mrussell - Posted - 07/14/2014:  10:41:26

Folks, I've recently strung 4 banjos with nygut strings.  Having tried both bowline and figure eight knots at the tailpiece, I've settled on figure eight knots; especially since I've popped two strings using bowlines and none with figure eights.  Websites and forum posts I've found seem equally split between the two knots.

So, first, does someone use a different knot that they found works well with nyguts?  

Second, the nyguts I have bought recently feel different that the ones I've in the past.  Hard to describe the difference, but it's kind of like a pasta noodle that has lots of water in it vice just enough to make it pliable.  So is this my imagination, or have the way they are being made changed any?

Mike

Edited by - mrussell on 07/14/2014 10:42:37

banjered - Posted - 07/14/2014:  11:19:50

I tie an overhand "catch knott" at the very tip if the string such that either a figure 8 knot or even a simpler overhand knott captures the knot. On the wound string I use a bowling such that you end up with two strands passing over the sharp bend in the tail piece. The strings last from months to years. The maker is experimenting with different formulas for his strings so they indeed might feel/act different. A lot of people prefer the red series but some including me thing they are more brittle and prone to breakage.

Again, watch out for burrs anywhere the string touches or they'll slice them in short order. I use either a Rickard version of the no-knot or Fieldings tailpieces for nylguts, both very smooth. Banjered

trapdoor2 - Posted - 07/14/2014:  11:31:39

I use a clinch knot...not the "improved clinch knot" (although that would work too). I don't use as many twists as usually called for, mostly just 3 turns. Been using it on Nylgut, gut and nylon for many years.

howtoflyfish.orvis.com/fly-fis...animation

Jonnycake White - Posted - 07/14/2014:  11:39:24

I've used a timber hitch usually, but that is with a wood tailpiece with holes for the strings.

My crank-necked tackhead minstrel banjo

rudy - Posted - 07/14/2014:  11:52:55

Check the knot "how-to" photos on "Nuts" home page.

john bange - Posted - 07/14/2014:  13:59:57

I use the clinch knot...no problems...but I also use fishing line

oldtimer - Posted - 07/14/2014:  14:39:11

For Nylgut on a No-Knot tailpiece, I use a bowline:

zeppmusic.com/bowline.htm

stay tooned...

Glenn Godsey

mbanza - Posted - 07/14/2014:  15:22:27

Perfection loop has always done well for me:  netknots.com/fishing_knots/per...ion-loop/

The Old Timer - Posted - 07/14/2014:  17:07:09

I use a bowline.

cbcarlisle - Posted - 07/14/2014:  23:03:10

I've never used anything fancy: just an overhand loop (with another at the end if it's slippery so it won't pull through).

etparadox - Posted - 07/14/2014:  23:14:09

It depends on what kind of tailpiece it is and what knot I remember, but I'll normally do a bowline, sometimes a figure eight. 

Culloden - Posted - 07/15/2014:  03:54:55

An arbor knot works well. It is the knot used to attach fly line backing to a reel. I think it has probably been described already by different names.