tmjudd1 - Posted - 03/07/2018:  14:37:27

I've never used nylon strings on 'anything' before. I'm now building a gourd banjo that needs them. What are you folks choices for good strings, and why you prefer those strings?

link-o-sausages - Posted - 03/07/2018:  14:55:19

I like Aquila. Classic, minstrel and super reds are my go to strings. They are finicky and will snap with the slightest burr or sharp angle. I have fishing line on a few of my fretless and it works fine.

Texican65 - Posted - 03/07/2018:  20:01:03

I’ve tried Aquila over the years...they’re ok...but not my favorites. LaBella no.17’s are a good nylon. I’ve used those for decades. The older 17s were thinner and had more snap to them, the new ones are a little thicker, but probably still a good string. Check ‘em out. I always have enjoyed the feel and tone of the Labellas...and durable
too.

Dow

Jonnycake White - Posted - 03/07/2018:  21:26:56

I've used Aquilas on a few banjos - some classical and some Minstrel gauge. I like them OK, but they do take time to settle in. I haven't had any problem with them breaking - possibly because I am aware of the problems sharp edges cause them and try to make sure I don't have any on my tailpieces and string posts.

link-o-sausages - Posted - 03/07/2018:  21:54:15

Classical guitar strings will do the trick too if you want something with a little meat. they are less prone to the typical issues you have with thinner banjo style strings.

Ken LeVan - Posted - 03/09/2018:  17:56:35

I  don't know anything about gourd banjos, but I have been trying to find the right nylon string combination for a 12" fretless banjo, and have done some considerable experimentation, having designed 3 tailpieces along the way, since that was a problem.  I now have settled on a mixture of different strings that work for me, but my banjo is different than yours.

Nylon banjo strings are strange, and my advice would be to not expect to find the perfect thing right off the bat, but start with something very standard, and I would suggest the Aquila Nylgut "Classic" set, whatever they are now calling it, as a starting point, and go from there.