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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/319995
laguna21dc - Posted - 06/28/2016: 02:34:07
Picked up an old Fairbanks 5 string and need advice on what strings to use. New to gut strings and could use advice of where to buy and how to set up...........................or is it possible to use light gage steel strings on an old Fairbanks neck? It has tuning pegs but I could install friction tuners without drilling the peghead?
Edited by - laguna21dc on 06/28/2016 02:37:53
mbanza - Posted - 06/28/2016: 06:54:58
I have a couple Tu-ba-phones strung with nylon. Scale length is 24 inches, string diameters are 0.024 x 2, 0.029, 0.034, 0.026w. About ten pounds tension each string.
Your scale is likely a bit longer so you might try 0.022 x 2, 0.027, 0.032, 0.024w. Use a very light weight bridge: Mine are in the neighborhood of 0.8 gram.
I get mine as singles from Strings by Mail: stringsbymail.com/search/resul...0&y=0
Edited by - mbanza on 06/28/2016 06:57:34
Bufo Bill - Posted - 06/28/2016: 14:24:00
My advice for nylon strings is to buy a few sets at once, different gauges and varieties, because then you can save on buying multiple packs, and you can experiment to find your preferred brand and tone etc.
Don't use steel strings of any gauge on antique banjos, eventually the neck will bend and buckle.
Linked to the Polymer Strings group page.
All the best from Bill. :D
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