Waterbound1 - Posted - 12/02/2021:  04:03:23

I just got a great little H.C. Nelsen banjo. It's too fragile for steel strings and Nylguts break when tuned p to A. So I'm using the La Bella nylons that the previous owner had on it. I actually like the sound and feel of the string. I'm just curious as to what's out there besides LaBella? Anyone else using nylon ( NOT Nylgut). Thanks

hobogal - Posted - 12/02/2021:  04:48:33

An alternative is to buy individual nylon strings in your preferred gauges e.g D'addario Pro Arte - they are marketed for guitar but suitable for banjo.

RG - Posted - 12/02/2021:  07:16:10

Monofilament fishing line in various thicknesses.

csacwp - Posted - 12/02/2021:  08:21:59

Pretty much all nylon is made by Dupont regardless of who you buy it from. I buy my strings as single from LaBella. D'addario and Pyramid are OK as well. I'd avoid monofilament fishing line since it is manufactured using a different process and isn't true/has poor intonation. Decades ago there were a handful of monofilament brands that did intonate well, but they are no longer available.

Waterbound1 - Posted - 12/02/2021:  08:31:05

Thanks John. I've been unable to find LaBella singles anywhere. Where are you finding them?

mbanza - Posted - 12/02/2021:  08:45:08

Here is one source: stringsbymail.com/index.php?sh...1&cPath=1

Scroll down and select La Bella from manufacturer drop down menu on left.

Joel Hooks - Posted - 12/02/2021:  09:38:58

quote:

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Originally posted by Waterbound1

Thanks John. I've been unable to find LaBella singles anywhere. Where are you finding them?

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LaBella sells direct from their website.  Early Instrument singles rectified nylon and silver plated copper over nylon floss.

Any size you might want are available. 

chas5131 - Posted - 12/02/2021:  16:49:29

quote:

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Originally posted by Waterbound1

I just got a great little H.C. Nelsen banjo. It's too fragile for steel strings and Nylguts break when tuned p to A. So I'm using the La Bella nylons that the previous owner had on it. I actually like the sound and feel of the string. I'm just curious as to what's out there besides LaBella? Anyone else using nylon ( NOT Nylgut). Thanks

What tuning are you using?

Waterbound1 - Posted - 12/02/2021:  17:08:20

Standard G. Might try going up to A and double D. At least I'll be taking the 5th up to A, not room for a spike.

R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 12/02/2021:  17:10:46

Waterbound1

I've got some Savarez singles en route
of similar gauges as Nylgut Classicals (med. gauge).

I've been happy enough with the NG's- just experimenting.
They're coming from *Strings by Mail*.

Here's a BHO discussion abouth LaBella 17's vs Nylguts.
banjohangout.org/topic/379381

You might also search "nylon strings" in the BHO archive.
BTW, my banjo has a 24" scale.