allow a lure or fly to flex. .Easy to tie and I've never had one slip either on my banjo or  whilst fishing. I only use one turn about the main line ,seems to do the trick rather than the multiple turns on the illustration below.

netknots.com/html/rapala_knot.html

Tight lines!

Jim (Hawgfiddle65)