I recently put nylon strings on my banjo to see what they'd sound like. They sound good! I got a different bridge that's made for nylon, and for the most part everything is normal with no adjustments needed.
But I notice that the fourth string sits a little "proud". So I'm wondering:
Is it possible to file a slightly bigger notch such that the fat nylon 4th would sit in it more securely, but wouldn't cause problems if I switch back to steel strings?
I'm thinking a small V cut would do the trick and work with strings of different gauges - a narrower steel 4th would just sit a little deeper in the V without wiggling or buzzing.
But before I take a file to the nut I wanted to check for advice on this.
Thanks!
Edited by - dylant on 10/25/2026 13:23:28
A stroke or two with a three-cornered file would achieve what you want to do.
Two things. Consider making a new nut instead, save that one for if you want to switch back. Also, think about subbing a classical guitar wound D or A string for the nylon 4th. It will be narrower, so you may not need to file slot.
Edited by - John Yerxa on 10/26/2026 00:13:41
^ as John said above.
Swap that chunky nylon 4th to a silk wound 4th. It'll sound better and fit better.
Rather than make a new nut (which is easy enough) what I sometimes do is create a ‘reversible’ nut i.e. different slot choices top and bottom. I do this on banjos that I switch between 5 and 6, or 6 and 7-string. But the idea would work just as well for a banjo that you occasionally switch between steel and nylon strings.
A '...bridge made for nylon' would be worth showing us too. Just to be sure it is what you need.
Edited by - EEB on 10/26/2026 02:17:15
I make all my nut and bridge slot with a triangular file and they work for either nylon or steel strings. I do have a .013" nut slot file specifically for slotting 5th string nuts for steel strings, but that's the only one.
Thanks, Zachary. That's the confirmation I was looking for. I appreciate it.
quote:
Originally posted by Zachary HoytI make all my nut and bridge slot with a triangular file and they work for either nylon or steel strings. I do have a .013" nut slot file specifically for slotting 5th string nuts for steel strings, but that's the only one.
Both really interesting suggestions! I've never seen a silk wound string. I will look for it.
As for your reversible nut: What a cool idea! My nut is glued in, and I think most are. Do you leave yours unglued, and just rely on the pressure of the strings to hold it in place, like with the bridge?
I've forgotten what brand of bridge I got for the nylon strings. It does seem to work better with them. I'll post a picture later today. Thanks for offering to check.
quote:
Originally posted by EEB^ as John said above.
Swap that chunky nylon 4th to a silk wound 4th. It'll sound better and fit better.
Rather than make a new nut (which is easy enough) what I sometimes do is create a ‘reversible’ nut i.e. different slot choices top and bottom. I do this on banjos that I switch between 5 and 6, or 6 and 7-string. But the idea would work just as well for a banjo that you occasionally switch between steel and nylon strings.A '...bridge made for nylon' would be worth showing us too. Just to be sure it is what you need.
You are not going to find a “silk wound string”.
What you will find is a silver plated copper wire wound over nylon floss string.
Edited by - Joel Hooks on 10/26/2026 11:27:13
I think this might be a bridge from Joel Hooks at banjothimble.com, but I don't recall exactly. Joel, if this is your bridge, I apologize that I forgot!
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