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RebeccaK - Posted - 02/06/2024: 16:05:24
need to change the strings on this banjo. It is 100 years old-plus. It is playable, but the 5th string popped while tuning up to A. The existing strings have a ball end, like guitar strings. But they appear to be very light gauge. Does anyone sell a light gauge ball end banjo string set?
The banjo may be from Sears, purchased around 1920 in Michigan. The details are interesting. The pot is made of a wooden ring surrounded by a metal ring. The head was replaced w an Elderly Instruments head in the 1970s.
Dan Gellert - Posted - 02/06/2024: 16:28:30
D'Addario EJ69B
Culloden - Posted - 02/06/2024: 16:33:20
The strings Dan mentioned are about the lightest gauge made in that configuration, but that banjo was not made for steel strings. It would be best to get a set of nylon banjo strings. LaBella makes a set that is pretty affordable and would be a lot easier on the neck.
Dan Gellert - Posted - 02/06/2024: 17:29:15
quote:
Originally posted by Culloden
The strings Dan mentioned are about the lightest gauge made in that configuration, but that banjo was not made for steel strings. It would be best to get a set of nylon banjo strings. LaBella makes a set that is pretty affordable and would be a lot easier on the neck.
You're right, sort of. It may have come from the factory with gut strings, but you can bet it's had nothing but steel on it for at least 75 years. If it's still in good playing order, a .09-.20 set of wires is not going to hurt it any. I would not recommend putting nylon strings on that banjo without also changing the bridge... unless you want the banjo to be considerably muted in tone and volume.
banjered - Posted - 02/06/2024: 18:52:22
I've never seen that type of tail piece. Is it installed upside down? banjered
rmcdow - Posted - 02/07/2024: 13:58:54
quote:
Originally posted by Culloden
The strings Dan mentioned are about the lightest gauge made in that configuration, but that banjo was not made for steel strings. It would be best to get a set of nylon banjo strings. LaBella makes a set that is pretty affordable and would be a lot easier on the neck.
It is possible to get ball end guitar steel single strings through Strings by Mail that would have the same tension as the LaBella nylon strings: .007", 008", .011", .018"w, .007". They are going to be floppy like nylon strings (about 7 pounds tension each, vs 10 - 11 pounds each for the light sets), so don't know how well they would work out. I've found the light sets of steel strings don't hurt the neck, and have taken old sets of steel strings off about a dozen 100+ year old banjos, none with warped necks, and they were all pretty close to the light sets available now.
Edited by - rmcdow on 02/07/2024 13:59:47
KCJones - Posted - 02/08/2024: 09:51:27
Just take those little metal rings out of the current strings and put them on new loop end strings. Ball ends on any string set you want.
Edited by - KCJones on 02/08/2024 09:51:42
Leslie R - Posted - 02/08/2024: 11:34:51
I have ordered ball end 8&9 gauge strings from Just Strings many times.
RebeccaK - Posted - 02/08/2024: 12:17:40
quote:
Originally posted by Dan Gellert
D'Addario EJ69B
Thank you. We ordered a set. I'll let you all know how it sounds.
RebeccaK - Posted - 02/08/2024: 12:18:20
quote:
Originally posted by KCJones
Just take those little metal rings out of the current strings and put them on new loop end strings. Ball ends on any string set you want.
Thank you! I will keep that in mind anytime I am in a pinch.
RebeccaK - Posted - 02/08/2024: 12:19:32
quote:
Originally posted by Leslie R
I have ordered ball end 8&9 gauge strings from Just Strings many times.
Great to know. Thank you.
