I've just changed the strings on my banjo afterabout a year. I was wondering how often people change there strings. I don't like the sharp twangy sound of new strings preferring instead the more mellow dull sounds of aged strings. Its cheaper too to leave them as long as possible.
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I'm just considering a new set, I've had the current ones on about a year. I don't mind the sound either way - the twang is obnoxious, but it does allow for sharper triplets, and you can compensate with the right hand if you like - but I usually change them when I start noticing intonation problems, which are starting to show up now. It's usually part of an annual check-up, which involves tightning up loose bits and meaning to think about considering whether the head might someday be changed, or even tuned properly, but deciding against it for now.
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
So you wait until the rust makes your fingers bleed?
2-3 months when I am playing it as a second or 3rd instrument. If I was playing it daily as a main instrument it would be 1-2 months, if regular gigging much more often.
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I change them about every 6-8 weeks. I don't like the way they sound the first day, but I really don't like the way they sound when they start getting dull. Part of it is that I buy inexpensive strings in bulk, so a set of strings costs me maybe $2.50, but they probably need changing more often. But I don't consider changing them to be much of a chore either...
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I change them when the furry bit on the loop-end starts to look a bit tatty (hang on a minute, I don't think they've made strings like that for about 30 years)
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
2-3 months for me.
I hate the chore and wish I had a roadie like Metallica does to do it for me. Not as bad as changing the OM strings, though - ugh. Guaranteed one of my fingers will bleed before it's done, but that's due to deteriorating eyesight.
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
One time somebody in my band asked me to change a string because he couldn't get it goin. I just buy a new string when I break one, which happens often enough that they don't really get old.
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I know a busy double bass player who has been using the same set of steel strings for over 30 years. I've had the same set of metal strings on my cello for over 3 years - but then I don't do as much cello playing now as I used to; fiddle and violin playing has taken over. If you are aware of the cost of even half-decent bass or cello strings, let alone top-of-range, you can understand why bass and cello players tend to hang on to a set of strings.
I won't talk about fiddle strings - that topic comes up regularly every few weeks or so.
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I've never broken a banjo string either, that I can recall. I find they're good for 4-6 weeks. That's three or four sessions a week, and a good deal of playing at home.
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
Worn or corroded strings generate unwanted harmonics, and they also make an instument difficult to tune.
Like all music strings, banjo strings detoriorate with (a) time and (b) useage. So it rather depends on how much playing you are doing. If you are playing every day, changing strings after 2 or 3 months would be about right. If you are playing only occasionaly, maybe after six months to a year would be OK.
If you wait for a string to brea before changing it, you've definitely left it far too long!
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I use a product called Fast Fret on my banjo, mandolin and guitar strings. It's silicon-based and shaped like a speed stick. Just wipe/rub it on the strings before and after playing. Keeps the strings sounding bright and new much longer. It removes the oily buildup on strings from your fingers. I've been able to keep a set of strings 3 times longer that way. Now I only change the string if it breaks, or really really starts to sound dull.
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
Breaking the G string was / may still be a hallowed wedding night tradition back in papa's village.
The carts, the bonfires, the shattered glass, the blade glints, the raven hair, the lowered shawl, the laughter blurred by screams. Sweet, sweet Connecticut.
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
A 70's US blues guitarist (whose name escapes me at the moment) when interviewed in the US Guitar Player mag many years ago was asked how often he changed his strings. He replied "When they break"........
How often do you change the strings on your banjo
How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I've just changed the strings on my banjo afterabout a year. I was wondering how often people change there strings. I don't like the sharp twangy sound of new strings preferring instead the more mellow dull sounds of aged strings. Its cheaper too to leave them as long as possible.
# Posted on January 26th 2010 by riggers
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I'm just considering a new set, I've had the current ones on about a year. I don't mind the sound either way - the twang is obnoxious, but it does allow for sharper triplets, and you can compensate with the right hand if you like - but I usually change them when I start noticing intonation problems, which are starting to show up now. It's usually part of an annual check-up, which involves tightning up loose bits and meaning to think about considering whether the head might someday be changed, or even tuned properly, but deciding against it for now.
# Posted on January 26th 2010 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I change them about every three months or so, whenever they start to look and feel sort of rusty
# Posted on January 26th 2010 by camwebby
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
So you wait until the rust makes your fingers bleed?
2-3 months when I am playing it as a second or 3rd instrument. If I was playing it daily as a main instrument it would be 1-2 months, if regular gigging much more often.
# Posted on January 26th 2010 by Rob
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I wait till I have only one string left, then I buy a new set and start again.
