yardbird - Posted - 08/04/2013:  17:59:14

I like the sound of nylgut and am trying Sand classical, but having as lot of trouble getting up to G tuning without breaking the strings (have been giving them days to stretch and have still broken both the 1st and 5th strings).

You folk using fishing line; what strength fishing line you using?

I figure if I decide to go back to metal wound, I can still catch some catfish for breakfast.

Thanks, Anthony

Montanarick - Posted - 08/04/2013:  18:25:34

I use 20, 30, 40 and 50

maneckep - Posted - 08/04/2013:  19:15:18

You might want to check you tailpiece for sharp edges.  Nylguts don't usually break unless something sharp is cutting them.

jduke - Posted - 08/05/2013:  06:56:48

Make sure you have the right sets for standard tuning.

Nylgut has a set of strings designed for the lower minstrel tuning and probably the Sands heavy strings are too.  String sets meant to be tuned low, are very likely to break when tuned to a higher pitch like open G.

mwc9725e - Posted - 08/05/2013:  15:52:21

quote:

---

Originally posted by Montanarick

 

I use 20, 30, 40 and 50

 

---

I agree with Rick, But if there's something cutting your store-bought strings, you may very well have the same luck with fishing line. The strings probably aren't the root of your problem, I've got Nylguts on a banjo, same strings for more years than I'm old ( maybe no quite ).Never had problems with breaking them.

oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 08/05/2013:  19:05:10

The possibility of them being cut is pretty high unless they are breaking in the center, in which case I have to ask what size Sands strings you are using. I use Sands Mediums and can tune them at concert pitch on a 27 inch scale banjo. There are not a lot of banjos around with a longer scale.

If you have one of the modern No-Knot copies and the strings are breaking at the tailpiece there is your answer and I doubt fishing line will do much better. Forget the No-Knot, Elton and possibly Waverly tailpieces with nylon or similar strings. Get a Rickard tailpiece or use a Kershner (from Stu-Mac)

Edited by - oldwoodchuckb on 08/05/2013 19:09:32

grm405 - Posted - 08/07/2013:  08:00:55

My Nylgut 1st string broke after about 3 hours at tune.  It broke at the knot (bowline), not at the tailpiece.  I had VERY thoroughly deburred the tailpiece (No-Knot).  I have to assume that one reason for the break was the 28" scale of this banjo, requiring higher tension than a shorter scale. 

I replaced it with a piece of Fluorocarbon leader material (P-line CFX) bought at Dicks Sporting Goods for $9 for 25 m.  That stuff is very tough and I have had no problems since.  I used the 20 lb test stuff (.0165" diameter).  Keep in mind that this stuff is more dense than regular fishing line so you use a smaller gauge for the same string than regular lines.

Someday I will get bigger stuff and use if for the other strings, but the 20 lb is the largest carried locally.  It sounds like the other Nylgut strings and balances with them just fine.  The only disadvantage I can see is that it is expensive, especially in the larger sizes.

Gerry

Crusty - Posted - 08/07/2013:  10:11:14

My 1st did the same thing Gerry after about two weeks.  I've since changed to the Perfection Angler's Loop in the hope that it won't weaken the string like the bowline did.

Perfection Angler's Loop

TX2AK - Posted - 08/07/2013:  12:49:05

I use the perfection loop above. 12, 20, 30, 40lb florocarbon line - I think it's PLine brand. It is more $, but I found it to give higher tension and more volume/better sound than standard mono; and I use the rest for tying fly fishing leaders. I run each string through some 250 grit sandpaper a couple of times before installing, and found that to give better feel. That's a 26 1/2" scale - higher strength may help with a longer scale. 

grm405 - Posted - 08/08/2013:  07:10:20

I did the same sandpaper thing but it made it all fuzzy with whiskers sticking out.  Feels fine though and still holding together well.

Gerry

yardbird - Posted - 08/09/2013:  06:21:36

I don't use the no-knot...though I have one on the banjo, I tie a knot;

On both the Sands and nylgut I use medium on a standard 25.75 inch neck