HoosierDoodles - Posted - 10/18/2019:  08:26:55

I have decided that I really want to play a nylon strung banjo. I have an Epiphone MB-100 Open Back banjo that I am going to take to a music shop and have them set it up and while there I am going to have them swap the head for a FIberskyn one as well as adjust the nut for Nylgut strings.
Anyone have any advice on converting an Epiphone over to Nylon? I know it is popular to do it with Deering Goodtimes. I am planning to purchase the Aquila Super Nylgut strings from Amazon, as well as the head and take it to the shop on Monday. Thought I would check with the group experts here before making the commitment :)

banjered - Posted - 10/18/2019:  08:36:09

I suggest a renaissance head. Having put many heads on banjos, I think the combo of nylgut plus Fiberskin would over-quiet the banjo and make it muddy rather than just mellow. banjered

HoosierDoodles - Posted - 10/18/2019:  09:09:46

quote:

---

Originally posted by banjered

I suggest a renaissance head. Having put many heads on banjos, I think the combo of nylgut plus Fiberskin would over-quiet the banjo and make it muddy rather than just mellow. banjered

---

Thank you!  I was looking at a Renaissance head and could not decide.  They don't seem to be as readily available on Amazon but I will definetely go with your suggestion.

HoosierDoodles - Posted - 10/18/2019:  09:23:07

quote:

---

Originally posted by banjered

I suggest a renaissance head. Having put many heads on banjos, I think the combo of nylgut plus Fiberskin would over-quiet the banjo and make it muddy rather than just mellow. banjered

---

Should I bother changing the head? Do you think it will make that much of a difference?

banjered - Posted - 10/18/2019:  09:46:28

I can tell a difference but every banjo is different no matter how generic. I suggest you put the nylguts on what you have (and give them at least a week or two to settle out and tone up), don't trim the extra string off, and then try the Ren head, which you can get at Elderly music or Smakula music. You have a good banjo for experimenting with to see and learn what does what. 99.2% of all banjo players are inveterate tinkerers (they have to be if they want good tone!). banjered

JimInAlabama - Posted - 10/18/2019:  10:11:06

quote:

---

Originally posted by HoosierDoodles

Anyone have any advice on converting an Epiphone over to Nylon?

---

The Super Nylguts are tougher than the originals but you still need to make sure there are no sharp edges or burrs that could cut into the strings.  I'd pay close attention to the tailpiece, there may be some sharp edges there that'll need to be filed smooth.

I'm with Banjered on the head, I'd change the strings first.  If that doesn't do it for ya try a different head.  Some people like Fiberskyn heads but I've tried 'em two different banjos of mine and didn't care for the sound.  I don't know what sound you're looking for but if you're trying to take out some of the clangy harshness you might consider trying a No-Knot tailpiece, a pretty inexpensive item, easy to change and probably more Nylgut friendly than the tailpiece that's on it now.

Edited by - JimInAlabama on 10/18/2019 10:17:53

HoosierDoodles - Posted - 10/18/2019:  10:32:33

quote:

---

Originally posted by JimInAlabama

quote:

---

Originally posted by HoosierDoodles

Anyone have any advice on converting an Epiphone over to Nylon?

---

The Super Nylguts are tougher than the originals but you still need to make sure there are no sharp edges or burrs that could cut into the strings.  I'd pay close attention to the tailpiece, there may be some sharp edges there that'll need to be filed smooth.

I'm with Banjered on the head, I'd change the strings first.  If that doesn't do it for ya try a different head.  Some people like Fiberskyn heads but I've tried 'em two different banjos of mine and didn't care for the sound.  I don't know what sound you're looking for but if you're trying to take out some of the clangy harshness you might consider trying a No-Knot tailpiece, a pretty inexpensive item, easy to change and probably more Nylgut friendly than the tailpiece that's on it now.

---

I think I found the tail piece you are referring too....Golden Gate P-115 No Knot Tailpiece on Amazon?  If that is the one then I will purchase it now and forgo the head until I get the nylgut strings on there.

Edited by - HoosierDoodles on 10/18/2019 10:34:46

HoosierDoodles - Posted - 10/18/2019:  10:36:33

I am hoping to find a more old-time sound. I love Rhiannon Giddens' sound and other nylon strung players. I am hoping to be convert my banjo over to see how much difference there is with playing nylon strungs. The Epiphone is my beater, second banjo so I don't mind experimenting.

JimInAlabama - Posted - 10/18/2019:  10:47:45

quote:

---

Originally posted by HoosierDoodles

---

I think I found the tail piece you are referring too....Golden Gate P-115 No Knot Tailpiece on Amazon?  If that is the one then I will purchase it now and forgo the head until I get the nylgut strings on there.

Yep, if you wanna try a no-knot that one will work.  Your Epi will never sound like Rhiannan's banjo but the no-knot puts less down pressure on the strings and should mellow it a little.  Also probably will need to use a fair amount of stuffing to mellow it down.

Bob Smakula sells that tailpiece as well, I think for $10.  (he sells Nylguts too and may have the Supers in stock, just sayin! )

smakula.com/nbp.html 

Edited by - JimInAlabama on 10/18/2019 10:49:05

JimInAlabama - Posted - 10/18/2019:  11:02:53

quote:

---

Originally posted by HoosierDoodles

The Epiphone is my beater, second banjo so I don't mind experimenting.

---

I went through several banjos, and all the things you're doing, plus different bridges, on every one of them!   What I found was that my tastes changed as I got into it.  And I finally discovered that for me it took a skin head to get the sound I wanted.  I finally did get .... THE ONE!  At least for now anyway.

The experimenting has been part of the attraction for me, have fun with it!!  

HoosierDoodles - Posted - 10/18/2019:  11:32:41

quote:

---

Originally posted by JimInAlabama

quote:

---

Originally posted by HoosierDoodles

---

I think I found the tail piece you are referring too....Golden Gate P-115 No Knot Tailpiece on Amazon?  If that is the one then I will purchase it now and forgo the head until I get the nylgut strings on there.

Yep, if you wanna try a no-knot that one will work.  Your Epi will never sound like Rhiannan's banjo but the no-knot puts less down pressure on the strings and should mellow it a little.  Also probably will need to use a fair amount of stuffing to mellow it down.

Bob Smakula sells that tailpiece as well, I think for $10.  (he sells Nylguts too and may have the Supers in stock, just sayin! )

smakula.com/nbp.html 

 

---

I do love the sound of Rhiannon's Minstrel Banjo!  I am hoping to at least get a more old-timey sound with some nylgut strings.  And now a new tailpiece to boot thanks to you!