DonH60 - Posted - 09/22/2015:  08:08:21

I thought better than to put this post on the other thread about "new" Aquila strings. Regarding breakage of  numbers 1 and 5 with Red Aquila's: I strung up a new mountain banjo with Reds, using bowline knots as recommended, only to have the 5th string snap fairly soon after the strings were up to tension and tuned. Luckily I had a spare! Looking closely at the knots I thought 1 and 5 might be crimped a little short with the bowline knot. I retied 1 and 5 using the  "clinch" knot and more than a year later they haven't broken yet and stay in tune> FWIW

JimmyJam47 - Posted - 09/22/2015:  10:07:29

Try the "Perfection Loop" knot. practice with your broken string until you know how to make a consistently sized loop. I've used a few different kinds of nylon strings and never had a problem with it. However, prior to switching to the perfection loop, which I used a lot for fly fishing, I used the bowline and did experience a couple breaks. Give it a shot, it's a great knot for many uses.

BrentSims - Posted - 09/22/2015:  11:07:01

While it is an expensive fix I really like playing on Aquila Red strings and since switching to a cammed no-knot tailpiece using Aquila Red strings has been problem free.

Brent

JimInAlabama - Posted - 09/22/2015:  12:03:44

Don and Brent, a couple of questions please ....... what is the scale length of your banjo?     And, are you tuning low, or up to standard pitch?

I think there are different knots that will work well for synthetic strings ..... when tied cleanly!  The bowline didn't work well for me either,  A well known old time banjo guy suggested I try a simple overhand knot and it works well for me.  It's really easy for my old eyes and hands to tie cleanly and I've not had a string break at the knot.  If what you're using works for you great, it not this is just another option you might try.

BrentSims - Posted - 09/22/2015:  13:20:45

The picture I posted is of My Vega Old Tyme Wonder. The Scale Length Nut to Bridge 26 1/4" and it it tuned gDGBD - Open G. I've got a cammed no-knot for my Goodtime American however I don't plan to install it until I have to replace the strings and the Aquila Red strings on it are holding up nicely. I'm using the standard Deering tailpiece on it and a basic overhand knot with 3 or so extra loops in it. The Americana is also tuned to Open G. I found a post here on BHO where such a knot was recommended (sorry can't find it again) and it is working nicely for me though I do plan to switch the Americana to a cammed no-knot too.

The reason I like the cammed no-knot is knotting the strings is a (old age...) bit difficult and tends to be quite frustrating for me. With the cammed no-knot replacing the strings is a frustration free couple of minutes and we're done kind of thing.

Brent

Edited by - BrentSims on 09/22/2015 13:29:42

JimInAlabama - Posted - 09/22/2015:  19:34:54

Thanks Brent.