I bought a used Gold Tone OB-250 at an estate sale. The banjo is set up with 11, 13, 16, 28w, 11 strings. I checked the sizes with a micrometer and that is also what the extra strings are in the case.
I have been told the 28w 4th string is an odd oversize and questioned as to why it is used. Of course I have no idea. Anyone know what is the purpose of having the 28w instead of like a 24w or smaller? The extra set of strings that came with the banjo are all GHS Professional Banjo strings in individual string packs.
Should I leave the banjo as is or toss the extra 28w strings and have it professionally setup to change the 28w to a 24w? I see GHS sells a matching set of professional strings PF180 (11, 13, 16, 24w, 10). Would this prepackaged matching set be better? If there is no downside to using as is, I think I would prefer to hold off on having bridge, nut, and everything else changed by a professional at this time.
I hope to use this banjo for Bluegrass picking after some lessons. It tunes up fine and plays great. To my beginners untrained ears, it actually sounds great as it currently is, so it would be better to have someone else explain why there is a 28w in its setup.
Sorry I can't add much in the way of insight, but I'm interested in seeing the "why" for the 28W .... and have a why of my own: Why are you contemplating "having bridge, nut, and everything else changed by a professional."? [Especially the "everything else" part. 
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Edited by - Owen on 10/02/2024 08:13:28
I have no idea why the 28w is on there. Perhaps the former owner like the sound of it??? If you don't like it, change it to the size you do like. No problem changing strings and/or sizes.
quote:
Originally posted by OwenSorry I can't add much in the way of insight, but I'm interested in seeing the "why" for the 28W .... and have a why of my own: Why are you contemplating "having bridge, nut, and everything else changed by a professional."? [Especially the "everything else" part.
I am new to all this. I assumed everything is set for specific string sizes. Guessing by your response, I was wrong. lol
If I can change the string sizes without any professional adjustments, then it just leaves me with the why a 28w and what does that do for sound, versus a 22w or 24w. Not sure I have the ear to take the time to pull the 28w and put a different size on and still notice the sound change. Side by side comparison would be more in order for me. lol
Either personal preference of the previous owner or the 4th string broke and all they had at the time as a replacement was a 28.
If your hearing works then you have "the ear." Try a few different string sets and before you know it, you'll find your own preferences. To me a 28 would very uncomfortable & requiring too much force on my fingers. Oh, did I mention "personal prefs..."
String gauge is largely personal preference. Don't overthink it.
The common wisdom is that lighter strings are better. I'd recommend starting at the lightest set you can find, not only will it probably sound better but they'll be easier to play for a beginner. I can't imagine playing with a 28w 4th string or a 16 3rd string, just sounds painful and annoying.
GHS PF110, PF135, or PF140. Personally, I wouldn't go over 13 on the 3rd string or 20w on the 4th.
Personal preference.
Edited by - KCJones on 10/02/2024 09:05:58
Seems a reasonably well balanced heavy gauge set. Maybe the previous owner tuned a step or two below standard.
That is an interesting thought! You may be correct. ??
I'm going to try the 180 set for a while, and maybe experiment with lighter ones at a later date. The medium set feels good to me and has excellent volume.
The choice of string gauges has many variables to consider. A specific banjo might benefit from a heavier 4th string to get a better bass response; or not,depending on the player's sensibilities. Also, the type of music you're playing might lead to heavier strings; full-tilt bluegrass might sound best with heavier strings, but if you're playing behind a singer a lighter bass might be indicated. Just a matter of personal taste.
There's another common reason that one might opt for variant string gauges: if you frequently play in different tunings you might want to change your string gauges to accommodate the tuning. For example, a Shetland tune that I like to play only fits comfortably on a 5-String fingerboard if I tune the 4th string all the way down to "B". With a light string the string tension is a bit too slack, but with a heavier string I get enough tension to make it all work.
But the bottom line on this is - as another respondent said - don't overthink it all, and don't put too much value on string gauge. Experiment with different gauges and types of string before doing any surgery on the instrument. Also, if you're looking for a specific sound you might want to experiment with different types of heads, and different types of bridges for the banjo. String gauge is only one of many variables that you can tweak in pursuit of your sound, and IMHO less important than heads and bridges.
Re: heavier than normal fourth string: I just remembered that I did a brief teaching recording of a tune with the much lowered 5th string, with a heavier string installed to accommodate the low B and still work fine tuned up to C or D. Here's a link to it on the North Atlantic Tune List:
natunelist.net/fiddle-fixer-the/
I tend to be pressure sensitive. I gauge my strings based on their feel, not on their sound. Since I grew up on D'Addario J55s, I tend to prefer that sort of feel. I do a lot of futzing around with tunings, so if I decided to go with something lower than C on the 4th, I wouldn't hesitate to go with a thicker string.
You can easily purchase singles online if you want to ditch just the 0.028" string.
Probably to have a lower pitch to accommodate voice pitch. Like G tuning but lowered down to D or E like John Hartford and still being able to pick the usual G tuning chords etc. banjered
What Tom just said.
These sizes are similar to the strings I use on the banjo I tune low to E. Those are 12-14-20w-24w-12. Yours are both lighter and heavier. Maybe the previous owner tuned to F. Or picked really hard.
I am sure your banjo does not need strings this heavy. As a beginner, you don't need strings this heavy.
You'll be happier starting out with something along the lines of 9-11-13-20-9. Or maybe 9-1/2 for the lightest and 10 for 2nd string. Something like that will be what most makers call light. There is no standard, so you'll see lots of combinations
Martin/Vega strings and D'Addario EJ60, GHS PF140 or PF170 are all light strings that beginners should find comfortable.
I currently use GHS PF190 Americana cryogenic lights, 10-11-13-20-10. I like the slightly heavier 1st and 3rd for stability, volume and snap.
This is all subjective.
Good luck.
Edited by - Old Hickory on 10/02/2024 13:51:32
