Johnny Bell - Posted - 08/06/2017:  10:59:26

Hello community! I recently procured a no name antique 5 string. It has a beautiful slot head and a 25" scale length. I would like to string it with Nylgut strings. After looking at the various options, I am having trouble deciding what to use. I had no idea there were so many different options! What would you all recommend? What style of Nylgut have you had success with? Personally, I am not a fan of the look of the red strings, but if the sound is superior I would consider these. Thanks in advance! 

Texican65 - Posted - 08/06/2017:  12:35:02

Real gut strings sound the best to me, I've ordered them from Dr. Horsehair before, and also the Clifford Essex Company. And for nylgut, I havent ever really been pleased with the Aquila strings, Labella no. 17s and Chris Sands nylgut are the best soundng and playing to my ears and hands. I'd stay away from fishing line, although it can be used, it just isnt as bright or as easy to keep in tune. Good luck and happy picking, let us know what you decide to go with.

Dow

banjered - Posted - 08/06/2017:  13:56:31

I like Nylgut, have them strung on 3 of my 6 banjos.  If you want standard "G" tuning get the medium set. They were having trouble with the reds breaking but I think that has been resolved. I tried a set of all reds when they were breaking (and they did!) and thought the sound was  too thin and plastic as compared to the regular whites.  You never know how any set of strings are going to sound on any banjo until your try them, so, worth a shot. Currently I am using a set with the unwound red fourth and it sounds and plays just fine.  If you plan to do any singing you might consider the low D/E set if it matches the pitch of your voice better. I have two banjos strung in the low D tuning - dADF#A - works fine. I use them until they  break which takes years usually. banjered

davidppp - Posted - 08/06/2017:  14:14:13

At standard pitch(es), with a 25" scale, you should be OK with the Reds without major risk of breaking. I like them a lot. They sound more "organic" and maybe raspier and less mellow than the new cream-colored ones and might be at a bit higher tension. On a 27 1/4" scale, I tried the new cream ones for the first time recently. They're nice, but the Reds would still be my own first choice if it weren't for the threat of breaking at that scale (-- even with the "nuova formula").