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Questions re Longneck-compatible Banjo Strings From Deering
From calypsojimmy on 8/22/2015 12:18:22 PM
Although I can't seem to find it, I kinda remember posting some sort of reply a while ago , here at the Long Neck Group Blog , about how few options there were when it came to replacement strings for a long-neck. At the time it seemed as though GHS was the only company who had a suitable product.
Plus I couldn't fathom how a company could manufacture long-necks and not provide replacement strings for them.
Accordingly, I just went hunting and now I see that Deering does indeed have a banjo string line now, and that they make their strings long enough for long-neck use.
So here are my questions:
1. Is this a new product line from Deering, or have they always been around and I've just been oblivious.
2. Anybody have experience with these strings? Do you like them?
3. What's everybody's favorite gauge for longnecks?
4. Does Deering actually make these strings, and if not, who does?
Thanks for whatever info you can provide.
10 Comments |
dlaughery1013 says:
8/22/2015 12:47:11 PM
I use D'Addario strings on my long neck and they fit fine. Set J60, light gauge. I get them on Amazon for less than four bucks. Dave L.
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 | giweb says:
8/22/2015 12:53:13 PM
This has come up before and the only strings reportedly too short were the Martin Vega sets. Seems ironic, doesn't it?
giweb
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 | PickinFool says:
8/22/2015 5:09:16 PM
I use the D'Addario strings both on my long neck and regular scale banjos. Also have use the Janet Davis Music brand that work well on the long neck.
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 | BowlingGreen46 says:
8/23/2015 10:01:56 AM
I've been using the 5 Star strings from StewMac and have been happy with them. I've at times used both the light and medium gauge strings.
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 | calypsojimmy says:
8/23/2015 11:22:59 AM
Thanks everybody. This is useful. I'm in the middle of my annual late-summer 5-string binge, and it's good to get caught up info-wise. My current set of longneck strings is a Vega set I bought in like 1978, and then just left in a box for 36 yrs. Amazingly, they are playing great. For now anyway. Hence my questions.
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 | Mulligan says:
8/23/2015 6:37:30 PM
Tried Martin Vega's a while ago and they were too short
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 | phdm says:
8/30/2015 8:02:46 PM
I have been playing my 1962 Pete Seeger Vega long neck since 1973. Back then, I purchased only Vega brand (by Martin) "Folk Extra Long 5 string, V750" - They were, in inches/mm, - .010/.245, .013/.330 , .018/457, .026/.660, .010/.254 (first to fifth string). As you can see, they are heavier gauge than your typical banjo strings. This is the gauge I have always used, as I believe you need a heavier gauge string for the long neck to avoid the risk of buzzing due to their added length. Unfortunately, Vega/Martin don't make them any more.
About 5 years ago, due to a connection I then had with them, I was able to have D'Addario make me up 10 sets of their strings at these gauges. They are long enough and I really like them. However I am now running out of the D'Addario sets, so I have discovered that Dean Markley's Medium Gauge (in their green package) are of the same gauge as I am used to. Your question finally made me check string lengths. My two "legacy" Vega extra long strings that I have kept in their package all these years (with the wonderful green chenilled fuzzy wrapping above the loop) are 46.5" long. Dean Markleys are 43.25" long. By my measurement on my Vega, 42.5" would be the shortest length a string could be to be usable on the 2nd and 3rd string tuners - the furthest from the tail piece. So Markleys should work fine.
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| calypsojimmy says:
9/6/2015 10:22:55 PM
to phdm: Thanks for this detailed info re length et al. I just used up my last set of old Vega longneck strings with the "wonderful green chenille fuzzy wrap." God I love that look... I'm gonna have to figure out how to do that on my own. I've never actually pulled out a tape measure and done the measurements you've done, so that's a really helpful documentation. Again, thanks very much.
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| phdm says:
10/27/2015 9:58:31 AM
To update my last post on strings – I just installed the Dean Markley strings I had previously mentioned. I discovered that, while technically long enough, the fourth, wound string does not fully reach the tuner with the wound part of the string. The cord does reach. I also found their loops to be slightly smaller, and more difficult to install on my banjo. So I am not fully satisfied. I then contacted D'Addario to order additional sets of custom gauged strings. I found the D'Addario does not sell individual strings, and does not make assembled a package of the gauges I like. However, a very helpful employee directed me to JustStrings.com, where I was able to assemble my own packs of strings. Individual strings cost a dollar or so. Orders over $30 shipped for free. I got a notice one day later that the shipment was coming. I think this might be the best way to custom order strings to your specifications.
Peter
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| phdm says:
10/27/2015 11:05:46 AM
To update my last post on strings – I just installed the Dean Markley strings I had previously mentioned. I discovered that, while technically long enough, the fourth, wound string does not fully reach the tuner with the wound part of the string. The cord does reach. I also found their loops to be slightly smaller, and more difficult to install on my banjo. So I am not fully satisfied. I then contacted D'Addario to order additional sets of custom gauged strings. I found the D'Addario does not sell individual strings, and does not make assembled a package of the gauges I like. However, a very helpful employee directed me to JustStrings.com, where I was able to assemble my own packs of strings. Individual strings cost a dollar or so. Orders over $30 shipped for free. I got a notice one day later that the shipment was coming. I think this might be the best way to custom order strings to your specifications.
Peter
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