Plectrum style string guage

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BACON and DAY

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For all things related to The Fred Bacon Banjo Co. and B&D Banjos (including: Gretsch).

138 Members, Created 1/22/2012 -

Administrators: jbalch (owner)

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From Hot Club Man on 5/17/2015 3:18:19 PM

What guage strings do you prefer to get the best sound from your Bacon & Day?

8 Comments
	rudykizuty says: 5/18/2015 3:01:44 AM Not an easy answer. I presently own two plectrum Silver Bells from 1924 and 1934 that are world's apart in terms of their manufacture, thus the setup I have on each for optimum sound and playing comfort are very different, including string gauges. In general however, I can say with all confidence that the biggest difference compared to other makes/models is that I most definitely prefer a wound third on them and definitely a brand of string where the windings are nickel wrapped as opposed to stainless. My personal preference in this regard are D'Addario.
	rudykizuty says: 5/18/2015 3:04:44 AM To elaborate, the 1924 standard Silver Bell is set up 10-12-20w-30w with a Remo bottom frosted head whereas the 1934 Serenader is set up 10-12-18w-26w on a 5 Star head. Both have a Farquhar taqua nut bridge.
	Hot Club Man says: 5/18/2015 3:12:14 PM Many thanks Rudy for your advice--much appreciated. Will give the gauges a try. Over the years I have had a few plec. banjo's, all suit different Gauges.
	rudykizuty says: 5/18/2015 3:15:35 PM You're welcome!
	Gordy Ohliger says: 5/24/2015 10:56:36 AM . When I started out, I used Black Diamond, a very rich tone. Then in college, I played EVERY weekend in joints and had to have more punch, so gravitated to Gibson strings. Used to buy packet #G-573. . Of course they are discontinued now! So I special order stings to get what I want. 26, 16, 14, 12. (Third is plain for a clear sound.) I play with the hardest pick I can find, as I grew up with Tortoise shell and have only one left. . If you wish you can visit my Youtube channel (My name) and hear it on Ida.
	Hot Club Man says: 5/26/2015 2:15:40 PM Many thanks for your reply Gordy. Thanks for your input on strings. Visited your Youtube clips. I love your style & your one man show clips--wonderful playing.
	jlmyers says: 8/12/2015 1:14:41 PM I like 30-20-15-12 [wound 3rd] on my '25 Silver Bell #2. I'm an old YFM guy so I play pretty hard. We used STEEL flatpicks [and plain 3rd] there for volume! Now I use nylon.
	jlmyers says: 8/12/2015 1:14:53 PM I like 30-20-15-12 [wound 3rd] on my '25 Silver Bell #2. I'm an old YFM guy so I play pretty hard. We used STEEL flatpicks [and plain 3rd] there for volume! Now I use nylon.
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