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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/331115
majesty - Posted - 05/27/2017: 07:44:39
I acquired an old S S Stewart 5 string. I am interested in the difference between nylgut and steel strings, regarding volume and tone. I won't dare ask whether steel strings are okay on the old banjo, because that is a controversial topic, as I have observed.
rmcdow - Posted - 05/27/2017: 08:05:21
You might also consider gut strings. They have very good volume, and I love the tone. Here's a source. cliffordessex.net/index.php?_a...ductId=16
csacwp - Posted - 05/27/2017: 08:14:25
Well, you didn't ask but I will answer. Your old Stewart was not made to be played with steel strings and cannot handle the tension. Using real gut is a good option and better than nylgut (which are far too thick), but if you want to stick with nylon I recommend period-correct gauges: .017, .019, .023, .024w, .017. Rectified nylon will sound very similar to real gut, more similar than Nylgut in my experience. To answer your question about tone, with a period bridge and correct action height (and tight calfskin or cloudy Remo head) the thin nylon strings will be far louder and brighter than steel. If you want a modern, mellow tone you could always install a thicker skin and stuff the banjo or install a Fiberskyn head.
Edited by - csacwp on 05/27/2017 08:16:22
rudy - Posted - 05/27/2017: 08:19:24
I like both steel and synthetic strings for different reasons, but I normally prefer the less-edgy tone of the Nylguts. The red series are a bit brighter, but for all around performance the "New Nylgut" formulation is hard to beat.
As far as volume goes, if the setup correct and specifically if you use a low mass two foot bridge then the Nylguts will be very similar in volume to steel strings. I also prefer as much after-length between the bridge and tailpiece as possible, so a No Knot or other minimal non-adjustable tailpiece works better for me.
The largest disadvantage to using synthetics is if you go between various tunings often it's a bit of a pain as it takes a bit more time to settle in after re-tuning. Steel strings don't suffer that problem obviously.
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