crmdgn - Posted - 04/01/2014:  04:32:39

If I need to unstring a banjo strung with Nylgut (e.g., to change heads), can I re-string it with the same strings, or do I need to start over with a new set? (I dread the process of installing and breaking in Nylguts, however much I may enjoy actually playing them once they settle...)

rudy - Posted - 04/01/2014:  04:51:41

My experience with synthetics bears out that it's not worth the effort to re-use them.

Keep the old set around to use in a pinch, but re-tying the strings is very difficult once the excess material has been cut off the string ends. Nylguts generally take only a few days to stretch in for me.

On a related comment, I personally believe that Nylgut (or any other synthetic string) can stretch out non-uniformly if you stretch the strings as you would on a steel strung banjo to settle the strings in more rapidly.  It's better to let them settle in by themselves (or stretch them very lightly) if you want the best possible intonation along the string length.  I know that will be controversial, but it's just from my personal observations.

Bufo Bill - Posted - 04/01/2014:  04:55:15

In my experience you can reuse them, but breakages are more common. There will be some re-stretching that will take place, so you may feel like just putting on a new set. It is possible to do it as I have had some success with this.

Linked to Polymer Strings Group page.
All the best from Bill. :D

dylanvalvo - Posted - 04/01/2014:  05:33:35

Your strings will still stretch again. Maybe not as bad but they'll definitely stretch. I reuse mine all the time.
Not for efficiency though. Just for costs sake.

john bange - Posted - 04/01/2014:  07:13:30

they can be reused if they can be retied.  I would not reuse a wound string though.

Crusty - Posted - 04/01/2014:  07:51:08

I buy two sets when I'm going to string a banjo with them so I'll have enough strings to finish the job despite the breakage.  I don't have a lot of optimism for being able to reuse them.