k1banjo - Posted - 06/18/2017:  13:22:46

Hey all, I need alittle friendly advice.  I have a standard scale fretless banjo that I would like to put nylon strings on.  I have had the nut and bridge filed out 10 or so years ago.  At that time I put some Nylguts on the banjo, but really do not remember which kind.  I would like to be able to tune the banjo to A or D if possible.  After reading many forum threads, I decided to buy a couple of sets Savarez yellow card 520J strings.  It seems that I can tune the nylon strings up to standard G tuning, but the wound strings break about an inch and half from the tail piece  (not touching any part of banjo) when I am about 2 whole steps from the proper note.  Much obliged for any advice.  Bob

Edited by - k1banjo on 06/18/2017 13:24:06

banjered - Posted - 06/19/2017:  08:15:02

The lack of response to your question is because of the abiguity of your question. Anyway, the 520J is HIGH tension which means it shouldn't be pushed too hard for high tunings such as the A&D you mention. You need LOW tension strings which might make it possible. I'd recommend the extra light Nylguts available at Elderly music. banjered

trapdoor2 - Posted - 06/19/2017:  11:52:20

I always wonder about these threads.  You say you're breaking the wound strings...I've never, ever broke a wound string! (I have had the windings unravel as I wore thru them though).

It is very hard to say what the problem is. These strings should do fine on a banjo with a normal scale length (24 to 26 inches). You should at least get them up to standard tuning.

Let me ask a question though. You say "the wound strings break". There should be only a single wound string (4th). Are you using a single guitar set to string up your banjo? If so, you are probably using the 1st to mount on the 5th string of the banjo, the 2nd in the 1st banjo position, the 3rd in the 2nd banjo position, the 4th in the 3rd banjo position and the 5th in the 4th position. This usage will break strings.

There are two ways to cure this issue (if this is indeed the issue). 1. buy a separate 1st (high E) string. Use it for the 5th string and then use the regular guitar set, discarding the 5th and 6th. 2. Buy two sets of guitar strings and use the 1st (high E) from one set for the 5th string. Reserve the rest of that set for replacements, etc.

banjered - Posted - 06/19/2017:  13:04:32

Appreciate trapdoor. He said what I would if I wanted to type more for an ambiguous situation... banjered

mikehalloran - Posted - 06/19/2017:  17:16:51

NylGut plain strings can get very tight before breaking. The TU23 is the Concert set but the strings are extra long so you can install them on a baritone uke and tune all the way up to tenor GCAE.

I have broken many a wound string by tuning too tight. For some reason, when I was younger, I'd put a classical wound A in the D position and have it snap on the way up.

As has been mentioned the trick is to use regular or soft tension, not hard or extra hard.

k1banjo - Posted - 06/19/2017:  19:23:51

quote:

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Originally posted by banjered

 

The lack of response to your question is because of the abiguity of your question. Anyway, the 520J is HIGH tension which means it shouldn't be pushed too hard for high tunings such as the A&D you mention. You need LOW tension strings which might make it possible. I'd recommend the extra light Nylguts available at Elderly music. banjered

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Very helpful and enlightening response concerning high and low tension.  Thanks

k1banjo - Posted - 06/19/2017:  19:29:21

quote:

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Originally posted by mikehalloran

 

NylGut plain strings can get very tight before breaking. The TU23 is the Concert set but the strings are extra long so you can install them on a baritone uke and tune all the way up to tenor GCAE.

I have broken many a wound string by tuning too tight. For some reason, when I was younger, I'd put a classical wound A in the D position and have it snap on the way up.

As has been mentioned the trick is to use regular or soft tension, not hard or extra hard.

 Thank you very much for the advice...very helpful.

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