hardeeflag - Posted - 01/18/2014:  17:18:04

I have a question. How many of you have substituted the 4th string on Nylgut Classic or Minstrel set with a classical guitar string? I just strung up a Prust tackhead with Nylgut classics and I noticed a substantial loss of volume from what Eric had it string up with stock. I actually got more volume from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th string from what was on there before but a drop in volume and tension on the 4th string.

Anyway just curious if any of you have swapped out that string and what you've used. I have two banjos with Nylgut both minstrel and classic so I'd be interested in both sets you may have modified with the 4th string. Thanks.

banjopickingman - Posted - 01/18/2014:  17:33:12

I've used high tension D strings for the 4th on the minstrel set. They sounded better to me than the 4th that comes in the pack. For the classic set, you could probably use a normal tension D string.

rudy - Posted - 01/18/2014:  18:23:30

Try the Nylgut all red set.

Lyndon Smith - Posted - 01/19/2014:  02:06:36

hardeeflag: I went through the same loop a while ago. You can read about it here: banjohangout.org/topic/273859

I believe that the 4th string was a D'Addario would string.

Also, I bought a Nylgut Classic Banjo set just recently and it came with a red wound 4th string and I liked the sound from that too...

mikehalloran - Posted - 01/19/2014:  09:29:13

The strongest 4th out there is the D'Addario EXP Classical, available in several gauges. It and the D'Addario Composite have a few strands of wire in the nylon core. The only difference between the two is the exp coating that keeps the strings "live" much, much (much, much) longer.  In fact, if you don't want such a lively 4th, the Composite will go dead sooner. Many places such as Just Strings can get you singles.

On my classical guitars, I wound up using EXP basses no matter what trebles I used. My 1949 Martin 00-28G has Nylgut trebles. 1949 was the last year that Martin classical guitars came with gut. Mike Longworth told me that CFM obtained the materials from the local Hormel packing plant.

Edited by - mikehalloran on 01/19/2014 09:32:58

rudy - Posted - 01/19/2014:  09:43:51

The strings that are often recommended as an alternative to Aquila or Sands for fretless use are the  D'Addario Pro-Arte series, with string gauges and identification numbers listed at the lower left side of the Mountain banjo Nouveau print referenced in this topic:

banjohangout.org/topic/277987

Edited by - rudy on 01/19/2014 09:50:37

mikehalloran - Posted - 01/19/2014:  10:16:00

Although Pro Arte, Pro Arte Composites and EXP sets all use the same trebles, the basses are different. Because the OP wants a stronger 4th, that's why I mention them.

There is also a Composite G string with a single strand of wire in the core - I never used one on a banjo, however.

Nylon sounds different than NylGut which is much closer to gut (but not identical). "Perlon" is DuPont's trademark for gauged nylon when used for musical instrument strings. "Nylon" was a DuPont trademark once upon a time. There is no difference between Nylon and Perlon except the name.

i dislike the sound of nylon trebles on a banjo. YMMV, of course. I'm thinking of setting my ODE up with NylGut / EXP if I can find long enough strings.

Edited by - mikehalloran on 01/19/2014 10:19:01

hardeeflag - Posted - 01/19/2014:  10:44:15

Just replied but lost the post for some reason...

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I just put back on the original 4th string that Eric Prust shipped the banjo with. He told me it was a bulk purchase 0.028 Classical Guitar String (D string - no mention if it was high or normal tension). (He told me the other treble string he uses are bulk purchase harp strings). The tension of the 0.028 classical guitar string is more akin to the tension of the treble strings of the Nylgut classic set. A tad stiffer than I wanted but I am getting more pop/volume form that string and bass response.

I may try the D'Addario Pro Art string sometime in the future. (you think there'd be any difference than the one on here?) I may try the A string of this set for my low tuned Minstrel Banjo.

I want to let this settle in for a little bit before making final judgment. I haven't been playing for more than about 7 or 8 months but I come to realize you need to let a banjo settle in to any mods or adjustments before making a final opinion on the results.

Edited by - hardeeflag on 01/19/2014 10:45:45

john bange - Posted - 01/19/2014:  13:47:11

quote:

---

Originally posted by mikehalloran

.

 I'm thinking of setting my ODE up with NylGut / EXP if I can find long enough strings.

---

Mike, if you find any long enough, I wish you would let me know.  That's why I use fishing line.

I like the 4th nylon string from the all nylgut  Aquilla set for my long neck non metal tone ring Vega

hardeeflag - Posted - 01/19/2014:  14:00:54

I have to say a few hours in to the 0.028 Classical Guitar string  settling has increased the growl and volume of the bass response. I think maybe the extra tension my have helped drive the head some. I like it so far.

Edited by - hardeeflag on 01/19/2014 14:15:57

davidppp - Posted - 01/19/2014:  17:56:45

I finally tried Aquila "all red"s and really like them (reviewed a while ago on BHO).

Note that you can buy single red 4th's from several sources, and I imagine they last as long (close to forever?) as the regular Aquila 1235.