dhergert says:
1/15/2025 11:49:08 AM

The original nylon strings that come on the CEB-5 sound great, but unfortunately they don't last very long. I went through my original strings in about a week. I tried a bunch of alternatives; the same longevity issues continued with just about any nylon strings.

After trying a number of nylon alternatives, I gave up and started checking out metal strings. I finalized on D'Addario Chromes XL ECG25 (flatwounds), from which I use only the wound strings: d(1)-.024w, B(2)-.032w, G(3)-.042w and D(4)-052w. Then for the 5th string from a second ECG25 set I only use the .024w. You might be able to buy a single .024w instead of buying a whole new ECG25 set.

Their tone of course is that of metal strings, toned down a bit by being flatwound, but their volume and playability are excellent. The low D(4)-.052w has enough tension to use either as a D or as a C depending on your tuning preference.

If they had lasted, I'd prefer nylon strings on this instrument, but they just were not practical for my playing.

I did have GoldTone make a bone-topped bridge for me to use with these metal strings. They designed a nicely compensated bridge for me and I've been very happy with it.

I also made a custom Yellowstone head for this banjo which sounded great, but as I started using this instrument on stage I went back to the original Renaissance head for reliability. The Renaissance head also sounds excellent, but it doesn't sound as dry as Yellowstone heads do.

FWIW, I've made other mods to my CEB-5 too -- a finger-rest/pick-guard and a flat-plate resonator.

caseyjust says:
1/15/2025 12:19:17 PM

After much searching and talking to experts like Paul Roberts and the Goldtone folks I settled on the Goldstone BBS Banjo Baritone Custom Gauge Strings. I can tune it up to C or A without issue and it works with my Gold Tone SMP+ pickup so I can play thru a direct box or my Fender Vibro Champ. It's a great combination for what I'm trying to do.

Good luck!

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