Hi all, just wanting some advice on the most suitable string set for my Stelling White Cross - a banjo discussed in an earlier thread. I've had it for about 18 months now and although it gets about 6-7 hours playing at least each week (I'm a novice), I haven't yet changed the strings... I'm not sure what strings it currently has, but it came with two sets of GHS PF145 medium light strings in the case when I bought it, so, as I'm a picker not a clawhammerer, do those with experience think PF145s are the most suitable replacements?
I read various different opinions about the amounts of time between restringing a banjo - does anyone suggest a reasonable time between restrings? Or is it one of those "how long is a piece of string?" things?
11 Comments |
 | CAPT Steve says:
3/5/2016 4:44:29 PM
Geoff usually recommends his medium heavies for his banjos. I've used them on my Master's Cross to good success. I generally keep a set on until they don't stay in tune well or they don't sound 'quite right'. I'm about to change out the set currently on my banjo as the first string has started not matching the tone of the others. This set has been on about three months. Sometimes they last longer, sometimes shorter.
That said, I really like GHS strings, too; so if you find a set where you like the string diameters for their tone and playability, certainly use them. How you want you banjo to sound is up to you.
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JStuart says:
3/5/2016 5:24:11 PM
Thanks for that info CAPT Steve. I'll look at changing them more regularly in the future, and order some sets from Geoff today.
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| CAPT Steve says:
3/5/2016 8:17:25 PM
Jamie--I think you'll like Geoff's strings, and the price is in line with others. He offers a discount on multiple sets. If you do put in an order with Geoff, one of the products you might consider trying is his Glyde-Coat. I use it on the necks of my banjos and guitars (got to go put some on my guitar when I finish--friend and I are singing By the Mark tomorrow evening at church). While it's a polish, it's very slick and really helps facilitate hand movement on the neck, Bottle lasts along time. Only thing I don't know is whether the liquid can be shipped to Australia. I'm going to put in a similar order very soon.
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 | Grum says:
3/5/2016 9:17:45 PM
I'm Australia and get Geoff's Glyde Coat and strings in bulk. There's also his "Field Guide' for banjo maintenance which although little more than a thick brochure contains essential information by the Maker himself - worthwhile.
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JStuart says:
3/6/2016 1:04:08 PM
Thanks for the advice guys - in fact Glyde-Coat and the field guide were on my list as well - great minds obviously think alike :)! I'm going to order right now - Monday morning here in OZ, still Sunday evening on the other side of the world!
Thanks again guys, I really appreciate your help.
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| CAPT Steve says:
3/6/2016 1:22:34 PM
You're welcome! Fun to think that we can visit like this half way around the world!
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JStuart says:
3/6/2016 2:46:56 PM
Indeed it is, and what a great resource this forum is! I was able to establish the provenance of my unique White Cross banjo thanks to birdmanUK and Geoff (I see it listed in the Stelling chronology in 2003), although I have yet to find out how it made its way to Australia.
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 | Geoff Stelling says:
3/7/2016 11:46:23 AM
I go with what Capt. Steve says plus this bit of personal preference: Since all but one of my models employ the compensated nut, the third string is shorter than all the others and does not respond well if it is too thin gauge-wise. I am adamant about not using any string less than .013" on the third. Unless you play with extremely high action, like Alan Munde, you will get a very flimsy sound because of the lower string tension. I also think a .010" should be the lowest gauge for the 1st and 5th strings, hence all my gauges start and end with those sizes. We ship to Australia and most other countries using International Priority Mail quite often.
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JStuart says:
3/7/2016 1:06:51 PM
Thanks so much again Geoff - your prompt interest and advice is always appreciated. I placed my order yesterday for the items mentioned above, so I really look forward to receiving them soon!
Jamie
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 | shano says:
4/15/2016 11:50:57 PM
I started splitting sets so I use .009 on the 5th and .010 on the 1st.
Settled on .009, .010, .011, .013, and .022
I did like the heavier sets but since I also play some stuff without fingerpicks I now prefer the slightly lighter gauge.
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 | Ybanjo says:
5/7/2016 10:13:57 AM
I have been using a 16 gauge for 3rd string and really like it. It seems to "calm" down the 3rd string. However, it does bind in the nut. Makes tuning feel like a bad tuner. I hesitate to open up the nut just in case I want to go back to thinner strings later. For now I'm just tolerating the tight nut.
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