banjofool469 - Posted - 06/12/2014:  14:39:38

I am going to try some Nylgut strings on an Enoch Tradesman. It has the original (no knot?) tail piece. What is the best way to attach the strings to the tailpiece?  Thanks, Jim Gibb 

dustyelmer - Posted - 06/12/2014:  15:45:32

I'm not sure what the best knot is, but I use an improved clinch knot when I attach nylgut to my no-knot.

etparadox - Posted - 06/12/2014:  16:48:03

I use a bowline. It's easy to tie and doesn't slip. 

SFI - Posted - 06/12/2014:  17:26:59

I use a figure 8 knot. Once settled in there are no slipping issues.

Bob Smakula

banjofool469 - Posted - 06/12/2014:  17:38:08

quote:

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Originally posted by SFI

I use a figure 8 knot. Once settled in there are no slipping issues.

 

Bob Smakula

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Do you make the knot in the end of the string, put the string through the groove in the tail piece pin and then basically let the knot jam under the pin? Seems like that could work.  Jim

BlowingRockNC - Posted - 06/12/2014:  18:04:04

mugwumps.com/no_knot.html

You don't need to tie a knot, thus the name "no knot" tailpiece. See the above link for directions, focusing on the second illustration. This is how I do it. Easy and no knots needed. Just saying.

stevel - Posted - 06/12/2014:  19:35:09

I use a bowline. Found the instructions on Zepp's website. 

banjofool469 - Posted - 06/12/2014:  19:40:50

quote:

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Originally posted by BlowingRockNC

mugwumps.com/no_knot.html

 

You don't need to tie a knot, thus the name "no knot" tailpiece. See the above link for directions, focusing on the second illustration. This is how I do it. Easy and no knots needed. Just saying.

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What could be easier?  Thanks, Jim

stevel - Posted - 06/12/2014:  20:01:14

Make sure the tailpiece is nice and smooth with no burrs. 

etparadox - Posted - 06/12/2014:  21:44:14

I tied to use the no-knot as it was designed and found it did a better job of cutting and letting loose strings that it did holding them in place. I've got a feeling they worked better with real gut than they do with smooth nylon. 

BlowingRockNC - Posted - 06/13/2014:  04:57:45

quote:

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Originally posted by etparadox

I tied to use the no-knot as it was designed and found it did a better job of cutting and letting loose strings that it did holding them in place. I've got a feeling they worked better with real gut than they do with smooth nylon. 

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This is true if you have sharp edges on the tailpiece or if you allow the strings to get so loose that there's no tension to hold the string in place. But, if used correctly, you don't need a knot. Of course, there's nothing at all wrong with using a knot or a loop. It's just personal preference.

BlowingRockNC - Posted - 06/13/2014:  05:02:53

By the way, you can think of this the other way around. Do you tie a knot at the tuning peg on the headstock? Most folks do the same thing to hold the strings in place at the tuning peg, and they've done that forever. Tension will hold the strings tight, only the strings will come loose if you take the tension away, so be careful to make sure enough tension stays on the strings to keep them tight. I haven't had a problem, but you can't exclude the possibility.

Page47 - Posted - 06/13/2014:  06:41:23

I prefer a surgeon's loop, but I'm just used to fishing knots...

animatedknots.com/surgeonsloop/

Mark Johnson - Posted - 06/13/2014:  09:16:05

quote:

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Originally posted by BlowingRockNC

mugwumps.com/no_knot.html

 

You don't need to tie a knot, thus the name "no knot" tailpiece. See the above link for directions, focusing on the second illustration. This is how I do it. Easy and no knots needed. Just saying.

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While this is indeed the whole point of the No Knot (genius name, btw), I've found most of the modern reproduction versions will give you fits when trying to use no knot.  The poles are too close together, making the thick-ish nylgut strings a real pain to loop around as originally intended.  Sharp edges in the slot can cause strings to break where they bend over that edge, too.  

I've given up fussing with it and use a bowline instead.  It actually easier for me, and I get to daydream about a rabbit coming out of a hole and darting around a tree... which is fun.