Steel vs Nylon on a 10L fretless

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BROOKS BANJOS GROUP

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For BROOKS BANJO OWNERS and for Folks that wood like to learn more about BROOKS BANJOS.

60 Members, Created 3/20/2012 -

Administrators: John Bowlin (owner)

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From bpeterson11 on 8/24/2012 9:09:13 AM

Hi all, I am in a bit of a quandry, I have been really trying to get used to the high tension nylon guitar string that my fretless 10L Brooks came with upon my purchase. I just can't get used to them, and I am finding myself not wanting to play it as much as I would like. Does anyone have input as far as nylon vs steel on a fretless Brooks? Good, bad, or indifferent, I would love to hear what y'all have to say, thanks!!!

4 Comments
	J-Walk says: 8/24/2012 10:37:36 AM I felt the same way about the high tension strings on my 10L. I normally kept it tuned a step lower. But nobody plays in the key of F or Bb, so I never used it for jamming. A few months ago I installed a set of steel strings on it, just to see what it was like. Mixed feelings. It sounds great and is easier to play, but I've never been a fan of steel strings on a fretless. I'll probably go back to the high tension strings.
	brooksbanjo says: 8/25/2012 10:20:07 AM Hi Brian, Personally I like steel strings better on a fretless, but I play with a pick and maybe that makes a difference in sound. In the nylon string department, I think the strings that are on your banjo are Savarez HT Classic high tension classical guitar nylon strings. Savarez makes regular tension HT Classic strings as well. Remember when buying classical guitar strings that you have to buy two packs of strings to get the other high g string you will need. I also really like the sound of nylgut classical banjo strings. These would be my two choices in nylon strings. Hope this helps.
	bpeterson11 says: 8/27/2012 8:45:06 AM Right on, thanks J and Brooks for the advice, feedback, and help. Brooks, yes, I do have the Savarez high tension stings on right now. I may change and string the 10L up with some Ome medium steel strings that I really like a lot on my Ome Celtic. If those don't do it for me, I will check out the nylgut classical banko strings next. Once again, thanks much, I do appreciate it.
	bpeterson11 says: 2/1/2013 2:56:52 PM Just a quick update, I did change to the Ome mediums, I like them a lot better than the classic guitar strings. I have also taken the banjo out of the case where I had it humidified, I find that if it isn't out, I don't play it as much. Therefore, it is now getting about 50% of my playing time, split with my fretted Ome. I posted a sound sample on my homepage of Breaking Up Christmas>Sweet Sunny South, check it out if y'all want. Loving every second on this 5, thanks again Brooks for making such a fine quality instrument!!! BP
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