maneckep - Posted - 03/16/2014:  06:06:52

The banjo is a 1932 Bacon Senorita pot with tone hoop and calf skin head.  It will have a 23 inch scale neck.  I want to be able to tune it to G, A, and Double D. 

What do you think would sound better -  Metal or Nylgut?

Thanks,

Paul

chip arnold - Posted - 03/16/2014:  06:44:54

The one you like ............

dylanvalvo - Posted - 03/16/2014:  08:10:57

You will be a little floppier tuning to g on an a scale banjo using steel strings. If you use minstrel nylgut tuning to g will be a little tight but I do it with one of my short scale banjos. As for the regular nylgut that some folks refer to as classical or standard sized tuning those to g will be terrible in my opinion. Very floppy with a weak sound. Not how I like to hear my banjo. I only use minstrel set and steel strings now. Two of my banjos have scales on the shorter side both of these have nylgut and sound great. One I tune to g, it is the shortest of my 3 banjos and freltess. the other I tune to F and just capo up when necessary. Do not pass judgement on the gut strings for about 3 days as they do not settle into place right away. Some people say sooner but I feel like my banjo doesn't sound/play right for at least two days. While the previous responder was absolutely right about it being what you like I figured I'd try and provide a little further detail on what I like the feel of.

Paul R - Posted - 03/16/2014:  08:47:47

Ditto to Chip's comment. What sound are you looking for? Tension shouldn't be much of an issue, so it's a matter of your personal taste.

raharris - Posted - 03/16/2014:  09:02:59

I'd try one of each and see which I preferred. You may decide you like some of both and end up going back and forth between the two.

flailing - Posted - 03/16/2014:  10:14:38

Paul - I have used both on shorter scale banjos tuning between G/A and double C/D.  As others have commented it really does depend on the banjo and your taste.  You may  find like I have that you enjoy one for a while, and then switch and get a different sound for a while.  Try both.

Cheers

Gord