Advice and links for using Nylgut and other plastic/ polymer strings of all brands, including fishing line.

108 Members, Created 12/11/2011 -

Administrators: Bufo Bill (owner)

Possible new nylon string maker

From Naptown on 6/10/2017 11:48:58 AM

Hi Folks,

I just joined the group and don't have much experience with polymer strings.  When I used to play classical guitar, I used strings made by Oasis - they had a really nice tone.  I've seen at lot of discussions on BHO and it looks like there is a constant search for an even better nylon string for the banjo,

Out of curiosity, I asked the folks at Oasis if they had ever considered making strings for banjo.  They had not. We've been emailing back and forth a bit.  They seem interested.  Now they are asking me questions that I don't know how to answer.  This is from their last email:

The Nylgut strings are made from the plastic polybutylene why nylon is nylon. The Nylegut strings appear to be far more popular. What I do not understand is the difference in diameter:

Nylegut: .0275, .0325”,.039”, .028W”, .0275”

Labella nylon:  .019”, .022”, .028”, .025W”, .019”

While the bulk density of nylon is different than Nylegut by 30%, that does not account for the huge difference in diameter. I suppose the best method would be for me to send you some ukulele and classical guitar strings (fluorocarbon). Fluorocarbon has a bulk density 70% higher than nylon and 40% higher than polybutylene. This means that it takes a smaller string to reach the desired tension. In the case of classical guitars, a nylon 1^st string measuring .028” is replaced with a .024” fluorocarbon string. They nylon would have a tension of 16# while the fluorocarbon would have a tension of 20#.  Perhaps the two sets of strings are made for different styles of banjo?

Can any of you help me with the answer to the question from Oasis?

thanks, dan

2 Comments
	Bufo Bill says: 6/10/2017 2:05:56 PM As far as I understand, thicker strings are used to raise the tension, as most people learn banjo on an instrument with steel strings, and they want a similar feeling tension as they play. Aquila's Nylgut strings are an example of this. The Labella strings mentioned are used more by Classic style pickers who are used to gut strings with much lower tension. While people have their own preferences, many Classic banjo players find Nylgut and most modern strings to be somewhat wanting in tone. So basically most Frailers like the Nylgut for its mellow tone and higher tension, while most Classic players would like a thinner string for basically the opposite reasons. There are exceptions in both camps however.
	Bufo Bill says: 6/10/2017 2:13:44 PM BTW, the Classic banjo players are looking for strings with as little diameter as .014 made for banjo to fully mimic gut strings, their holy grail is to have a polymer string that sounds and feels and playslike gut, but without the cost and fragility. Or so I hear. You may wish to ask for help from members like Joel Hooks, or even over on the collectors corner forum here on the hangout. All the best from Bill. :D
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