TX2AK - Posted - 05/28/2012:  02:44:38

 I posted asking for opinions on nylon vs. florocarbon a couple of weeks back, and got answers asking for a report after I played with it some. The report is a big thumbs up for florocarbon, for me anyway. I've been an avid fisherman for a long time, so have tons of different line weights and materials. I've compared mono filament nylon (which is the material used for nylguts) and florocarbon. Line weights were 20, 20, 30, 40, 20 - I've used light steels, but replaced the first string with extra no. 2 strings for a good while, so figured that configuration would work.

The florocarbon is much higher tension and louder than the mono, probably a little brighter too, but still way plunk-o-rific. Floro is also much longer lasting - I haven't worn the mono out, but know this from fishing. The other advantage to floro is that it's a smaller diameter per lb test than mono, so requires less dramatic alterations to a steel string setup. It is more expensive, but if you have it for fishing or have buddies who do, give it a try.

FYI, the test banjo is my Pre-1922 Fbanks/Vega No. 2 Special - simple rod tone ring; renaissance head (until the hides arrives :-)

rudy - Posted - 05/28/2012:  03:58:28

quote:

---

Originally posted by TX2AK



 I posted asking for opinions on nylon vs. florocarbon a couple of weeks back, and got answers asking for a report after I played with it some. The report is a big thumbs up for florocarbon, for me anyway. I've been an avid fisherman for a long time, so have tons of different line weights and materials. I've compared mono filament nylon (which is the material used for nylguts) and florocarbon. Line weights were 20, 20, 30, 40, 20 - I've used light steels, but replaced the first string with extra no. 2 strings for a good while, so figured that configuration would work.



The florocarbon is much higher tension and louder than the mono, probably a little brighter too, but still way plunk-o-rific. Floro is also much longer lasting - I haven't worn the mono out, but know this from fishing. The other advantage to floro is that it's a smaller diameter per lb test than mono, so requires less dramatic alterations to a steel string setup. It is more expensive, but if you have it for fishing or have buddies who do, give it a try.



FYI, the test banjo is my Pre-1922 Fbanks/Vega No. 2 Special - simple rod tone ring; renaissance head (until the hides arrives :-)

---

 You don't say if you've actually used Nylguts.  Although technically it's true that Nylgut is a nylon formulation, the sound and use characteristics (such as time it takes to settle in) is a world apart.

I experienced the same level of improvement going from fluorocarbon to Nylgut as I did going from monofilament nylon to fluorocarbon.  There just wasn't any comparison.  The newest Nylgut formulation is supposed to be even better, but I don't know if Aquila is making banjo strings with the newest formulation yet.

Good call on the fluorocarbon , though.  It's a vast improvement from monofilament nylon for those that wish to use bulk spooled line.  Most of the forum posts I've researched and read about fluorocarbon use for musical instruments recommend Seaqaur brand as being the best of the best.  Ukulele players seem to have done the most research into it's use.

TX2AK - Posted - 05/29/2012:  01:45:01

I haven't tried actual Nylguts, just simple mono fishing line. It's my understanding that Nylguts are the same basic thing - but I haven't tried them, so that could be totally wrong. This whole thing started when I decided to try polymer strings, realized Nylguts we're mono, got me thinking of the miles of fishing line I had, got me surfing for info, found that a lot of uke and harps were strung with florocarbon ... And, if you're a tinkerer too, you know how it goes from there.

I did drag each piece of line through some folded sandpaper, having read old threads about the texture of Nylguts being better (rougher). Worked like a charm. None of the limited shops I have around carry Nylguts, so figured I'd experiment with what I had before ordering and paying shipping. I'm going to pretend I didn't see your comment about getting another improvement by switching to nylgut - easier on the wallet :-)

rudy - Posted - 05/29/2012:  05:35:24

quote:

---

Originally posted by TX2AK



I haven't tried actual Nylguts, just simple mono fishing line. It's my understanding that Nylguts are the same basic thing - but I haven't tried them, so that could be totally wrong. This whole thing started when I decided to try polymer strings, realized Nylguts we're mono, got me thinking of the miles of fishing line I had, got me surfing for info, found that a lot of uke and harps were strung with florocarbon ... And, if you're a tinkerer too, you know how it goes from there.



I did drag each piece of line through some folded sandpaper, having read old threads about the texture of Nylguts being better (rougher). Worked like a charm. None of the limited shops I have around carry Nylguts, so figured I'd experiment with what I had before ordering and paying shipping. I'm going to pretend I didn't see your comment about getting another improvement by switching to nylgut - easier on the wallet :-)

---

 Go ahead and pretend, unfortunately it's true!

As much as I like to keep my money tucked safely away (in other words, I'm cheap...)  this was the case where I was really disappointed by Nylgut strings.  I was really hoping that they wouldn't sound that much better than fluorocarbon line.