Strings on Doc's

Premier Sponsors

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue, we will assume that you agree to our privacy policy which includes details of cookie usage. Hide this notice

Doc's Banjo's

Join This Group

Anyone that has, is going to, knows or wants.

43 Members, Created 10/20/2011 -

Administrators: Rattlesnake (owner)

< Back to Home

From jmoathout on 12/1/2012 5:43:44 AM

I just got Doc's #169 equipped with Nylgut Minstrel strings, which Doc recommends along with phosphor bronze. His site also says his banjos can be tuned to up to A or D. But in looking at the Nylgut description pasted below, I'm cautions.

Minstrel description

"LOW (D or E) TUNING - These strings are made in Italy from a synthetic material called "Nylgut". Nylgut is a new formulation of polymerized plastic with additives patented by Aquila and has the closest sound to gut strings we have heard. This set is longer (about 51") and heavier than the "Classical" set. The strings are ROUGHLY 0275, 0325, 0390, 0280w, 0275 inches in diameter, using multiple calipers measuring multiple points on multiple strings. Intended for lower tunings, not likely to survive being brought up to standard G tuning. "

Maybe they are talking about regular length scale (?). But, I don't want to overstress the non-trussed neck and am considering the somewhat lighter Classical. I don't mind breaking a string, but I don't want to damage in any way the new-to-me banjo. Any guidance? If Minstrel preferred, why?

6 Comments
	darrenjahn says: 12/2/2012 5:47:46 AM Congratulations on your purchase! I have two of Doc's banjos: one with steel strings and one with nylgut. I've tuned them both up down and sideways and my experience has been that while you can't hurt the banjos themselves, you are almost guaranteed to break nylguts by tuning them up to A or D. The other thing I've found is that they just sound better--bigger, richer, fuller, and more resonant, when tuned down a whole step to G or C. That said, go ahead and experiment if you have an extra set; you won't hurt the banjo. I hope that helps. Have fun!
	jmoathout says: 12/4/2012 5:30:06 PM I tuned today to D with no problems. It appears that Doc uses a figure 8 or similar knot to attach Nylguts to his built in tailpiece. I haven't changed any strings; and yesterday my teacher who played it said "don't change a thing".
	darrenjahn says: 12/12/2012 1:30:24 PM Hi JM. I've got to thank you for giving me the encouragement to give this another try. I've now been playing for several days on the Nylguts in both Double D and Open A without any issues.
	roguegaston says: 2/25/2013 4:04:50 PM On my #92 with a scalloped fret board, it came with GHS Medium Phsophor Bronze strings. I was having some trouble, as a beginner, not buzzing and getting a clean sound. I just switched to the GHS Light Phosphor Bronze strings and they made a world of difference. They are much easier to fret. However, I don't think they sound quite as nice. I would say they are a little thinner sounding. I ordered several other brands and sizes of strings to try out. What strings work for you all (brand/model)? Thanks, Jason
	darrenjahn says: 2/25/2013 4:56:53 PM These are my favorite steel strings: amazon.com/gp/product/B0002E1N...TF8&psc=1 These are my favorite Nylgut: elderly.com/accessories/items/ANGMB.htm
	roguegaston says: 2/25/2013 5:26:37 PM Thanks! I will put those on my list to try.
Post a Comment
You must be logged in and a member of this group to post a comment.

	docs banjo 2 Linked by darlo 10 years ago: 1 of my new docs banjos
Forum Post: (untitled) Linked by jmoathout 12 years ago
Forum Post: (untitled) Linked by jmoathout 12 years ago: Discussion of scalloped frets, notably on Doc's