jtwest - Posted - 08/02/2025:  15:20:08

I have a 4 string banjo that I cant get the "A" string to A for CGDA. When I try hard it breaks. Im certain I have the right strings for that tuning. I have read some Tenor banjos are made for Irish Tuning and not CGDA. Is this the case?
My other 4 string tunes just fine.

awildman - Posted - 08/02/2025:  15:43:50

What is the scale length? What are your string gauges? Are you tuning to the correct octave?

banjered - Posted - 08/02/2025:  16:13:47

Not sure how "certain" is certain but if you have Irish tuning strings for GDAE and you are trying to tune the second string Irish tuning "A" to the first string "A" in CGDA.....snap! banjered

tdennis - Posted - 08/02/2025:  16:30:44

There are no tenor banjos that are made exclusively for Irish tuning. A tenor banjo can accommodate many different tunings as long as the string gauges are appropriate.

I can only speculate that your 1st string is an improper gauge, or you're not hearing the octave correctly. Occasionally a string can break from tightening it too quickly. This is unusual, but it can happen. There is a technique to tuning some strings slowly & gradually to allow them to stretch. You might also check all the surfaces that the string touches for sharp edges (tailpiece, bridge,nut). 

Edited by - tdennis on 08/02/2025 16:32:43

Banner Blue - Posted - 08/02/2025:  21:00:00

A sharp edge can develop around the string hole of the tuning peg. On thin strings, this can result in the string breaking. I use Mitchell abrasive cold threaded through the hole to eliminate the sharp edge/burr. One possible explanation.

Alex Z - Posted - 08/03/2025:  07:13:17

"My other 4 string tunes just fine."

This is the key information.  If both 4-string banjos are using the same strings and being tuned to the same notes, it is unlikely that the poster is not using the correct strings or tuning to the wrong octave.

What's left is some type of mechanical cause that is on the banjo itself, like a sharp edge on the string hole (mentioned above) or the string sticking in the nut slot.

We need more information.

Questions:  

Are you using the same strings and the same tuning on both banjos?

In what spot exactly does the string break, and has it broken there more than once?

Edited by - Alex Z on 08/03/2025 07:14:12

jtwest - Posted - 08/03/2025:  07:40:56

Thanks for all the responses.
Trying to cover all the thoughts.
Unfortunately, I believe I discarded the two that I broke. I have been purchasing only strings labeled to be used for the higher tuning. One is Daddario J63. So the broken string is .009 according to the label. I dont recall what brand the other is. I also noted that the string does feel like it has reached its highest tension just before it breaks. This, I think, would rule out sharp edges. But I will look anyway. I have been back and forth using a tuning app and an electronic tuner. the app tells me the correct Octave and which way to go. The other just tells me the note and which way. Both agree with each other. Rapid High-low-high-then stable too low until it breaks...I hope this info gets me some answers.. Im still very new at this and really appreciate the help... I'll try again with more attention to these details. I have a brand new ernie ball light gauge "9".

LouieChee - Posted - 08/03/2025:  08:24:56

I had this issue with a banjo I was helping set up. I solved it by making sure the nut slot was smooth (no sharp edges) and clean, and then using a lubricating compound in the nut slot.

If the string can't pull smoothly through the nut then the tension between the tuner and nut will become excessively high when tuning up.

Your problem may be elsewhere, however. It can be insightful to look at where the string is breaking and troubleshoot that area.

Alex Z - Posted - 08/03/2025:  11:52:00

.009 should do the job OK, barring some mechanical flaw like binding somewhere.

Just as a check, both your 4-string banjos have the same length neck?

DRL777 - Posted - 08/03/2025:  11:55:00

Is it breaking at the tuner or at the nut slot, or???

jtwest - Posted - 08/03/2025:  14:16:58

quote:

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Originally posted by Alex Z

.009 should do the job OK, barring some mechanical flaw like binding somewhere.

Just as a check, both your 4-string banjos have the same length neck?

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yes both are 15.5

jtwest - Posted - 08/03/2025:  14:18:17

quote:

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Originally posted by DRL777

Is it breaking at the tuner or at the nut slot, or???

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I think its near the tuner...I discarded the string.

DRL777 - Posted - 08/03/2025:  14:38:15

Prior to this someone mentioned addressing the hold in the tuner. I'd starts there (and I'd need my reading glasses at least for that)

Alex Z - Posted - 08/03/2025:  16:59:48

quote:

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Originally posted by jtwest

quote:

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Originally posted by Alex Z

.009 should do the job OK, barring some mechanical flaw like binding somewhere.

Just as a check, both your 4-string banjos have the same length neck?

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yes both are 15.5

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Good.  Same length neck, same string gauge, same note.  That rules out a lot.  

What's left is some type of mechanical interference.

To  loosely quote Sherlock Holmes:  "Once you have ruled out the impossible, whatever remains -- no matter how improbable -- must contain the truth."  

Let us know what you find.