Banjo Bolton - Posted - 03/13/2024:  02:05:08

I'd like to change my tail piece on my recording king OT.

I'm changing to nylon strings.

apart from the no-knot pieces what others would work?

Ive seen something called a Pisgah Hawktail

 

banjered - Posted - 03/13/2024:  05:46:22

The Hawktail will work just fine for medium, regular tension Nylgut strings but the posts are too close together for fatter Minstrels without overlap. I advised Pisgah to separate the posts a few thousands of an inch to be able to accomodate nylon strings better but never heard back from them. A similar Fielding tailpiece is better if you can find one. banjered

Joel Hooks - Posted - 03/13/2024:  07:18:58

You don't need a new tailpiece. If you are using polyester nylgut just make sure the 4th is wound. They are shipping many sets now with a unwound 4th that is just awful.

That said, polyester strings are extremely fragile, you will need to take some 1000 grit sandpaper and polish any contact point.

Actual nylon, like Labella, should be fine.

I presume you have a Presto copy? FWIW, the original patent mentions attaching gut and silk strings. A. D. Grover was a classic era fingerstyle player, he would have made sure it worked.

patents.google.com/patent/US1566745A/

Ignore ALL videos on tying strings. A simple figure 8 knot with the lower loop around the post is all that is needed. All the fancy bowline knots and such are sloppy and a waste of time.

And DO NOT do any artificial stretching as shown in those videos. This will make your strings false and they will not intonate correctly. Install the strings, tune them up one full step above standard pitch and put the banjo away for the night. It will still take a few days to stabilize but this way they will stretch evenly and play in tune.

One problem you will encounter is that modern banjos are built with back angle to the neck. This lowers the action while forcing a taller bridge-- great for low wire strings and keeping your plectrum from scraping the head (why this was originally done), not so great for nylon. To overcome buzzing you will likely need a 3/4" to 1" tall bridge.

John Yerxa - Posted - 03/13/2024:  20:51:57

I'm using the Hawktails on all my banjos except the Minstrel, which has a wooden tailpiece; Nylgut strings work fine. I sub a Classical Guitar wound D for the fourth. Agree with Joel that fancy knots like bowline aren't neccessary - I use a simple slip knot. Once the strings are tight around the post they won't come off, which is great if you need to take the banjo apart.

banjered - Posted - 03/14/2024:  08:15:42

An even simpler knot that works perfectly and looks good is a simple overhand knot that you use to tie your shoes. Double the string about 3'' and tie the knot. You end up with double strings passing over the bend in the tailpiece as they leave the post. I use a nail inside the loop to help tighten and size the knot so that the knot is not too big. banjered