mwc9725e - Posted - 03/27/2013:  16:09:06

I've tried for months, and can't make them work for my left hand. They're too thick, the fretboard's narrow enough already, without taking up what extra space is available with great big fat strings. I love the sound, but my somewhat large fingers simply can't handle them, I can barely distinguish one from the other, by feel, and when I do happen to put my finger on the correct string, it slides right off. When I give up and pick up my steel-strung banjo, it's like going to heaven.

oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 03/27/2013:  16:21:37

Try a set of Chris Sands Classic Banjo Mediums - if they are too thick for you there are also C. S. Lights - I haven't tried them yet though

All are available from Elderly

I have Mediums on my avatar, Jackie-O right now and she is tuned to concert pitch. I have used the heavies too, but pitched 3 frets low (to E from G tuning). I'm going to use my other set of Heavies next string change.

I have two sets of the Lights and am thinking about how far I might be able to tune them up ---- to A for example. However, that would be an academic exercise for me. Jackie has a 27 inch scale and I don't enjoy playing her at that length - besides the worst of her neck twist is down near the nut.

Edited by - oldwoodchuckb on 03/27/2013 16:23:19

Joel Hooks - Posted - 03/27/2013:  18:27:15

The larger diameter strings are usually used on "early banjos.". The early banjos have spacing close to a classical guitar, and often but not always are smooth fingerboards. 

The so-called "classical" strings are the ones normally used on modern style banjos.  There is a trend in modern players trying to achieve wire string hardness with nylon so they use guitar strings.  

J-Walk - Posted - 03/27/2013:  18:29:12

If you really want a low-tuned banjo, get Jason Mogi to make you a fretted 13" banjo. I bought one of these a few months ago (used), and it quickly turned into my #2 favorite banjo. The fretboard width is perfect and the sound is awesome. 

Most low-tuned banjos are fretless, but this one opens up a whole new range for those of us who can't get those higher notes on a fretless.

Trust me: J. Mogi knows his stuff. And right now, his banjos are dirt cheap. That might change at some point, once people discover him. I also have 1 12"  from Jason. It's basically a no-frills Chuck Lee at 1/3 the price. He's not a full-time banjo maker. When he makes one, he usually sells it in the BHO classified.

banjohangout.org/my/mogi

Todd Treadway - Posted - 03/27/2013:  19:38:40

If you like the sound of nylguts but the feel of steel strings, check out this Ritchie Stearns video, starting around the 1:20 mark: youtube.com/watch?v=khpryjWIfe8

I've tried it. It's amazing!

Steve Jeter - Posted - 03/28/2013:  06:58:59

I put some nylgut classicals on a narrow neck fretted banjo,, and they work great. I understand what your saying, I think Minsterels are too big for a banjo w/ narrow nut /neck

to use minsterels , I think your nut width /and corresponding neck with should be 1 1/2.

banjered - Posted - 03/28/2013:  08:06:34

Could be a set up issue beyond the narrow nut - nut slot depth, high bridge. Banjered