I know this subject has been discussed in various forms in previous threads, but I would be grateful for some input from some of our more experienced banjo sessioneers out there regarding string life, as I can't find anything diectly relating to this area.
I currently play a 1920/30’s 17 fret unmarked tenor, which I think is a Slingerland and have experimented with various string sets. The best I have found so far are the phosphur bronze Eagle Tone from Eagle Music in the UK which seem to bring out a great sound from the brass tone ring.
I use the gauges 0.044w, 0.030w, 0.020w, 0.013 plain.
My question is what sort of life in hours do other people get out of their strings before tone, brightness, stability etc deteriorates and a new set is required?
Does anyone use any string cleaner such as Fast Fret, to what effect? I have used this and it certainly does seem to improve things.
Anyone have a source of bulk strings in the U.K. at better prices?
The only info I’ve been able to get so far is from the Mastertone site which indicates some 15 hours of acceptable playing life.
Any inputs would be really appreciated, thanks……………………..
I am in the US, and I buy bulk strings from juststrings.com. The shipping to the UK might be prohibitive, but with the current exchange rate, it might make it worth it.
I used phosphor bronze on a couple of banjos, but I have never found them to be as good as Nickel or Stainless Steel on my vintage banjos. I currently use Stainless (.040, .026, .018) and .011 plain steel on my Orpheum.
I don't know about hours, exactly, but I play 1-2 sessions a week, and probably 6 hours of practice. So call it 10-12 hours a week. And I like to change strings about once every 5 weeks. So call it 60 hours of playing before I change. My bulk string sets cost me less than $3 (US) with shipping.
Thanks for the input Pete. Have just checked out juststrings, looks like the shipping would be prohibitive, $35 to UK. Sounds a bit much to me.
Which make of stainless strings do you use by the way. I've never tried stainless so I might give them a go.
"15 hours" sounds like wishful thinking from the string manufacturers! I leave strings on for ages, because the banjo is quite an assertive instrument - do you really want it to be brighter and louder than everyone else!? I don't mind if the initial brightness of new strings starts to mellow a bit. I suppose I change them every 3 or 4 months and I do play it quite a lot. If you like a heavier string you can try D'Addario Octave Mandolin strings - these are phosphor bronze and loopended and of course you get a double set in a pack! I got these from http://www.stringmail.co.uk/ The gauges are 12, 22, 32, 46. I liked these, but decided to go for lighter strings because my 80-year-old banjo doesn't have a truss-rod. At the moment I'm using Rotosound phosphor bronze (British made) and they're great - I selected the gauges from here http://www.highlystrung.co.uk/acatalog/Rotosound-strings.html The only problem was that I found the loops on the Rotosound strings were a little small for the Kirchner-style tailpiece that I was using (you put the strings on posts that stick out at the back, but I've also got a clamshell type tailpiece and they fit that just fine (it also takes ball-ended strings). I think I prefer the phosphor bronze strings for sound.
I've always tarnished strings very fast due to the amounts of acids in my fingertips. I'll rust out the E-string in 15 minutes. No kidding - after a couple of long sets, my e-string will be starting to turn black, and lose sound.
I like to change the e-string before each time I go out to play, and I buy them in bulk 48 at a time. The other strings are just electric guitar strings (D'Addario) from the local music shop.
I used to use 12-22-28-42 on my Bacon&Day, but I fould that I could get a good tone for a longer time by usin slightly lighter gauges. Now I've settled at 12-18-25-38.
Yeah, I like the sound of my strings after about 3 days of playing. They're bright and ringy at the beginning to the point where I actually play a bit lighter to keep from "muddying the sound". But when they get too dull after about a month, I really feel the need to change them, because they get too plunky sounding, with no attack.
You're using very heavy strings on an old banjo which probably hasn't got a truss rod in the neck. I'd be careful of over stressing an old neck.
I have an Elton 1920's 17 fret tenor (no truss rod either) and use 11, 16w, 24, 26 Eagle Newtone P/Bronze. They used to last about 6 weeks to 2 months when I played that particular banjo at all my excusrsions and practices ( = 7 evenings/wk)
They make plenty of noise and work welll once you're used to them being so light. If you want really hard attack don't mess about with a 17f - get a modern 19f longscale as I did.
Brewcru, you've pretty much listed about everything there is to know about that banjo already
The serial number would place it as being made in 1922, although, I thought they were still labeled as "Fairbanks-Vega" until 1923. But the serial number lists are somewhat vague.
The Tubaphone banjos are rather desirable, especially if they're in good condition. Tubaphone refers to the tone ring, the metal ring that sits on the top of the wood rim, and supports the skin head. If I remember correctly, that tone ring was originally designed by David Day, who left Vega in the 20's and formed the Bacon & Day banjo company.
What other kind of information are you looking for?
