Dr Sayes - Posted - 04/23/2014:  20:34:38

good a

ive got a banjo that i would like to switch from steel strings to nylon, on acount of the banjo is a chuck lee an i would like to preserve the frets. i live in the kent ohio area could anyone suggest a good luther to work on the nut.

thanks a heap

etparadox - Posted - 04/23/2014:  22:05:55

If you're only reason for changing the string type is to prevent fret ware, don't. Frets are meant to be replaceable and replacing them does not affect the value of an instrument as it is expected maintenance. The only exception to this is on all original vintage instruments. Chuck Lee makes nice banjos, but they aren't in that category. In addition, though nylon strings are easier on the frets, they will still cause wear from normal playing over time. 

mbanza - Posted - 04/24/2014:  06:27:29

Personally, I like the sound produced with nylon, gut and similar strings as opposed to steel strings.  I also find them more comfortable to play, though a bit more of a challenge to tune until they stretch in.  I can actually grow fingernails and no longer suffer discomfort due to the back of my fingernail wearing thin.  After two years, nylon strings have produced no visible wear.   I believe you will have less wear in ten years with nylon than you'll get in six months with wire.

Try them and see, you may or may not like them, but you won't know until you try them.  If you have an extra nut and bridge notched for nylon, then switching from wire to nylon and back will be rather simple.

jduke - Posted - 04/24/2014:  08:18:50

On most good banjos, the nut is not glued or is only lightly glue to allow easy removal and replacement.  That is probably the case with your Chuck Lee banjo.

I'll bet Chuck could provide you with nut slotted to accommodate nylon strings.  Replacing one with the other should not be difficult and would allow you to easily change back if you elect to.

rudy - Posted - 04/24/2014:  08:38:40

Regarding synthetic strings, don't use them only to preserve your Lee.

As others state, fret wear is normal.  I've recently gone pretty much to EVO fret wire because I've seen first hand that it outlasts standard 18% nickel silver by several times over.  It does depend on many other factors like your individual chemistry and playing style how long standard frets will last, though.

Anyone who is familiar with "The Velveteen Rabbit" should think of their instrument in that way.  A bit of fraying, wear, and nicks only show the love you have for your instrument.  Show me an instrument that's in absolutely pristine condition and I'll show you an instrument that's unused.  Not a good thing IMHO.

A nut cannot be made and installed somewhere else, the string slots must be refined while it is installed on the instrument.

Consider how you play your instrument before deciding to use synthetic strings.  If you stay in one tuning they are great.  If you need to go between multiple tunings such as clawhammer used in a jam situation not such a practical use.  I know of several players who use synthetics exclusively and love them.  I like both synthetics and steel, and having multiple instruments is no problem.  I like the sound, and as mbanza said, it's quite refreshing to have a nail that isn't down to the quick from playing steel.  I like to ride bareback, so picks are only used in band performance situations.

ClayTech - Posted - 04/24/2014:  13:02:39

I prefer the sound of nylons strings, and my fingers are much are much happier, too. I can play for long periods without my fingertips getting sore, and my nail never wears out. I will never go back to steel strings.

rudy - Posted - 04/24/2014:  13:42:05

quote:

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Originally posted by ClayTech

I prefer the sound of nylons strings, and my fingers are much are much happier, too. I can play for long periods without my fingertips getting sore, and my nail never wears out. I will never go back to steel strings.

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First, you're waaaaay too young to say never.  Trust me on this one.

Second, the world IS ready for a line of ceramic banjo rims.  Think about it...