janpentz - Posted - 09/02/2019:  07:39:55

Can you use fishing line for nylon strings?? Just wondering......

rudy - Posted - 09/02/2019:  07:46:54

Use fluorocarbon leader, technically "fishing line" but with better attributes for musical instrument use. It doesn't stretch out as much, settles in faster, has less of a tendency to thin out unevenly (resulting in poor note intonation), and has a better under-hand feel.

It's available in test weights of 10 to over 100 pounds, exact test weight for each string depends on scale length of your particular instrument and what tuning it will be used with.

janpentz - Posted - 09/02/2019:  08:02:27

I have a 4 string that I want to set up like a ukulele with a high G 4th string. The scale is 27 inches. I can't find any uke strings that long, and then I remember something about using fishing line as a substitute. I know it sounds weird but you can actually claw-hammer on a ukulele, but you need the high G for authenticity.........Any suggestions on what pound test I should get??

BrooksMT - Posted - 09/02/2019:  08:09:07

I've used fishline (Walmart), and it works. But, at some point, you will probably want to get better strings. I've been very happy with LaBella #17 strings. They are cheaper than the Aquila strings, and don't suffer from Aquila problems. Aquila's are fine for pros, but I'm happy with the improved (over fishline) tones of the LaBella's, with much less hassle than the more expensive Aquila's.

Joel Hooks - Posted - 09/02/2019:  09:25:46

Yes you can, but they tend to be "false" or uneven in thickness.  If you don't care about intonation then go for it.  You will still need to buy a wound 4th.

Strings are cheap.  I also use Labella, but I buy their singles.

steveh_2o - Posted - 09/02/2019:  09:26:17

I use fishing line on some little folk instruments.  I never have tried it on a actual full sized head banjo.  This little gourd banjo has 20,30,50,80,20 lb. test from Walmart on it.

youtube.com/watch?v=suw8Lq3F7zo

tbeeson58 - Posted - 09/02/2019:  11:07:37

Rudy has a point about Fluorocarbon line, but be careful with the word "leader." If you happen into a fly fishing shop or department, you will find "Fluorocarbon Leaders" but they are mostly tapered, so big on one end to very thin on the other.



Fluorocarbon would have the advantage over monofilament in the stretch factor. Mono will tend to "loosen" over time when under tension. FC will resist this change. Another factor to consider (even though it might not make a lot of difference) would be the tensile strength vs. diameter on different brands. Cheaper brands will have a much looser tolerance in diameter, so will vary even within a few inches.



(This from a guy who spent 25 years in the plastics industry and a lifetime of fishing.)



I like the idea of taking actual fishing line and using it on an instrument... There is a certain charm there. Just think how those hillbillies way back in the mountains and those old blues guys down in the delta years ago had to improvise if they broke a string. Not a lot of music stores, Amazon, or money for that matter floating around...

Edited by - tbeeson58 on 09/02/2019 11:08:49

Ken LeVan - Posted - 09/02/2019:  12:20:59

I would use nylon strings actually intended for musical instruments.

LaBella sells single strings in every gauge from 16 to 45, so you can make your own set.  The ones the right size for a tenor banjo cost $1.50 - $1.75 ea, so you are talking  $6-$7 for a set.

labella.com/strings/category/r...truments/

Hawk54 - Posted - 09/02/2019:  14:55:58

I use worth flurocarbon strings on my ukuleles , they settle in fast ,are easy on your fingers and last a very long time. They don' t use wound strings at all ,which can be a problem having to change out regularly . Low g is flurocarbon ,as are all the others .made in japan ,fairly pricey ,but are long enough to get two sets in each packet.

rudy - Posted - 09/02/2019:  15:20:43

quote:

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Originally posted by Hawk54

I use worth flurocarbon strings on my ukuleles , they settle in fast ,are easy on your fingers and last a very long time. They don' t use wound strings at all ,which can be a problem having to change out regularly . Low g is flurocarbon ,as are all the others .made in japan ,fairly pricey ,but are long enough to get two sets in each packet.

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Worths are highly respected in the uke community, I've been lamenting for a few years now that they should supply a set for 5 string banjo.

If he would produce a 5 string set with both a plain and an wound fourth string then he would satisfy both the plain forth and the wound forth users who are pretty much equally split on which string they prefer for a fourth.

I know that the owner originally sought out bulk fluorocarbon line that would satisfy his needs and then launched the company to market his strings.  He specifies the brown coloration and rectification of the material which provides strings that intonate well.

You can easily find fluorocarbon line produced in Japan that many think is a superior product.  I ordered 25 yard bulk spools of Seaguar fluorocarbon leader from Cabela's.

Edited by - rudy on 09/02/2019 15:33:54

rudy - Posted - 09/02/2019:  15:39:22

Here's a Seaguar chart to convert test weight (pounds) to actual diameter of the fluorocarbon leader material:

Seaguar® Blue Label Fluorocarbon Leader Material ? 25-Yard Spool:

MacCruiskeen - Posted - 09/02/2019:  18:19:23

quote:

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Originally posted by rudy

quote:

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Originally posted by Hawk54

I use worth flurocarbon strings on my ukuleles , they settle in fast ,are easy on your fingers and last a very long time. They don' t use wound strings at all ,which can be a problem having to change out regularly . Low g is flurocarbon ,as are all the others .made in japan ,fairly pricey ,but are long enough to get two sets in each packet.

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Worths are highly respected in the uke community, I've been lamenting for a few years now that they should supply a set for 5 string banjo.

If he would produce a 5 string set with both a plain and an wound fourth string then he would satisfy both the plain forth and the wound forth users who are pretty much equally split on which string they prefer for a fourth.

 

 

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I suppose you could try swapping out a wound single from another source, but you might be a little trial and error to find a good match.