Try Vin Mondello in Longview, TX. (http://www.4stringbanjos.com) who is one of the best and a nice guy. He can probably tell you over the phone. If it is a five string banjo, it is worth a lot more than if it is a tenor banjo (4 strings). Nonetheless, if it is a tenor in good shape you are looking at a street value of around $750-$1100 depending on model, condition, and originality. (maybe less as the market is very slow right now.)
Is it 19 or 17 fret and does the fingerboard extend over the head? What size is the head? There should be a model designation (Model M, Professional, Artist Model, etc.) on the dowel stick on the side facing you as you look into the banjo from the bottom.
Yep, second the vote on Vinny. I've dealt with him a number of times!
John Bernunzio will also do a written appraisal of the instrument if you send him some photos and a good description. https://bernunzio.com/appraisals.php
17 fret and finger board does not extend over the head. THis is a four string and is in pretty good shape although, there is a scratched out letter that might look like an M on the dowell stick. Thank you for all of the info, it is much appreciated.
Tenor Banjo String Life
Tenor Banjo String Life
I know this subject has been discussed in various forms in previous threads, but I would be grateful for some input from some of our more experienced banjo sessioneers out there regarding string life, as I can't find anything diectly relating to this area.
I currently play a 1920/30’s 17 fret unmarked tenor, which I think is a Slingerland and have experimented with various string sets. The best I have found so far are the phosphur bronze Eagle Tone from Eagle Music in the UK which seem to bring out a great sound from the brass tone ring.
http://www.eaglemusicshop.com/details1.asp/ProductID/5185/sid/258/heavy-tenor-banjo.htm
I use the gauges 0.044w, 0.030w, 0.020w, 0.013 plain.
My question is what sort of life in hours do other people get out of their strings before tone, brightness, stability etc deteriorates and a new set is required?
Does anyone use any string cleaner such as Fast Fret, to what effect? I have used this and it certainly does seem to improve things.
Anyone have a source of bulk strings in the U.K. at better prices?
The only info I’ve been able to get so far is from the Mastertone site which indicates some 15 hours of acceptable playing life.
Any inputs would be really appreciated, thanks……………………..
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by tctelboy
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
Hey tctelboy,
I am in the US, and I buy bulk strings from juststrings.com. The shipping to the UK might be prohibitive, but with the current exchange rate, it might make it worth it.
I used phosphor bronze on a couple of banjos, but I have never found them to be as good as Nickel or Stainless Steel on my vintage banjos. I currently use Stainless (.040, .026, .018) and .011 plain steel on my Orpheum.
I don't know about hours, exactly, but I play 1-2 sessions a week, and probably 6 hours of practice. So call it 10-12 hours a week. And I like to change strings about once every 5 weeks. So call it 60 hours of playing before I change. My bulk string sets cost me less than $3 (US) with shipping.
Pete
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Reverend
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
Thanks for the input Pete. Have just checked out juststrings, looks like the shipping would be prohibitive, $35 to UK. Sounds a bit much to me.
Which make of stainless strings do you use by the way. I've never tried stainless so I might give them a go.
Anyway thanks again.
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by tctelboy
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
You know, I buy bulk from them, so I don't have a clue what make I'm using...
And bah! $35, that's like £16. If you buy bulk (sets of 12 strings of each gauge), it's probably worth it, isn't it?
Pete
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Reverend
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
Ok Pete, you're probably right. Have to do some calculations....
Thanks again.
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by tctelboy
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
"15 hours" sounds like wishful thinking from the string manufacturers! I leave strings on for ages, because the banjo is quite an assertive instrument - do you really want it to be brighter and louder than everyone else!? I don't mind if the initial brightness of new strings starts to mellow a bit. I suppose I change them every 3 or 4 months and I do play it quite a lot. If you like a heavier string you can try D'Addario Octave Mandolin strings - these are phosphor bronze and loopended and of course you get a double set in a pack! I got these from http://www.stringmail.co.uk/ The gauges are 12, 22, 32, 46. I liked these, but decided to go for lighter strings because my 80-year-old banjo doesn't have a truss-rod. At the moment I'm using Rotosound phosphor bronze (British made) and they're great - I selected the gauges from here http://www.highlystrung.co.uk/acatalog/Rotosound-strings.html The only problem was that I found the loops on the Rotosound strings were a little small for the Kirchner-style tailpiece that I was using (you put the strings on posts that stick out at the back, but I've also got a clamshell type tailpiece and they fit that just fine (it also takes ball-ended strings). I think I prefer the phosphor bronze strings for sound.
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by RichardB
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
I've always tarnished strings very fast due to the amounts of acids in my fingertips. I'll rust out the E-string in 15 minutes. No kidding - after a couple of long sets, my e-string will be starting to turn black, and lose sound.
