annalev - Posted - 12/10/2025:  01:21:58

Hi all! I just bought my first banjo and I want to restring it with nylon. I've been reading a lot about potentially having to modify the nut to use nylon, is that true for all nylon strings or is this dependant on what gauge strings I get? Can someone please recommend what strings I should be getting? I'm in UK. Thanks in advance!

Mickhammer - Posted - 12/10/2025:  01:47:00

I didn't have to modify either the nut or the bridge with the Aquila Nylgut red set (the one with black strings). They stretch (a lot) quite thin once they're up to tune. Count on at least a week for the tuning to stabilize. I prefer them to the Aquila Classic set (white strings with a red/brownish 4th string*), which are thicker and don't have as high tension, and also require the slots to be adjusted (though they're playable without).



I haven't tried nylon on the banjo - I hated them on my guitar.

(*at least I think this is the name of the set - they came without the packaging with a banjo I bought recently.)

Edited by - Mickhammer on 12/10/2025 01:49:50

spoonfed - Posted - 12/10/2025:  02:14:22

Ebay sells Clifford Essex sets of nylon strings where you can choose the gauge that you want, after much experimentation I have found 19 gauge to suit the way that I play, doubtless somebody will come along and tell you that the optimum size is much thinner than that, personally I have found anything thinner is just too thin and I play classic style on an old Vega Whyte Laydie but, ultimately the choice is yours, Ebay Clifford Essex, quite cheap too !

Bob Smakula - Posted - 12/10/2025:  02:56:09

I like Nylgut 5B and 6B for clawhammer styles and LaBella 17 for finger style.

Bob Smakula

John Yerxa - Posted - 12/10/2025:  03:55:50

If you do have to modify the nut, think about making a new one instead- then if you decide to go back to wire you're all set.

gentrixuk - Posted - 12/10/2025:  05:45:50

You could also try Picato. I tried them and liked them.