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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/394551
jillk101 - Posted - 12/15/2023: 10:29:42
I just purched a very nice 1925 ludwig columbia. 4 string, 17 fret. Its in very good shape. Which string guages would i need for an old banjo like this.
Would .30 .23 .16 .9 put me in gdae???? Or should i try CGDA?? And would .24 .16 .13 .11 put me in CGDA???? And would DGBE be too heavy a tuning for this old banjo????
Thanks in advance for any advice
Boblamoy - Posted - 12/15/2023: 12:02:15
It really depends on what you plan to play. Irish is usually GDAE. Gauges are approximately. 40, .30, .20, 10. This is the same tuning as mandolin and violin, so it's easy to find tabs or notation for Old Time tunes.
Enda Scahill - Posted - 12/15/2023: 12:06:43
GDAE won’t be a problem for a 17 fret, I’d recommend heavier gauge than a 19 fret.
I’d go
38, 28, 20, 12
Parker135 - Posted - 12/15/2023: 18:17:44
Enda Scahill himself helping you avoid the floppy G string problem!
DSmoke - Posted - 12/16/2023: 04:38:32
I was not aware that Ludwig made a 17 fret tenor banjo. Can you share a picture?
Parker135 - Posted - 12/16/2023: 05:21:54
quote:
Originally posted by Enda Scahill??
Meaning the strings suitable for a 19 fret banjo are floppy when installed on a shorter scale. Sorry, I just thought it was really cool that you posted your suggestion.
Enda Scahill - Posted - 12/16/2023: 05:37:31
Sorry!! That was supposed to be a laughing emoji!!!
quote:
Originally posted by Parker135quote:
Originally posted by Enda Scahill??
Meaning the strings suitable for a 19 fret banjo are floppy when installed on a shorter scale. Sorry, I just thought it was really cool that you posted your suggestion.
Parker135 - Posted - 12/16/2023: 05:52:49
quote:
Originally posted by Enda ScahillSorry!! That was supposed to be a laughing emoji!!!quote:
Originally posted by Parker135quote:
Originally posted by Enda Scahill??
Meaning the strings suitable for a 19 fret banjo are floppy when installed on a shorter scale. Sorry, I just thought it was really cool that you posted your suggestion.
And now I'm laughing at thinking I needed to explain!
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