I like to change the e-string before each time I go out to play, and I buy them in bulk 48 at a time. The other strings are just electric guitar strings (D'Addario) from the local music shop.
I used to use 12-22-28-42 on my Bacon&Day, but I fould that I could get a good tone for a longer time by usin slightly lighter gauges. Now I've settled at 12-18-25-38.
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Larshansen
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
Banjos sound better with old strings I reckon. Too much brightness and sustain can muddy the sound.
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Bren
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
Yeah, I like the sound of my strings after about 3 days of playing. They're bright and ringy at the beginning to the point where I actually play a bit lighter to keep from "muddying the sound". But when they get too dull after about a month, I really feel the need to change them, because they get too plunky sounding, with no attack.
Pete
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by Reverend
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
You're using very heavy strings on an old banjo which probably hasn't got a truss rod in the neck. I'd be careful of over stressing an old neck.
I have an Elton 1920's 17 fret tenor (no truss rod either) and use 11, 16w, 24, 26 Eagle Newtone P/Bronze. They used to last about 6 weeks to 2 months when I played that particular banjo at all my excusrsions and practices ( = 7 evenings/wk)
They make plenty of noise and work welll once you're used to them being so light. If you want really hard attack don't mess about with a 17f - get a modern 19f longscale as I did.
# Posted on September 26th 2007 by millionyears_bc
Does anyne have some info on a banjo
Hello,
I have looked at your web paige, while trying to find information on a banjo that I have.
I would like to know if you might know something on this Banjo.
It is a four string, with an inlaid pie shape wood back. When you unscrew the back off it has on the wood cross brace the star with VEGA inside, then,
Fairbanks Banjo
made by
The Vega Company
Boston MA
Then on the opposite side of where the back screws on the cross brace,
P Dec. 30 1890
A Jan. 10 1893
T July 27 1909
Then on the side of that same wood cross peice,
TU BA PHONE With fancy scrolling around it, then in front of it is the serial # 46913 which is also on the inside of the drum part.
Inside the pie shaped backing, is the Vega star and The Vega Company
Boston MA USA
On opposite sides of each other.
On the inside rim of this is a # 10 and some letters written in pencil. I do not know if this is an inspection # or a signature of some sort.
Any information that you have would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much for your time,
Sincerely,
Brewcru
# Posted on September 27th 2007 by Brewcru
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
Brewcru, you've pretty much listed about everything there is to know about that banjo already
The serial number would place it as being made in 1922, although, I thought they were still labeled as "Fairbanks-Vega" until 1923. But the serial number lists are somewhat vague.
The Tubaphone banjos are rather desirable, especially if they're in good condition. Tubaphone refers to the tone ring, the metal ring that sits on the top of the wood rim, and supports the skin head. If I remember correctly, that tone ring was originally designed by David Day, who left Vega in the 20's and formed the Bacon & Day banjo company.
What other kind of information are you looking for?
Pete
# Posted on September 27th 2007 by Reverend
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
Thank you Pete I appreciate the info. I will start looking for more info on the tone ring also.
I was wondering where you can get a banjo like this apraised?
I live in Victoria Texas, Below Houston.
Thanks
Brewcru
# Posted on September 27th 2007 by Brewcru
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
Try Vin Mondello in Longview, TX. (http://www.4stringbanjos.com) who is one of the best and a nice guy. He can probably tell you over the phone. If it is a five string banjo, it is worth a lot more than if it is a tenor banjo (4 strings). Nonetheless, if it is a tenor in good shape you are looking at a street value of around $750-$1100 depending on model, condition, and originality. (maybe less as the market is very slow right now.)
Is it 19 or 17 fret and does the fingerboard extend over the head? What size is the head? There should be a model designation (Model M, Professional, Artist Model, etc.) on the dowel stick on the side facing you as you look into the banjo from the bottom.
Mike Keyes
http://www.banjosessions.com
# Posted on September 27th 2007 by mikeyes
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
Yep, second the vote on Vinny. I've dealt with him a number of times!
John Bernunzio will also do a written appraisal of the instrument if you send him some photos and a good description. https://bernunzio.com/appraisals.php
Pete
# Posted on September 27th 2007 by Reverend
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
17 fret and finger board does not extend over the head. THis is a four string and is in pretty good shape although, there is a scratched out letter that might look like an M on the dowell stick. Thank you for all of the info, it is much appreciated.
Brewcru
# Posted on September 27th 2007 by Brewcru
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
Useless piece of junk, Brewcru. But I'd be happy to dispose of it for you for free if you want to send it to me.
# Posted on September 27th 2007 by grego
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
grego, your IAS is showing again...
Pete
# Posted on September 27th 2007 by Reverend
Re: Tenor Banjo String Life
It doesn't count if you get them for free....
# Posted on September 28th 2007 by grego