oldfart - Posted - 03/31/2012:  08:10:34

Has anyone ever used nylon strings on a resonator ,  flat head tone ring style banjo? I,m thinking of trying them on 

my banjo.  before I invest in strings , bridge, & filing the nut,      I thought check here first for any advise!

any comments greatly apreciated.

Thanks.   C. J.

Emiel - Posted - 03/31/2012:  08:14:59

I once had them on an openback with a 20-hole flathead tonering (clamshell tailpiece). Sounded fine and needed no modifications...

Jason Wilkerson - Posted - 03/31/2012:  08:30:40

Expect a significant decrease in volume, and increase in mellowness.

Emiel - Posted - 03/31/2012:  09:10:48

I doubt that the decrease in volume, if any, would be so significant...

Jason Wilkerson - Posted - 03/31/2012:  09:12:35

quote:

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Originally posted by Emiel

I doubt that the decrease in volume, if any, would be so significant...

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Just going off the open backs that I've put Nylaguts on

dangibson - Posted - 03/31/2012:  09:12:55

Just a thought:

Try switching to a pine (or other soft wood) bridge with no ebony insert. So-called minstrel banjos with gut strings and skin heads used this setup since the mid-19th century (that's real pre-war) for playing on stage un-amplified. Plastic picks might be called for too, to avoid slicing up the strings. It's worth a try.

Dan Gibson, Storyteller/Banjolplayer

Dallas, TX; Burlington, NC

dangibson.net

Emiel - Posted - 03/31/2012:  09:34:02

quote:

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Originally posted by Jason Wilkerson

quote:

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Originally posted by Emiel

I doubt that the decrease in volume, if any, would be so significant...

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Just going off the open backs that I've put Nylaguts on

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It's possible, but I do think that Nylgut/nylon strings can be pretty loud, probably less "cutting power" though...

Dan Gellert - Posted - 03/31/2012:  09:47:46

I remember (WAY back) classical banjoist Paul Cadwell playing a Mastertone strung with nylon fishing line, and it was plenty loud.

banjered - Posted - 03/31/2012:  10:00:58

You won't know for sure until you try. I've put nylon and nylgut on 8-10 banjos or so. I like the sound of nylguts combined with a metal tone ring the best so far. A hide head may be even better. Or not. Keep messing with it and see how close you can get the sound you want. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Good luck! Banjered

Mike Moss - Posted - 03/31/2012:  11:06:20

I play exclusively on nylons on a BG-style banjo, and they're very loud -- probably louder than steels if you use the proper setup (thin maple bridge, tight head, heavy gauge nylons)

Bill H - Posted - 03/31/2012:  11:25:33

I put Nylgut strings on my Vegaphone resonator banjo and couldn't get them off fast enough.  Capo for the 5th string didn't work and I really didn't care for the sound or the feel. But you'll find plenty who say they love nylon strings. 

Bufo Bill - Posted - 03/31/2012:  14:36:30

Some good advice here. I'm linking this to the polymer strings group page.
My advice is to look to your bridge, as a couple of people have already said, a thin bridge helps with clarity and volume.

All the best from Bill.

john bange - Posted - 03/31/2012:  15:03:36

I would stay away from the hide or fiberskin heads on a resonator banjo to maintain volume...elite,renaissance, or white frosted would be my choice.

elclaudito - Posted - 03/31/2012:  17:35:01

I have a bottlecap fender with a resonator that I have LaBella nylon strings on and frankly I love the sound. Give it a whirl! Watch out for sharp edges on your tailpiece, I can't keep a 1st string on mine and just gave up...love it anyway. Your motivation for doing this is probably sound.

japus - Posted - 03/31/2012:  19:48:16

When I installed nylguts on my open back, I was pleasantly surprised at the volume, however they do not ring out as do the steel strings..I love em

Bart McNeil - Posted - 04/01/2012:  13:16:06

Regardless of tonal changes, which will be significant. You will be amazed t how easy they (nylgut) are to finger compared with metal. Now for the ultimate go to a skin head. You will feel you are playing a different instrument. Very mellow.

bcob - Posted - 04/02/2012:  16:41:42

I just did this the other day & I'm happy with the results. Go for it!

If you are planning to buy regular nylon strings, last time I checked Bernunzio's has La Bellas for $5 with free shipping which is pretty much the best price you will find for them anywhere. Oddly it seems like it's easier to find competitive prices on Nylgut strings.

Dan Gellert - Posted - 04/03/2012:  09:04:32

quote:

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Originally posted by bcob

I just did this the other day & I'm happy with the results. Go for it!



If you are planning to buy regular nylon strings, last time I checked Bernunzio's has La Bellas for $5 with free shipping which is pretty much the best price you will find for them anywhere. Oddly it seems like it's easier to find competitive prices on Nylgut strings.

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N.B.!! -- LaBella nylon (and gut if they're still making them) strings are VERY light gauge.

Grumpy1 - Posted - 04/10/2012:  22:53:31

  I put classical, medium weight Nylguts on my Goodtime Special but decided I didn't really like the sound.  However, I didn't mess with a different bridge which might have had better tone.  Significant loss of volume also.  Problem was solved when got up the next day as 3 strings had broken at the tailpiece.  Back to steel for now.

Amy in Pasadena - Posted - 04/20/2012:  22:05:10

Breaking strings might be a problem with nylon strings, but I am in love with the sound now. After one string broke (the one I change back an forth a lot in different tunings) I was sad, thinking I would have to wait to get a new set in the mail. But my husband, who loves to fish and has a great relationship with our local fishing store suggested replacing the banjo string with mono-filament fishing line. I took the broken string over to the store and the owner measured it with calipers and then gave me two hunks of line. He didn't have exactly the same gauge as my string, so he gave me one on either side of that size. I put the smaller one on first, and so far it is holding and sounds fine. And it was free.

Coonskin - Posted - 05/07/2012:  06:08:18

I have thick classical nylon banjo strings on mine, and it's quite loud and entirely delish. Perfect for fingerpicking.

RG - Posted - 05/08/2012:  17:09:01

For OT playing, I took my modified Taka Masterclone (have a vintage Stew-Mac flathead tone ring installed, along with a few other tweaks) and put on a thick unbleached calfskin head, medium GHS strings, homemade 2 foot bridge (copied from an original late 20's bridge from a Vega Whyte Laydie #2), and taking a que from Doc Boggs (via my pal Chris Berry) use a .018 stainless wound 3rd string...real cool tone and a ton of tuned down low end for that dark Boggs sound...for classical finger picking I'd imagine that nylon strings would sound great on a "BG" banjo...

WErbsen - Posted - 05/15/2012:  09:26:07

I'm a big fan of Nygut strings for clawhammer and two-finger picking. I was looking for a fatter sound on one of my old-time banjos, and the Nyguts did the trick. However, I wouldn't recommend Nygut strings for playing fast with fingerpicks. To me, it's like trying to run under water. Good luck, Wayne Erbsen