Jason Wilkerson - Posted - 10/11/2012:  18:06:21

I've played nylguts for awhile in lower tunings, and I've always thought they could not be tuned up to standard tunings. However, recently I've come across some folks playing nylguts in standard tunings, like this guy. So, I just got a set of classic banjo light nylgut strings and looked forward to tuning up to standard G. Haven't been able to get there. The 1st string keeps breaking. As close as I can get is one whole step below G. What am I missing? The video I linked has the first string tuned up to E.

Edited by - Jason Wilkerson on 10/11/2012 18:23:33

clawhamm3r - Posted - 10/11/2012:  18:16:57

They tune to g fine for me does your nut or bridge have a sharp edge thats making it break

Tatersoup - Posted - 10/11/2012:  18:18:51

It looks to me like he's in sawmill tuning capoed up two frets.

Where is your string breaking?

Jason Wilkerson - Posted - 10/11/2012:  18:19:27

It broke twice at the tailpiece. I have a no knot, and I am tying a knot in the string and putting it into the slot with the knot holding it in place. Could the edge of the tailpiece be the culprit?

rcmoore - Posted - 10/11/2012:  18:25:32

I just tie a nylon type fishing knot and loop it over the post, not throught the slot, and have never had a string break at the tailpiece. I do polish the bearing areas on the tailpiece with fine emery cloth.
I often tune all the way up to standard A on Nylguts with no breakage.
Bob Moore

Jason Wilkerson - Posted - 10/11/2012:  18:26:50

I'll make that change and give it a whirl. Thanks Bob

Tatersoup - Posted - 10/11/2012:  18:35:06

quote:

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Originally posted by Jason Wilkerson

It broke twice at the tailpiece. I have a no knot, and I am tying a knot in the string and putting it into the slot with the knot holding it in place. Could the edge of the tailpiece be the culprit?

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 It could indeed.

The Old Timer - Posted - 10/11/2012:  18:35:50

I have Nylguts on a Ramsey fretless. I tie little bowline knots at the tailpiece end (about 1" loop) and loop them over the studs on the No Knot. Tall Morris bridge about in the center of the 12" head.  I tune all over the place and nothing has broke yet. Easily tune up to standard pitch. I enjoy them very much.

Edited by - The Old Timer on 10/11/2012 18:36:30

banjobart - Posted - 10/11/2012:  19:02:06

Use the top four of a good classic guitar set plus an extra first string for the banjo fifth. Elderly sells singles. Nylgut firsts will fail everytime. As an alternative, use Nylgut but get a couple spare classic guitar first strings for banjo1 & 5.

Edited by - banjobart on 10/11/2012 19:03:37

Jason Wilkerson - Posted - 10/12/2012:  06:17:54

quote:

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Originally posted by rcmoore

I just tie a nylon type fishing knot and loop it over the post, not throught the slot, and have never had a string break at the tailpiece. I do polish the bearing areas on the tailpiece with fine emery cloth.

I often tune all the way up to standard A on Nylguts with no breakage.

Bob Moore

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Worked like a charm, Bob--thanks.

mikehalloran - Posted - 10/12/2012:  13:24:25

Nylguts will take a lot of tension. They have a baritone uke tuned tenor set that I use a lot. It's identical to their concert uke set but the strings are longer. It allows you to tune a baritone uke in standard GCEA tuning.

My Harmony baritone with a set of these on. They sound great tuned up that high.

deuceswilde - Posted - 10/12/2012:  17:20:14

Carl Anderton (oldcremona) calls the no-knots "no-good."  They should say on the header card they come with "Use only with wire."

All kidding aside, they take a bit of cleaning to remove the sharp edges.  Some have the posts too close together and are difficult to use with soft strings.

banjered - Posted - 10/12/2012:  19:08:26

I like Richard's no-knotts that have no slots and are very smooth. Ditto Fielding's tailpiece - both very synthetic-friendly. My nylguts last YEARS with no dimunition of tone. Banjered