Andyrhydycreuau - Posted - 11/23/2020:  08:21:40

Totally unscientific. But then music isn't science, right. (Except for the physics of sound, the chemistry of the string polymers and the biology of the human animal......)
There's a quick version, edited to just playing to hear differences. And a long version with full commentary.

VIDEO: A Comparison of Nylon Type Banjo Strings.
(click to view)

VIDEO: A Comparison of Nylon Type Banjo Strings. Full commentary.....
(click to view)

gentrixuk - Posted - 11/23/2020:  09:31:36

Thanks Andy. Interesting to hear a side-by-side comparison. I've been trying some different nylon strings over the last year, and I like them all to some extent, but I think I'm starting to favour using different types to suit different banjos.

I originally fitted my Dallas with Nylgut Reds (only red on the 4th string). I wasn't totally happy with the sound of that, as it was a bit dull and "papery" (best way I can describe it!), so I swapped these for LaBellas, and I think the sound is now much fuller. That banjo has a very specific "edgy" sound to it, though, and a resonator that tends to increase the attack of the sound. I've found Nylguts (white and red) to sound fine on other old banjos, though. I agree that the La Bellas seemed to settle into their tuning quicker than Nylguts, and, for the record, I haven't had any break yet..

I feel like experimenting some more, though. I just ordered some Picato strings (which have a silver wound 4th like the La Bellas, but seem easier to get here). I'm going to try these and see how they sound. Not sure if anyone on here has used these and has any thoughts on them?

AndyW - Posted - 11/23/2020:  11:25:31

Thanks for that. I've recently bought an 'Andybanjo' fretless Aluminium pot banjo with spare set of strings. Based on this, I don't see myself in a rush to suddenly try out any other nylon strings. I can see why you would go for the nylguts if looking for a certain 'mellow' sound, and I suppose that's the idea for a lot of folks when choosing nylon over steel. For me, it was simply the ease of fretting as I didn't particularly want to learn to use my left hand nails to note, I can imagine that contorting my hand to the risk of injury.

Andyrhydycreuau - Posted - 11/23/2020:  12:22:26

quote:

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Originally posted by AndyW

Thanks for that. I've recently bought an 'Andybanjo' fretless Aluminium pot banjo with spare set of strings. Based on this, I don't see myself in a rush to suddenly try out any other nylon strings. I can see why you would go for the nylguts if looking for a certain 'mellow' sound, and I suppose that's the idea for a lot of folks when choosing nylon over steel. For me, it was simply the ease of fretting as I didn't particularly want to learn to use my left hand nails to note, I can imagine that contorting my hand to the risk of injury.

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I think not much difference between La Bella strings and Andybanjo, though perhaps La Bella are a bit less stretchy. 

I like them all tbh, I like the way Nylgut stays in tune better after the first stretch, and they are louder to my ear, but definitely duller, plunkier with out much brightness.

There's not much difference in price now either as Andybanjo seems to have increased his price, you can often find Red Series for about the same price or less if lucky (£9.50 currently for the Andybanjo). La Bella strings are very tricky to find but the prices you see are anything from £6 ish to £12 a set. But almost everywhere they are out of stock, so it's a bit irrelevant.

But there are differences in tone and playability. 

I could never fret with nails on the left hand? Is that what you're supposed to do? Banjo is not supposed to hurt! 

AndyW - Posted - 11/23/2020:  14:29:23

According to my 'reading up' before buying my Fretless, in order to prevent the fretted notes being muted and dull(on a steel strung) compared to the open strings, it's best to use the left hand nails to fret. I think that's also why brass/copper/Formica plates tend to be fitted over the first 5-7 frets with steel strings. Apparently, once you learn to control the pressure it doesn't gouge your nails.

For me, with small hands I don't really fancy the twisting to gets the nails 90 degrees to the strings.

I think you'd get more accurate intonation with the nails.

Edited by - AndyW on 11/23/2020 14:34:03

banjered - Posted - 11/23/2020:  17:28:04

Thanks, that was great. Preference: Andy, La Bella, Aquila. Several unique factors – ƒiberskyn head, aluminum pot, unbroken in strings. The Nylguts sounded muddy. The Andy and La Bella pretty close, brighter, more distinct notes. To me Aquila's take about a week settling in before they sound best. With a wooden pot, different tone rings, and heads, all the above would probably change for me, or not. Again thanks, I am not aware that anyone else has ever done a nylon string comparison (lotta string changing!). banjered

BelfastFiveString - Posted - 11/24/2020:  14:32:54

I've been using the Clifford Essex nylons. I have nowt to compare them to, but I've enjoyed them (and all their strings) for sometime.

Andyrhydycreuau - Posted - 11/24/2020:  23:41:16

quote:

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Originally posted by AndyW

According to my 'reading up' before buying my Fretless, in order to prevent the fretted notes being muted and dull(on a steel strung) compared to the open strings, it's best to use the left hand nails to fret. I think that's also why brass/copper/Formica plates tend to be fitted over the first 5-7 frets with steel strings. Apparently, once you learn to control the pressure it doesn't gouge your nails.

For me, with small hands I don't really fancy the twisting to gets the nails 90 degrees to the strings.

I think you'd get more accurate intonation with the nails.

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Ah, ok, understand now. I don't have a steel strung fretless, but it still sounds a bit too painful! I have Nylgut red series on my fretless.