Fold a piece of sand paper and run it through the slot a couple of times if you want a new first string. banjered

If you want to go back to the JD Stage, for the next string change, don't widen or deepen the nut slot without careful consideration.

The .010 is seating well.  The .0105 is apparently not.  Whatever is hanging up the .0105 is pretty darn tiny.  Could be the width of the slot, could also be the shape of the sides of the slot.

Me, I'd just use the old string until I get another set of the JD Stage strings, what you normally use and work well,  and be done with it.  Not try to make the .0105 work.

Possibly new 1st is a dud. I'd take Alex's advice. Use what works.

Does go to show how the slightest change in anything regarding a banjo can throw something out of whack.

Bobby

Slightest change -- right.  When were talking a difference of .0005 inches, I don't know what the error band is for string companies.  I have seen GHS strings with tiny cuts, very occasionally.    In fact, sent a few back some years ago, that maybe the evidence of tiny cuts might help the operational folks adjust the machines. 

I normally use a .0125 3rd string.  Two banjos, sounds great.  One banjo, a little thuddy on the open string.  Clean the slot, works well for about a week, then starts sounding dull.  Fretted notes are always OK.   Can't see anything going on, with a 10x magnifying lens.

String problem?   First thing, change the string.  At least eliminate the string itself before looking at slots, gauge, etc.

As usual, good advice from Alex. The string has changed, so changing that again is the first order of business.

Dick is pretty experienced.

I think he was sharing an observation, rather than asking for solutions.

I get to use new strings all the time. This year finding new strings sometimes need to get played so the metal molecules can respond to being lined up.
I find the next day sometimes strings sound better and yes, pulling a good one out of the trash is still a great idea.

I use .023 on all my slots, so my 4th goes in just the same. I use .014 under the spikes.

Other people are allowed to respond. Mr. Bowden had a "Eureka."

quote:

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Originally posted by Helix

Mr. Bowden had a "Eureka."

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I doubt he hopped out of the bath and ran onto the streets to tell the king, as Archimedes supposedly did.

Talkin' about banjos.

quote:

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Originally posted by Helix

Talkin' about banjos.

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Gettin' those metal molecules lined up is an often-discussed topic.

Since you mentioned in another thread that you're available all day, I guess you have a lot of time to work with that.

Going to a lighter gauge 3rd string fixed my banjos 12th fret dead spot. Strings are a first order effect.

The string slots on the nut AND the bridge should be at least 4~6 thou wider &  deeper than the string's thickness. If that don't fix the problem then, well, we're way, way into dreaded gremlin territory...

I've enjoyed the back and forth. I was interested to hear what others had to say. I never thought of variations in STRING diameter, to tell you the truth. I'll use remaining sets of "Almost Mediums" on other banjos which haven't had any problem with them.

The observation about cutting nut notches so much wider than the string was interesting! As also mentioned, if the Granada has sounded great with all my 0.010 strings, well I'll just stick with them. (I just orderd 6 sets. And string prices have gone up like everything else, I see!)

And finally, I no longer "jump out of bathtubs", no matter what revelation comes to me.

Thanks to all.

Glad ya got it figured out.

Cryo strings...any good or BS ?

They have a slightly different tone, which some may prefer or not prefer.  Therefore, not bologna.  And also not a matter of good or not good, but preference.

Some hear no difference in tone.

Some think they last longer.

On my banjos, the regular strings have a slightly richer tone and feel more responsive, and I prefer that, regardless of how long they last.

quote:

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Originally posted by OldNavyGuy

Dick is pretty experienced.

I think he was sharing an observation, rather than asking for solutions.

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It sounds as if you think everybody should know of a members skill and experience. There are thousands of members, so I don't think that's a reasonable thought.

You also seem to be making a random assumption as to why a member would post.

quote:

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Originally posted by G Edward Porgie

quote:

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Originally posted by OldNavyGuy

Dick is pretty experienced.

I think he was sharing an observation, rather than asking for solutions.

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It sounds as if you think everybody should know of a members skill and experience. There are thousands of members, so I don't think that's a reasonable thought.

