Sopris - Posted - 07/17/2026:  08:42:20

Hi,

I would like to try a wound fourth string on my Nylagut banjos. What gauge of wound string would I use with medium Aquilas? Would it be something like a 22 gauge GHS?

I have a Nashville Banjo Co. with a 24 1/2 inch scale. When I tune to double C tuning the Nylagut fourth string feels pretty loose and sloppy.

Thanks!
Michelle

banjered - Posted - 07/17/2026:  12:13:15

I have used Minstrel Nylguts for years, I really like them. When you say double C tuning do mean ending up with dDADE or cCGCD? For your shorter scale and lowering that 4th string I'd try a classical "D" guitar string high tension or maybe even a low tension "A" string depending upon what works and sounds good. banjered

Sopris - Posted - 07/17/2026:  13:15:01

quote:

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Originally posted by banjered

I have used Minstrel Nylguts for years, I really like them. When you say double C tuning do mean ending up with dDADE or cCGCD? For your shorter scale and lowering that 4th string I'd try a classical "D" guitar string high tension or maybe even a low tension "A" string depending upon what works and sounds good. banjered

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Hi @Banjered!   What tuning do you like to use with the Minstral strings?  I wondered about those.

I usually tune to dCGCD since I sing alot in C.  Thank you for the suggestion on the string!  I have a set of Nylon La Belle "folk strings" for guitar that I can pillage from, or some silk and steel strings might be interesting?  I will experiment and record. :)

I have med red Aquilas as well on an A scale banjo, and they tune pretty nicely to standard open G.  It would be nice to have a wound 4th on it, though its not quite as floppy in double C as the short scale is.

Edited by - Sopris on 07/17/2026 13:19:11

banjered - Posted - 07/17/2026:  17:47:19

What tuning do you like to use with the Minstral strings?

I have floated between D (dADF#A) and E (EBEG#B), and currently I am at between those two at D# to accommodate my limited vocal range which is from the open 4th string to the fifth fret first string. Essentially G lowered down. For the 4th string I am using D'Addario classical guitar J4504 normal tension (.74mm). I have a short scale Saga "Pony" banjo tuned to open C(cGCEG). banjered

Sopris - Posted - 07/17/2026:  19:53:57

The La Belle guitar string (the D string) seems pretty good on my banjo! Definitely better tension than the Aquila 4th string had, and it sounds good.



Hopefully it will hold up well.  Thanks again, @banjered!

Edited by - Sopris on 07/17/2026 19:54:43

Noah Cline - Posted - 07/17/2026:  21:34:54

quote:

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Originally posted by Sopris

Hi,



I would like to try a wound fourth string on my Nylagut banjos. What gauge of wound string would I use with medium Aquilas? Would it be something like a 22 gauge GHS?



I have a Nashville Banjo Co. with a 24 1/2 inch scale. When I tune to double C tuning the Nylagut fourth string feels pretty loose and sloppy.



Thanks!

Michelle

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For reference, the medium tension all-Nylgut 5B and light-tension 6B sets originally came with a wound fourth (I believe a .025" silver wound over nylon) until some complained to the maker about the fourth string tarnishing or wearing out quickly ("just change the string," I thought at the time, and still do), and later some sets were offered with the then-new Red series fourth string (designated as 1B and 2B). Later, the Nylgut fourth was then put in place of the wound fourth for the 5B and 6B sets. I wish they would return to the wound fourths as the Minstrel set still has. 

The LaBella no. 17 sets have a wound fourth, same size of .025" and make. The Nylgut fourth is ok for some of my builds, but on a couple vintage instruments I prefer the wound fourth, particularly if tuning down.

It sounds like the D string from a classical guitar set as banjered suggested did the trick, so happy picking!

EEB - Posted - 07/18/2026:  03:55:10

Clifford Essex ‘Weaver’ wound 4th. Available as 26 or 28 gauge. Pricey but lovely tone and feel. Lifts the bass without it ever sounding out-of-place with light gauge strings.



I’ll typically slip one of these into my gut or rectified nylon set-up.

As you're in the U.S. the postage makes it an unlikely single purchase. But if you're adding it to a bigger order it's well worth it.

Edited by - EEB on 07/18/2026 04:00:26

Sopris - Posted - 07/18/2026:  06:38:15

quote:

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Originally posted by EEB

Clifford Essex ‘Weaver’ wound 4th. Available as 26 or 28 gauge. Pricey but lovely tone and feel. Lifts the bass without it ever sounding out-of-place with light gauge strings.



I’ll typically slip one of these into my gut or rectified nylon set-up.

As you're in the U.S. the postage makes it an unlikely single purchase. But if you're adding it to a bigger order it's well worth it.

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Hey thanks!  They do have some interesting bridges for Nylon.  Might be worth putting an order together. :). Thanks for the suggestion.