I’ve had better luck with the Aquila nylguts than the Aquila reds regarding breakage. I tune up as high as open D and open A, and it’s not uncommon for me to change tunings multiple times a day. I use the set that has a red 4th string but the rest are clear. Good luck!

I do very little re-tuning but reach for another banjo instead. ;) So, I don't know about that, but my survival strategy is based on the belief that tuning and scale length are the critical factors. I.e., shorter scale and/or lower tuning improve your chances of survival.

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Originally posted by Dry Ridge

About 6 months ago I started using Aquila 11B strings on a couple of my banjos and really like the sound. I keep one banjo tuned to G and the other to double C. I don’t think I have had to change the set tuned to G but I have been going through the ones tuned to C about every 3-4 weeks. The problem seems to be 2 fold. First, these strings are designed for G tuning so tuning them to C means the 2nd string has to be tuned from B to C so more tension. I also regularly switch between double C and standard C which requires retuning the 2nd string from C to B and back again at least once a day. I think the combination of the two factors results in the 2nd string failing in 3-4 weeks. Consequently I have a pile of extra 1, 3, 4, and 5 strings.

So assuming that over tightening the 2nd string is the issue I just ordered Aquila 12B strings which are designed for C tuning so the 2nd string will be where it is made for. Also when I drop it to B then it will have less tension. My questions is am I on the right track here? Or will the 2nd string continue to fail early simply because I am retuning it between B and C every day? I don’t want to go back to metal strings but this is getting frustrating!

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My experience with red series is similar. I still have one banjo strung with red series but it is tuned to low G for Dwight Diller stuff.  I broke a bunch of strings, both red and regular nylgut until I got serious about smoothing the string slots in both nut and bridge.  I don't mean to say this is your issue, but it definitely helped me. 

I find the most annoying thing with the red series is the string-squeak on the thumb string.  It seems to go away after a few hours of playing, but if that banjo gets a break for a few days, the dreaded squeak returns.  I will eventually replace it with a clear string, but I'm kinda curious about how long I can make it last.  

My other banjos wear the 4th red strings. I believe they are Classic Banjo Med. 1 R. These banjos get played daily with one of them tuned to G and the other to Double C. Those strings are about 6 months old.  I recently broke a 4-string (red) on the G banjo.  The string broke right at the second fret, I assume from capo-wear.  Playing loudly in A has its price I guess. 

Aquila has, it seems, a blinding array of different string configurations. Is there a Classic Banjo set WITHOUT the red 4-string?  If there is, I think I want to try those next.  

I've seen on this site others recommending a wound 4-string.  Not a fan of the wound 4th. Others will certainly love them.  Not my cup of G. 

Sorry. That's what passes for humor here in the well caffeinated morning.

I have smoothed every slot and contact point as well as applying graphite to the slots. If these Aquila 12B strings don’t change things I may give the La Bella 17 strings a try—any experience with those? I do have 2 banjos set up with the reds in different tunings, and as soon as I get the restoration finished I will add a third, but I need at least 5 for the tunings I use most (can’t let my wife find out). My old Aria Pro II still has metal strings on it as the clamshell tailpiece cuts through the reds in a few minutes—just not designed for nylon strings. Maybe I can find a trade for an open back.

Dry Ridge -- Since you mentioned LA Bella 17's, I suggest you give serious consideration to these: banjothimble.com/classic-era-b...-strings, from Joel Hooks. (He gives the background story there, too.) He has both nylon La Bella's and polyester (?) Aquila's in lighter gauges than available elsewhere. My impression is that they have a cleaner sound. (That's what the physics says, i.e., all harmonics are closer to their ideal values. But why go on physics when you have ears?)

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Originally posted by davidppp

Dry Ridge -- Since you mentioned LA Bella 17's, I suggest you give serious consideration to these: banjothimble.com/classic-era-b...-strings, from Joel Hooks. (He gives the background story there, too.) He has both nylon La Bella's and polyester (?) Aquila's in lighter gauges than available elsewhere. My impression is that they have a cleaner sound. (That's what the physics says, i.e., all harmonics are closer to their ideal values. But why go on physics when you have ears?)

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Thanks, I have seen his webpage on his special strings. I find it interesting that Aquila specifies a tuning (gDGBD or gCGCD) for their strings but he says they work great for standard C (gCGBD) doesn't say how they do with other tunings.

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Originally posted by Dry Ridge

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Originally posted by Dry Ridge

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Originally posted by davidppp

Dry Ridge -- Since you mentioned LA Bella 17's, I suggest you give serious consideration to these: banjothimble.com/classic-era-b...-strings, from Joel Hooks. (He gives the background story there, too.) He has both nylon La Bella's and polyester (?) Aquila's in lighter gauges than available elsewhere. My impression is that they have a cleaner sound. (That's what the physics says, i.e., all harmonics are closer to their ideal values. But why go on physics when you have ears?)

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Thanks, I have seen his webpage on his special strings. I find it interesting that Aquila specifies a tuning (gDGBD or gCGCD) for their strings but Joel says his work great for standard C (gCGBD) but doesn't say how they do with other t8nings.

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I don't use other tunings.  I personally don't even raise the 4th string.

I will likely not continue with Aquila strings.  I am planning on getting the Stewart sizes in Labella rectified nylon. 

With cost of shipping (Aquila comes from Italy) and the hassle of customs and duties, I expect that Aquila will be priced too high. 

I am already going to have to raise the price of the Labella strings with the next shipment I get. 

Also, I do not like Aquila 4ths at all.  I'm not sure if they wind them to loose or if the wire is too soft or both, I just can't get on with them.  The polyester strings are okay but I replace the 4th with a Labella. 

Why not use the G-tuned banjo for standard C? With synthetic strings you're going to have tuning issues, but it would seem to me that retuning the 4th string would cause fewer problems than your current practice.

Well, since my last post on this I have been using the 11B for open G and the 12B for dbl C and drop C without any broken strings. I also have been tuning down a step with each, which lowers the tension so that may be another reason. I keep meaning to order a set of the LaBellas from Joel before he jacks up the prices. I also keep hoping he’ll carve a few bridges as I need some for my Cole Eclipse.