csbdr - Posted - 05/26/2013:  06:20:30

So I was intrigued by the discussions of the Aquila reds and decided to give them a try. I'm putting them on a converted Vega Style N (little Wonder) with a skin head. I have had steel on it and thought it sounded alright but could be better. Anyway I immediately realized that the nut is cut for steel strings and they Nylguts wont go on. So, I have to file the slots a bit. if I do that am I committed to using the Nylguts? can I go back if I dont like them? it sems like the steel strings would buzz in the wider slots.

I dont have any nut files. What tool would give me the best chance of being able to try them out but go back to steel again if I want?

Edited by - csbdr on 05/26/2013 06:21:04

pernicketylad - Posted - 05/26/2013:  07:26:20

I'll be interested to hear the responses. I've used torch tip cleaners(as recommended here on the BHO) to add new slots to the bridge to widen the spacing but I've wondered the same as they do cut a round slot.

BConk - Posted - 05/26/2013:  07:53:50

you could try out nylon or nylgut strings by filing "a little off the top" of the nut slots - as long as you don't file past the slot for the steel strings, you can then switch back afterwards. But that might yield the best set up for nylon strings.

Montanarick - Posted - 05/26/2013:  08:04:32

I will be curious to see how you like them.....I bought three sets of the regular nylguts for my Geo Dobson.....and although I loved the sound, they kept breaking.....I replaced them with fishing line and I haven't had one break yet.

unclescott - Posted - 05/26/2013:  08:08:21

As long as the strings stay on the nut and don't pop off when you are playing, I wouldn't worry about it.  If you are serious about staying with nylon strings then you could recut the slots, or get a new nut just for nylon strings, but for now I would not worry about it.  What I would look at is getting a new bridge for it.  Nylon strings seem to like lighter bridges than steel strings.  Elderly Music sells one that a lot of people seem to like.

elderly.com/accessories/items/BA82.htm

Also , Joel Hooks wrote a great article on bridges for nylon strings.  I can't seem to find the link so I will include a pdf attachment.

Of all the things that affect the sound of any given banjo the nut probably has the least affect on the sound.  Your head, head tension, and bridge will affect the sound much more than the nut will.

The nut can make a big difference in playability (strings to high or low ) but it is probably the last thing I'd tweak for sound quality.

banjo bridges

Chadbanjo - Posted - 05/26/2013:  08:21:39

I widened the nut slots on my goodtime to allow for nylons. When i switched back, it buzzed. Had to carve a new nut. I would help to have a proper tool...i had a razor blade and sand paper.

Prescott - Posted - 05/26/2013:  08:46:10

Jeweler's files work well, & I like B Conk's idea above of "a little off of the top". Just proceed carefully, as it's easier to remove a little more material than it is to replace what's gone. If you can find a set of files in #6 cut, they leave a very smooth surface on ebony and bone. I have an old Fairbanks Electric that has been strung with both steel and nylgut, and the steel strings require deeper nut slots for clean noting at the first fret & good intonation. This banjo doesn't buzz either way.
More critical by far is the elimination of any sharp edges, especially metal burrs on tailpieces. The nylon strings are extremely "notch sensitive", and the post slots on new repro No-Knots, Kerschners, etc. are too narrow and quite sharp. Again, jeweler's files (and a magnifier at my age!) will correct this.

RV6 - Posted - 05/26/2013:  10:29:41

How about loosening the nut, flipping it over and cutting the slots for nylguts. No need to re-glue as string pressure will keep the nut in place. If you want to go back to steel, flip the nut.

Bob

rendesvous1840 - Posted - 05/26/2013:  20:48:19

Most nuts are tapered on the top, so they are taller on the fretboard side than on the peghead side. Turning a nut over usually won't work. Making a second nut for the other type of strings is feasible, but only for deciding which you want to make permanent. Every time you wish the other set was on the banjo, will you want to change strings? You would go through a lot of strings that way. It may be BAS talking, but I would opt for a second banjo. Set up one for nylon, and one for steel. You know you want another banjo, this is one of the best reasons for buying it!
Paul

John Gribble - Posted - 05/27/2013:  01:51:03

The nut slots need to be widened. If you don't have the tools to do this, any guitar tech should be able to to it. If it is properly done, steel strings shouldn't buzz in it if you go back to them. It may look a little funny, though. 

Having a new nut and fifth string pip made is an option. If the original nut is removed  carefully enough, You can switch back and forth between them easily. Nuts do not have to be glued down and pips shouldn't be glued. 

If you make the change, live with it for awhile. Nylgut strings take some getting used to and some time to settle in. 

RV6 - Posted - 05/27/2013:  05:54:13

quote:

---

Originally posted by rendesvous1840

 

Most nuts are tapered on the top, so they are taller on the fretboard side than on the peghead side. Turning a nut over usually won't work. Making a second nut for the other type of strings is feasible, but only for deciding which you want to make permanent. Every time you wish the other set was on the banjo, will you want to change strings? You would go through a lot of strings that way. It may be BAS talking, but I would opt for a second banjo. Set up one for nylon, and one for steel. You know you want another banjo, this is one of the best reasons for buying it!

Paul

---

Flipping the nut worked fine when I did it on my MM Wide Neck when I was experimenting on string spacing but I turned that nut into a poor man's Zero Glide so didn't have to worry about the taper.  When I came up with a string spacing that worked, I installed a Zero Glide.

Of course, Paul, you've come up with the most practical, elegant solution.  Heck, I just bought a RK OT25 BR just so I'd have a spare.  You never know when termites might attack my only banjo.  (I used that one on my wife.  She just raised an eyebrow at me.)

Bob