# Posted on January 26th 2010 by csparpd
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I change them about every 6-8 weeks. I don't like the way they sound the first day, but I really don't like the way they sound when they start getting dull. Part of it is that I buy inexpensive strings in bulk, so a set of strings costs me maybe $2.50, but they probably need changing more often. But I don't consider changing them to be much of a chore either...
# Posted on January 26th 2010 by Reverend
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I change them when the furry bit on the loop-end starts to look a bit tatty (hang on a minute, I don't think they've made strings like that for about 30 years)
# Posted on January 26th 2010 by RichardB
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
You have to change the strings?
# Posted on January 26th 2010 by grego
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I hate the chore and wish I had a roadie like Metallica does to do it for me. Not as bad as changing the OM strings, though - ugh. Guaranteed one of my fingers will bleed before it's done, but that's due to deteriorating eyesight.
# Posted on January 26th 2010 by grego
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
One time somebody in my band asked me to change a string because he couldn't get it goin. I just buy a new string when I break one, which happens often enough that they don't really get old.
# Posted on January 27th 2010 by Earl Cameron
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
Wow, I've never broken a banjo string. I break bouzouki strings on occasion, but there's no tension on the banjo strings!
# Posted on January 27th 2010 by Reverend
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I quite often break banjo strings and I've never even owned a banjo.
# Posted on January 27th 2010 by Steve Shaw
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
Every 1-2 months, usually triggered by some poor playing. Its always the tools.
# Posted on January 27th 2010 by Eòsaph
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I know a busy double bass player who has been using the same set of steel strings for over 30 years. I've had the same set of metal strings on my cello for over 3 years - but then I don't do as much cello playing now as I used to; fiddle and violin playing has taken over. If you are aware of the cost of even half-decent bass or cello strings, let alone top-of-range, you can understand why bass and cello players tend to hang on to a set of strings.
I won't talk about fiddle strings - that topic comes up regularly every few weeks or so.
# Posted on January 27th 2010 by Trevor Jennings
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I've never broken a banjo string either, that I can recall. I find they're good for 4-6 weeks. That's three or four sessions a week, and a good deal of playing at home.
# Posted on January 27th 2010 by will morgan
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
Why change them?.. tone and banjo's ??... .
# Posted on January 27th 2010 by nik nak
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
When I change my y-fronts, that is, twice a year usually, why do you ask?
# Posted on January 27th 2010 by Steamwilkes
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
Worn or corroded strings generate unwanted harmonics, and they also make an instument difficult to tune.
Like all music strings, banjo strings detoriorate with (a) time and (b) useage. So it rather depends on how much playing you are doing. If you are playing every day, changing strings after 2 or 3 months would be about right. If you are playing only occasionaly, maybe after six months to a year would be OK.
If you wait for a string to brea before changing it, you've definitely left it far too long!
# Posted on January 27th 2010 by Mix O'Lydian
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I use a product called Fast Fret on my banjo, mandolin and guitar strings. It's silicon-based and shaped like a speed stick. Just wipe/rub it on the strings before and after playing. Keeps the strings sounding bright and new much longer. It removes the oily buildup on strings from your fingers. I've been able to keep a set of strings 3 times longer that way. Now I only change the string if it breaks, or really really starts to sound dull.
# Posted on January 27th 2010 by fiddlerdan
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
Probably every 2-3 months i always use nickle as bronze dies to quick for me. Must try that fast fret stuff anything to prolong string life!!!
# Posted on January 27th 2010 by FergalOH
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
Breaking the G string was / may still be a hallowed wedding night tradition back in papa's village.
The carts, the bonfires, the shattered glass, the blade glints, the raven hair, the lowered shawl, the laughter blurred by screams. Sweet, sweet Connecticut.
# Posted on January 27th 2010 by NEW Pure Drop® Ear Canal Oil
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
And the smirking ruby lips.
# Posted on January 27th 2010 by NEW Pure Drop® Ear Canal Oil
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
Re Fast Fret I dont think its silicone Based its actually a Mineral Oil Based Product it does a great job though dont use silicon oils on a fretboard
# Posted on January 28th 2010 by glengarslasher
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
lemon oil does the trick, cheaper than fast fret
# Posted on January 29th 2010 by gravelwalks
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
I usually keep the old strings & attach a new banjo
# Posted on January 29th 2010 by ramblingpitchfork
Re: How often do you change the strings on your banjo
A 70's US blues guitarist (whose name escapes me at the moment) when interviewed in the US Guitar Player mag many years ago was asked how often he changed his strings. He replied "When they break"........
# Posted on February 8th 2010 by 121JSB