So I put minstrel sized Nylguts on my goodtime I did so many things wrong and yet it still works. (Barely) Is it going to come back to bite me later? Got to say I do love the punchiness of the sound though.
Edited by - Kellie on 09/09/2024 12:34:13
As long as there is secure amd constant tension on the strings from nit amd saddle (bridge) you are good
Be forewarned—they take FOREVER to settle in
Nope. You're just gaining experience. How could it be a mistake?
At first I switched back and forth between nylon and steel. I loved the punchiness of the nylon, but the ring of the steel. Then I got a couple more banjos so I can have one (or more) of each. These days my goodtime is nylon-only, with a nice 2-footed bridge from Joel Hooks (I found the FB Converse model worked well with my goodtime's setup)
The only mistake is you've taken the first step into banjo tinkering. Many have lost hours, days, or weeks to this practice :)
Edited by - A Drum On A Stick on 09/09/2024 15:10:04
What are the many things you did wrong ??
You were just “tinkering” with your instrument. Very natural, and no harm done.
Once, many, Many decades ago, I got curious and put nylon fishing string, yes…fishing string, of different tests on my Whyte Laydie. I think I used 10lbs test, 20 lb test, and on to 40. Back then the concept of gut banjo strings was still lost to history. I really liked the way it sounded, but at the time, zero other musicians could relate to the sound and I changed back to steel strings after a few months. It was probably a good 15-20 years later that I found out that original banjos, and Whyte Laydie banjos were designed for gut.
Interesting you gave it a try. Shows you have initiative and are trying to find your own sound. Be careful of BAS as that may follow.
quote:
Originally posted by tdennisWhat are the many things you did wrong ?
The are wrapping around the top of the tuning post rather than the bottom so they could slip off, The loops I made on the ends are too big, and my banjo doesn't have a pip. It has a spike as a fifth string nut, so I'm worried the fifth string could just snap if I tune it too high.
Edited by - Kellie on 09/10/2024 05:18:54
quote:
Originally posted by A Drum On A StickNope. You're just gaining experience. How could it be a mistake?
At first I switched back and forth between nylon and steel. I loved the punchiness of the nylon, but the ring of the steel. Then I got a couple more banjos so I can have one (or more) of each. These days my goodtime is nylon-only, with a nice 2-footed bridge from Joel Hooks (I found the FB Converse model worked well with my goodtime's setup)
The only mistake is you've taken the first step into banjo tinkering. Many have lost hours, days, or weeks to this practice :)
I play classic style or at least I like to think I do lol. So the softness of nylon on the fingertips is needed rather than steel.
quote:
Originally posted by Alvin ConderYou were just “tinkering” with your instrument. Very natural, and no harm done.
Once, many, Many decades ago, I got curious and put nylon fishing string, yes…fishing string, of different tests on my Whyte Laydie. I think I used 10lbs test, 20 lb test, and on to 40. Back then the concept of gut banjo strings was still lost to history. I really liked the way it sounded, but at the time, zero other musicians could relate to the sound and I changed back to steel strings after a few months. It was probably a good 15-20 years later that I found out that original banjos, and Whyte Laydie banjos were designed for gut.
Interesting you gave it a try. Shows you have initiative and are trying to find your own sound. Be careful of BAS as that may follow.
I want a Clifford Essex Gambler banjo next, so banjo acquisition syndrome has already set in.
You can't make a large mistake with strings. Only small mistakes. Unless you have a neck that can't cope with steel strings and you put steel strings on.
quote:
Originally posted by GrahamHawkerYou can't make a large mistake with strings. Only small mistakes. Unless you have a neck that can't cope with steel strings and you put steel strings on.
Are minstrel banjo strings heavier?
Minstrel banjo strings, if nylon, may be THICKER than steel, but somehow, when tuned to the same pitch, put less strain on the neck.
I try to get my strings as low as possible on the tuning post in order to get the maximum break angle behind the nut. Occasionally I will have to back up when changing a string & start over to get the proper angle. (It may seem like a small thing, but I feel it effects the vibration of the string).
If your strings are high on the post, it is a easy thing to fix.
Edited by - tdennis on 09/10/2024 15:32:28
quote:
Originally posted by tdennisI try to get my strings as low as possible on the tuning post in order to get the maximum break angle behind the nut. Occasionally I will have to back up when changing a string & start over to get the proper angle. (It may seem like a small thing, but I feel it effects the vibration of the string).
If your strings are high on the post, it is a easy thing to fix.
How do I fix it? I've already cut the excess off of them.
K, Whether you can improve the nut angle depends on how much string is still left on the post. If you've wound a lot, there may be enough to rewind & adjust.
The angle behind the bridge is one of the most important parts of the set-up, & the nut angle also plays a part.
When you restring, tighten the string w/ one hand & guide the string along the post w/ the other. to get it to the lowest point.
Edited by - tdennis on 09/10/2024 18:10:21
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