RevSpyder - Posted - 08/09/2015:  16:16:46

I have a tailpiece with the little hooks that are pressed out of the metal, which works fine for steel strings. However, it's really awkward to use for nylon. The holes are right above the hooks, so there's no room for a knot. After my fifth string snapped ghost-like all by itself while I was watching TV and the banjo was hanging on the wall, I put a new fifth string on it but not having another immediate solution handy I tied it to the adjusting screw for the tailpiece.

Mine isn't identical to this one, but the parts I'm talking about are pretty close, if that helps.

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So my question is: would there be a problem if I tied all the strings onto the same screw and then just fed them through the holes in the tailpiece? Is this too much tension on the adjustment screw? Any other problems I might not be aware of?

Thanks!

RioStat - Posted - 08/09/2015:  16:20:36

Why tie the strings to anything?

Just tie knots onto the end of the string, then feed the open end thru the holes, let the knots butt up against the tailpiece holes.

Kinda like this photo....

google.com/search?q=Nylon+banj...C45yNM%3A

Edited by - RioStat on 08/09/2015 16:22:47

rudy - Posted - 08/09/2015:  17:04:02

IF your tailpiece holes are small enough to prevent a tied knot from pulling through you can use the "specialized" Ashley's stopper knot that forms a three lobed knot that distributes stress and minimizes string breakage at the knot.

Here's a "how to tie" diagram from my website:

bluestemstrings.com/AshleysStopperKnot.pdf

RevSpyder - Posted - 08/09/2015:  17:11:21

Scott, thanks -- I didn't know how to do that, but it looks like Rudy has come to the rescue! Rudy, I'll try that next time I change strings for sure. I'm printing up a copy of your diagram as we speak. What a great help, thanks to you both!

BTW, what kind of beads? I'm familiar with glass beads for decorative beadwork, but that would seem fragile...

Fathand - Posted - 08/09/2015:  17:26:39

You could tie your strings to the metal "balls" that come on the end of broken or used guitar strings.

RevSpyder - Posted - 08/09/2015:  17:29:45

Got lots of them -- whoopee!

rudy - Posted - 08/09/2015:  17:36:35

quote:

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Originally posted by RevSpyder

 

Scott, thanks -- I didn't know how to do that, but it looks like Rudy has come to the rescue! Rudy, I'll try that next time I change strings for sure. I'm printing up a copy of your diagram as we speak. What a great help, thanks to you both!



BTW, what kind of beads? I'm familiar with glass beads for decorative beadwork, but that would seem fragile...

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The bead shown in the diagram is NOT necessary for banjo use, it's used when the stopper knot is used to retain a string held against the bridge plate of a ukulele.  Use the same knot (no bead) when using with a banjo tailpiece.