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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/395646
usedtire - Posted - 02/10/2024: 06:40:33
What do I need to do to convert from steel to nygut strings. Do I need to change the nut, bridge, and should I use light or medium strings. I play 3 finger style and the conversation will be on a Gariepy metal pot open back banjo. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
banjered - Posted - 02/10/2024: 07:12:09
Go to the "Q" to the left of this page and type in your question, should answer all of them. banjered
Culloden - Posted - 02/10/2024: 07:13:52
It probably will need a new nut and bridge but that's not absolute. Still, neither one is terribly expensive so it won't hurt to do it.
Joel Hooks - Posted - 02/10/2024: 08:46:56
While Art would make banjos configured for nylon (he was a student of Fred Bacon), he mostly built wire banjos.
What was the difference? Nylon banjos he built use smaller frets and had no back angle to the neck (that last one is the main problem with converting).
The back angle used with wire string banjos was born of the plectrum era. The idea is with a taller bridge the pick would not scrape the head and with lower action the non elastic strings would not stretch out of tune when stopped.
When using nylon one will need a very tall bridge to prevent buzzing. Most will need 3/4" to 1" tall.
That is presuming that "nylon" is Dupont nylon as offered by Labella. Aquila "Nylgut" is not nylon but polyester. With polyester you have to be careful of any sharp surface too.
KCJones - Posted - 02/12/2024: 06:13:21
It really depends on your standard for success.
You can easily change from steel to nylon without any other adjustments. Just change the strings, it will work, and the banjo will play.
If you're picky, or experienced enough to notice tiny nuances, you'll want to do more to set it up just right. A new bridge with proper slot sizes will help with volume and tone. Adjusting action will help with playability and any buzzing issues. Adjusting the nut slots will help with intonation and volume/tone.
Action and bridge are easy swaps you should probably do. Modifying the nut or neck angle is something I'd only consider if the switch to nylon is planned to be permanent.
Edited by - KCJones on 02/12/2024 06:14:06
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