RV6 - Posted - 07/13/2016:  08:15:07

I've used Sands strings on several banjos over the last 3 years and like them.  I've also used Nylgut "Supers" and they're a close second choice.  I like the feel of the Sands heavies better than the Supers, though.

I haven't been able to find Sands strings in stock for quite awhile so I thought about giving Clifford Essex heavies a try. 

Any comments on how the Sands heavies and Essex heavies compare would be great.

Viper - Posted - 07/13/2016:  10:40:09

Yeah, what's going on with the Sands strings? I've noticed their unavailability too. Though to my delight, I discovered I had bought an extra set at one time and totally forgot I had them. I've been meaning to replace my strings for a couple weeks now. 

dpgetman - Posted - 07/13/2016:  11:49:25

Sands strings are great.  I've been back ordered through Elderly for 6 weeks now.  

RV6 - Posted - 07/13/2016:  11:57:32

Sands strings seem to be out of stock in Britain, as well.  This has happened several times since I first discovered these strings.

The Essex strings are in stock in Britain and are priced competitively with Sands when you order three sets but I hate to order 3 sets and find out they don't sound as good as Sands.

Bufo Bill - Posted - 07/13/2016:  13:54:16

I have two sets of mediums for sale or trade in the classifieds if anyone is interested . . .

All the best from Bill. :D

RV6 - Posted - 08/05/2016:  15:33:26

I contacted Elderly about Chris Sands strings availability and received this reply:

"Hi Bob -

Sorry for the wait. Apparently the manufacturer Chris was using abruptly went out of business last winter and then there were some issues with the new maker. Our understanding is that prototypes are being checked out by Chris with product expected to ship maybe later this month. We will look into the Essex strings.

Regards, Ray"

So, anyone have experience with Essex nylon strings?

wtalley - Posted - 08/07/2016:  17:07:19

This doesn't answer your question, but it is another option.

I've been using nylon strings for 30+ years now.  I was using the Chris Sands strings since they first came out.  However, about five years ago I was breaking 1st and 5th strings like crazy.  On the advice of a fellow classic banjo player, I started using D'Addario Pro Atre classical guitar strings.  In my opinion they are better than the Chris Sands strings.  I buy single strings and make up my own sets.  I get them from Strings and Beyond.

Treble: stringsandbeyond.com/dclgusistclt.html

4th: stringsandbeyond.com/dclgusistclb.html

RV6 - Posted - 08/08/2016:  05:42:32

William,   Sounds like a darned good option to me and I think I'll give them a shot. 

I've been using Sands Heavies on my 24 3/4" scale banjos.  Would replacing them with the same gage D'Addario strings be the thing to do?

The Sands heavy 4th string is .028 silver wound.  I see that D'Addario has a "silver wound 029/J54 alternative 4th" but couldn't find what the "J54" stands for on D'Addario's web site.  Do you have any idea?

Thanks for the helpful post.