Zachary Hoyt - Posted - 06/25/2023:  17:43:09

I've got a request from a customer to build a cello banjo since I'm currently out of stock, and to set it up with nylon strings. I've only done that once, back in 2015 or so on my first cello banjo, and that time I used Savarez high tension strings. They sounded fine but the windings began to fray after a very short time. I'm wondering if the Gold Tone cello banjo strings would be long enough, or if there is something else that would be a better choice. I'd need at least 41" to get from the tailpiece to the tuners because of the size of the pot and the long scale length, and 42" would be nicer to give enough length to tie easily. I'll be grateful for any advice.

mbanza - Posted - 06/25/2023:  21:32:19

Perhaps there are harp strings that would be suitable: robinsonsharpshop.com/strings.html

Noah Cline - Posted - 06/25/2023:  22:57:21

While I haven't had a chance to try them yet, I made up a set of La Bella rectified nylon and silver wound strings I purchased from Strings By Mail for tuning a gourd banjo with a 24" scale length an octave below standard G or A. They're about 45" long. 

stringsbymail.com/classical-gu...gles-907/



stringsbymail.com/lute-strings...les-2688/

I initially played around with a partial set of Aquila Minstrels, using the second for the first and fifth, third for the second, fourth (wound) for the third, and an additional heavier La Bella wound string for the fourth, and adjusted some of the gauges a thousandth or two where I felt they could be heavier when selecting the La Bellas while limiting the number of wound strings to just the fourth. I went heavier given the shorter scale length, but selected these diameters (first-fifth) based on and adjusted from the Aquilas: .034 .040 .045 .035w .034.

I've yet to try Gold Tone's offerings. 

Zachary Hoyt - Posted - 06/26/2023:  05:13:30

Thank you both for your suggestions. I'll have to check with the customer to see which type of strings he would prefer, wound or solid. I don't know enough about it myself to know which might work better. Thank you very much.

mikehalloran - Posted - 06/26/2023:  11:19:32

Unless things have changed recently, any D'Addario dealer can get you strings in any custom length. You've told us the total length but not the scale or tuning. I am not assuming that you are going with Gold Tone's.

Becoming a D'Addario dealer again is on my summer list of things to do but I haven't gotten that far yet. I am happy to help you find the right gauges. Let's keep it in this thread for now.

Zachary Hoyt - Posted - 06/26/2023:  15:30:11

Thank you very much. The scale length is 29" and the customer's preferred tuning is gCGBD, one octave below standard banjo tuning.

Dan Gellert - Posted - 06/26/2023:  19:41:02

If those Savarez strings weren't durable enough, how about another brand of classical guitar strings?