dandante - Posted - 11/02/2021:  10:53:04

Hi,

I'm not much of a banjo player (or repairer/setup-er), but I recently played someone's tackhead banjo that was strung with Aquila 7B Minstrel ("Nylgut") strings and I loved the sound of it. I thought I might get some of these strings and put them on my neglected banjo (a fretted Enoch Tradesman, last unnumbered prototype) and then I might play it a bit more.

I had a few questions that maybe people here could answer.

1. From what I can see in pictures online, these strings come with either knots on the end or nothing at all on the end (bare end). My banjo currently has steel loop-end strings on it and the tailpiece is set up for loop-end strings. Can I tie my own loops in the Aquila strings or do I need to get a different kind of tailpiece? Any recommendations?

2. Online (stringsandbeyond.com/aq7bmibast.html) it says the strings are "for Briggs dGDF#A tuning only)". My question is - really? I heard the tackhead mentioned earlier played in a number of tunings and it did fine - as long as it was tuned a fourth down from standard, so that (e.g.) G-shape is dADF#A (key of D) and double-C shape is dGDGA (key of G).
is there any reason why I can't use other tunings?

Culloden - Posted - 11/02/2021:  11:02:15

What kind of tailpiece is on your banjo? Lots of tailpieces in use today were designed when gut strings were the norm so it's quite likely you won't have to change the tailpiece.
Aquila Minstrel strings are designed for a lower tuning but you have a little flexibility. Aquila also makes strings for standard tuning so you can tune up to G or Double C.

dandante - Posted - 11/02/2021:  11:24:16

It's a no-knot tailpiece. See attached photo.

I realize I could get strings for standard tuning but I am going for that low plunky sound.

What I was wondering about was the claim that the strings are only to be played in a single tuning. As far as I can tell, they can be played in any tuning as long as it is a fourth below standard tunings.

Thanks.

tailpiece

 

Culloden - Posted - 11/02/2021:  12:07:49

Your tailpiece will be fine. As far as the strings, I don't think I've ever heard of any banjo strings that could only be played in one tuning. If you are going for a lower sound you should be able to use them in a variety of tunings just like any others within reason.

dandante - Posted - 11/02/2021:  12:31:54

Thanks. I'm unclear though exactly what I will need to do with the strings. Since they are bare end, I'll need to tie my own loops, is that right?

Half Barbaric Twanger - Posted - 11/02/2021:  13:24:25

If the string has a knot (and if the knot is big enough), you can just run the string through the slot on top (the one that looks like it's built for a screwdriver). Years ago, I got some steel strings with a bead on the end, and that's how I installed those. A knot or a bead ought to work about the same.

Good luck
Bill

Knows Picker - Posted - 11/02/2021:  13:32:21

I've found that the Aquilas are quite stretchy and should be able to adapt to different tunings.

If you do "pop" one, its also a lot less scary than busting a metal string, they usually just go "pop" and lay there rather than going ZING right for your eye.

Watch out for sharp edges on any place the strings contact, that is usually the cause of repeat failures. And of course, a little pencil lead in the nut and bridge gaps helps them slide over those points more easily. They may take a few days to really settle in tune, but the plunky sound in the end is worth it!

JollyRogers - Posted - 11/02/2021:  13:32:26

or you can tie a bowline knot and loop it around the posts.

Zachary Hoyt - Posted - 11/02/2021:  13:33:40

The way I do it is to tie a bowline hitch in the end of each string, and then slide the resulting loop over the string post on the tailpiece. With minstrel strings it will be a bit of a tight fit and you may have to use the back of a butterknife or something to push the loops over the posts, as they will also rub on the adjacent posts a bit, but once you get them there they will stay just fine.

Knows Picker - Posted - 11/02/2021:  13:33:43

And just tie loops on the end and put them over the tailpiece pegs, easy peasy.

banjered - Posted - 11/02/2021:  19:58:56

I have this 7B set up on my Tradesman, had it for years. Yep, smooth out any burrs where the string touches the tuning posts, nut, and bridge (sandpaper). I pretty much keep it in lower D key, dADF#A and sometimes modal. I like using a Fielding tailpiece I got from Elderly but the Hawktail from Balsam Banjo Works is OK too. As far as a loop goes I just double the string 4''or so and tie a simple overhand knott that you use to tie your shoes. You might use a pencil or nail to keep the loop size small. Simple, doesn't slip. With new strings I tune it up to a step or two below D, let it stretch over night, and tune it up the next day by tuning it up quite a few times while also grabbing the string in the middle and tugging it away from the fretboard. It takes about a week to really settle in where you don't have to retune after every song/tune and also for the tone to come into its own. The strings after that will last many months to years. banjered

dandante - Posted - 11/03/2021:  10:28:04

Thanks everyone, all super helpful suggestions. banjered is there any reason why I would need to change tailpieces? I looked at a picture of the Hawkwind (couldn't find one of the Fielding) and it seems like it's also a tailpiece for loop end strings, like the one that came with the Tradesman. What's the advantage of switching out the tailpiece?

Thanks.