You also seem to be making a random assumption as to why a member would post.

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Easy to find out...

https://www.banjohangout.org/my/The+Old+Timer

The "thousands of members" actually equate to about 100 a day online at most.

There wasn't a question in the original post, so it seems that was an observation.

Pretty simple.

quote:

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Originally posted by The Old Timer

And finally, I no longer "jump out of bathtubs", no matter what revelation comes to me.
 

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Me neither.

It's supposedly what Archimedes did when he said Eureka.

quote:

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Originally posted by G Edward Porgie

quote:

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Originally posted by OldNavyGuy

Dick is pretty experienced.

I think he was sharing an observation, rather than asking for solutions.

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It sounds as if you think everybody should know of a members skill and experience.

 

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It's something I check before posting a potential "solution".

The first reply was to run a piece of sandpaper through the slot.

If the OP were a newbie and didn't know how to do it correctly, that could cause even more problems.

Still pretty obnoxious. With some, yes, skill levels can be checked. not so with others. Just because you are an expert in member skills and have so much time that you can sift through a person's sometimes private thoughts, doesn't mean we're all a group of idiots who don't know anything.

I wouldn't advocate slot widening to anybody as a first step, whether that somebody is a first timer or Lloyd Loar reincarnated.

quote:

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Originally posted by G Edward Porgie

Still pretty obnoxious. With some, yes, skill levels can be checked. not so with others. Just because you are an expert in member skills and have so much time that you can sift through a person's sometimes private thoughts, doesn't mean we're all a group of idiots who don't know anything.

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Never claimed I was an "expert" in anything...but before you start offering advice and solutions (even when no solution was asked for here), I think it's prudent to at least make an attempt to find out the skill level of the person.

Dick has been here a while, and he knows his stuff.

I don't know how much time you think that all takes, but you seem to be overreacting a little here.

But you do you...

Hello,

If only nut slots were self-slotting… for a time StewMac sold only round nut files. They still do. Their nut files are specifically for Guitars. Getting nut files specifically for banjos is special. Cutting nut slots then means picking files specific to the string gage set to be used. All wire frets cut. Given the high tension, eventually the string will set. Maybe the bone or plastic will chip out before it sets.

Just remember the files used for the specific Maker, Model, and Style were used. Remind yourself that you need a different nut for thicker strings. Or… Get a new banjo for the different specific Maker, Model, and Style. Any named set was from a specific banjo of one.

If you have that model, maybe his/her luthier set it up for a particular Make, Model, and Style of a period of time. During several periods of time, only one string type and maker was available. More banjos are needed. If you are a professional, more are needed. Collectors are not necessarily music professionals.

quote:

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Originally posted by OldNavyGuy

quote:

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Originally posted by G Edward Porgie

Still pretty obnoxious. With some, yes, skill levels can be checked. not so with others. Just because you are an expert in member skills and have so much time that you can sift through a person's sometimes private thoughts, doesn't mean we're all a group of idiots who don't know anything.

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Never claimed I was an "expert" in anything...but before you start offering advice and solutions (even when no solution was asked for here), I think it's prudent to at least make an attempt to find out the skill level of the person.

Dick has been here a while, and he knows his stuff.

I don't know how much time you think that all takes, but you seem to be overreacting a little here.

But you do you...

 

 

I don't believe it's overreacting to  comment when someone makes what could be construed as a negative assumption about other members, especially when that someone is making an assumption about why another member has posted. Maybe the OP is an expert, maybe not. Maybe you have some information others are not privy to. 

If my comments are answered in a "holier than thou manner ("I always check first") as if everybody else is negligent, then I believe it is my right to answer back.

To me, perhaps the OP is only making an observation, but I feel his wording did not make that obvious, many people do not know of another member's expertise, and haven't the resources to do so,  and his initial post could easily be confused as seeking advice. It seems rather pointless for someone to admonish other members over a point that isn't very clear.

I will not comment further on this.

quote:

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Originally posted by G Edward Porgie

I will not comment further on this.

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Good to know.