I recently ordered a set of nylon strings for my 1930s Weymann model 150. I play with Chicago tuning and tried a regular standard knot on the first string, but cranking it up to the correct note put too much tension on it and the knot gave away. Does anyone have a better knot or other idea for securing loops on nylon string? Thanks!
Double the string for about 3 inches and then tie a simple overhand knot that you tie your shoes with. I use a nail or screw driver to make the hook hole small enough. Maybe some one will post a picture to clarify. Works great, very simple but effective. banjered
This knot will never come loose.
animatedknots.com/perfection-loop-knot
I use a leader knot like I use when I'm fly fishing. Rives put in the link for the same knot which shows how it's tied.
A bowline knot is good for old tailpieces in which you need to pass the string through a hole before you can form a loop. But it would work in your case too. But banjered's suggestion is easy for a tailpiece meant to receive loops.
Thanks, Gents! I’ll give this a try over the weekend. Fingers crossed!
Tom Collins' video illustrates a simple method that has always worked for me:
First, I don't know what "Chicago tuning" is-- is that imitation guitar intervals?
Tieing bowlines or various loops looks like garbage, The "loops" stretch uneven and generally present terribly. There is no reason to be sloppy.
Second, what is your tailpiece? Many classic era-- or classic era hold over tailpieces will have a designed way to attach strings that does not involve uneven messy loops.
Generally, if there is a post, use a simple figure 8 knot with the lower loop over the post.
If there is a hole, use a stopper knot.
If it is a "no knot" then use the "no knot" attachment method-- it works fine, really.
Polyester "nylgut" strings are extremely fragile. Get yourself some 2000 grit sandpaper and polish contact points on the tailpiece. It will not take long and you only have to do this once.
To attach the string to the peg, put the working end through the hole, bring it around, and twist/wrap around the standing end twice, then wind the peg. Don't tie any knots or double the string though the hole or any other messy nonsense.
Another vote here for the Perfection loop. I learned it fly fishing and used on on my nylon strung banjos ever since. Never had any problems with strings slipping!
quote:
Originally posted by Joel HooksTieing bowlines or various loops looks like garbage, The "loops" stretch uneven and generally present terribly. There is no reason to be sloppy.
Functional is beautiful!
FWIW, and not directly related to the OP, but here is one way to use nylon strings on one of those punched or stamped tailpieces that result in scissors-like posts for the string and which usually break nylon strings. I agree with Joel's recommendation to sand or smooth potential sharp or cutting locations on a TP, but that may not be effective with this type of (low-end) TP.
I experimented and wound up tying nylon strings onto tiny split rings (Michael's Crafts, etc.), which usually survive the TP "scissors" mounting posts. I use a classical guitar knot.
The simplest solution would be to use a more appropriate tailpiece, but I just set up a low-end banjo that the owner wanted the least expensive way to use nylon strings (i.e., don't fork out $$ for a TP for a beater banjo). Not a pretty nor elegant solution, but practical, functional, durable, and inexpensive.
Good idea, Mark. I never thought about using split rings. I'll have to try them since I have a whole bunch of them in my fishing tackle.
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