Hi all - I'm looking for advise - I got a few packs of Old new strings when I purchased a second hand banjo - I am wondering if they are ok to use - or if I would be better off just keeping them as historical items? Im not sure how old they are - but the price tag looks pretty low (in AUD)
Thanks in advance...
Fine to use if stored decently. If they're not oxidized, they're good.
quote:
Originally posted by Brian MurphyFine to use if stored decently. If they're not oxidized, they're good.
Awesome ?? thank you
I have heard a story that strings can go 'stale' if not used for long periods. I cannot confirm this. As Brian has said, if they are stored correctly then yes, they should be OK.
quote:
Originally posted by banjonzI have heard a story that strings can go 'stale' if not used for long periods. I cannot confirm this. As Brian has said, if they are stored correctly then yes, they should be OK.
Thanks for your reply banjonz ?? I thought I had heard something somewhere like that too - that's why I was interested to hear what others thought - but I guess I can just give them a go and see what happens ... as long as they don't do any damage- cheers ??
quote:
Originally posted by Astrid Kquote:
Originally posted by banjonzI have heard a story that strings can go 'stale' if not used for long periods. I cannot confirm this. As Brian has said, if they are stored correctly then yes, they should be OK.
Thanks for your reply banjonz ?? I thought I had heard something somewhere like that too - that's why I was interested to hear what others thought - but I guess I can just give them a go and see what happens ... as long as they don't do any damage- cheers ??
Long time ago strings came in individual paper packets / envelopes. Over the years of buying and selling banjos, they sometimes come with old strings still unused in their packets but rusty. Some are extremely old (Black Diamond brand etc or even very early Gibson. While some modern strings still come in paper, many come sealed in plastic. Depending where the instrument is stored (often in damp basements etc), the sealed one tend to not rust nor deteriorate. I buy my strings in bulk from the US (I am in New Zealand, hence 'banjoNZ'). It takes me a while to get through these. I know that even after a long time these strings will be fresh and sound bright.
If not rusty, they will be fine. If they are rusty, they will damage your fingertips moreso than your banjo.
@banjonz thanks again for- that is really helpful
quote:
Originally posted by banjo rooIf not rusty, they will be fine. If they are rusty, they will damage your fingertips moreso than your banjo.
Thanks banjo roo - I appreciate your insight - and that is reassuring! I'm very fond of my banjos!
I buy strings in bulk all the time. Some take a while to get used. but if they are not rusted or tarnished I've never had a problem even after several years. Once I even tried some old Bell Brand strings from the 1950s without any problems, although I wouldn't do that all the time.
It doesn't cost anything to put on a set and find out for yourself. Just saying, you never really know til you try.
quote:
Originally posted by mrbookI buy strings in bulk all the time. Some take a while to get used. but if they are not rusted or tarnished I've never had a problem even after several years. Once I even tried some old Bell Brand strings from the 1950s without any problems, although I wouldn't do that all the time.
Thanks mrbook much appreciated - sounds like they will be good to use - they look to be in good condition- that will save me a few dollars
quote:
Originally posted by BG BanjoIt doesn't cost anything to put on a set and find out for yourself. Just saying, you never really know til you try.
Thanks BG Banjo - I think that is good advice - I just didn't want to damage anything on the banjo - but it seems like I should just give it a try
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