bjcolor - Posted - 10/22/2023:  12:01:12

Hi, I'm enjoying learning to play my new ODE fretless banjo. In my explorations, as an inexperienced banjo player, I have had
two experiences with first-string breaking, that I thought you all might have some insights about.
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PART 1What happened:
1. First time: I thought I'd try to tune from standard G to A, and...first string broke.

2. Second time: Messing around with a made-up capo (but inspired by some old thread on this site about doing it!) it was actually working. The "toothpick" method. As someone who likes to "make stuff" I used the regular banjo Shubb capo I already had and did a little variation on the toothpick method. (after which, since I only had round toothpicks and thought flat side would better...IF I do this again I'd use a wood matchstick with end cut off and made smooth)

It was not perfectly in tune so I just tweaked the tuning a bit. Barely. But the first string broke again.
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Well that was upsetting but at least I learned how to put on a new string.
That leads me to my NEXT question about string types:

PART 2
Looking for Your Thoughts about the various types of nylon or / Nylgut strings that might work better.
Personal various questions are:
1. Can I mix brands, like stick with the 4 Aquila Nylgut strings that came with the banjo but maybe get a different brand, similar type, for the first string?
2. Would that be too strange? Sound awful with the mixed brands or types? Remains to be seen if I try that, SO:
--Any recommendations?

Too complicated to switch to steel and anyway the softer-textured sound is what I love on this.
Thanks.
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PART 3
Tips for making the LOOP in the tail-end of nylon strings? The material is so inflexible it's hard to grab it and make the loop efficiently. Maybe I just need more practice, but meanwhile I invite your tips.


THANK YOU !!
PS: Just for fun I attached my pics of the toothpick capo experiment.

Noah Cline - Posted - 10/22/2023:  16:09:45

1. Where is the first string breaking? It would have to be either at the nut, bridge, tailpiece, or if anything else, at the tuner post. It's possible there's either a sharp edge or the string's being pinched in the nut or bridge slot(s), or there is a burr on the tuner post or on the tailpiece where the string attaches or makes contact. 

I've tuned a 25 1/2" scale banjo with medium tension Aquila Nylgut Classics up to A/D without any issues.

The strings would do better with the toothpick running under them with the capo as you have it placed. You're basically getting the same result as the capo with them running underneath the toothpick. 

2. Probably simpler to stick with pre-made sets, but that doesn't mean you can't experiment. Places like Strings By Mail carry single LaBella rectified nylon strings in various gauges, plus wound strings if you wanted a wound 4th. 

3. I usually tie nylon strings to tailpiece posts with a reversed double half-hitch knot (much like a lark's head knot). Some tie with a figure-eight, and some with a bowline. I like the knots tied close to the posts. 

bjcolor - Posted - 10/22/2023:  16:25:56

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback and note about the same scale banjo tuning to A/D ok.

First string: It's breaking at the tail end, an inch or so from the tailpiece. I just put it around the 'post' as the originals are connected, not in the slot...i already tossed the broken pieces so not sure how far exactly.

I suppose it might be possible it broke around the bridge...



I've attached 3 pics of the new (replacement) 1st string...have not snipped off the end of it yet.



RE knots: never was a scout of any type but will peruse the various knot types :-) thanks.

RE capo - toothpick under strings, right?Capo on top as would be normally...

Edited by - bjcolor on 10/22/2023 16:34:46

View 3 - new 1st string

View 2 - new 1st string

View 1 - new 1st string

 

Wobba - Posted - 10/22/2023:  19:29:03

When I put nylon strings on, I don't try to tune them all the way up right away. Instead a tune them first to F: fCFAC. Then after about an hour I tune it up to gDGBD. I'd suggest instead of trying to tune from gDGBD to aEAC#E, you try tuning up half a step to g#D#G#CD#. Leave at that for an hour or two. Let them settle and try to keep them in tune. Then tune up the reset of the way to aEAC#E.

bjcolor - Posted - 10/22/2023:  19:49:11

Thanks very much. Sounds like a good idea.