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Help with Tenor Banjo Strings

  • 22-08-2009 4:08pm
    #1
    brummytom
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,572 ✭✭✭✭


    Hi, can anyone help me before I snap this bloody thing in half.

    I've got an Ashbury standard scale (19 fret) Tenor Banjo, bought it tuned GDAE.
    Took it away on holiday last week, and when I got home found the 'E' string had snapped.

    So I went to buy new ones - turned out they were for the CGDA tuning (I'm a complete novice to the banjo btw). Went to the local Trad/Folk shop and got a set of 'D'addario Irish Banjo Strings' (.012 - .016 - .024 - .036) which seemed about right, so I try to put on the string, get to about a D, and it snaps

    What am I doing wrong?!!


Comments

  • #2
    studiorat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,408 ✭✭✭studiorat


    A CGDA set should work if you just move them across one. Discard the A and make the D an E.

    I'm wondering if you put the wrong string on. Also I'm not a tenor player but I reckon those strings aren't for GDAE tuning. The 0.016 and 0.024 seems a little light.

    There's guys out there using 12 22 32 44 and 12 22 26 36. Where the 22 is a wound A string. After any major change in string guages the instrument may need to be set up again for intonation etc.

    Also of course check for sharp edges on the bridge, nut and machine head. Where is the string breaking?


  • #3
    dancingqueen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,079 ✭✭✭dancingqueen


    Hi OP

    I just checked with my brother and he uses .012 or .013 gauge guitar strings for the E string... he's always used them as opposed to banjo strings, prefers the sound - how are you putting them on? D'addario ones btw.


  • #4
    neil_hosey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,712 ✭✭✭neil_hosey


    must be something going wrong with the way you are putting them on. im using the same strings at the moment and they were handy enough. you sure ur not just tightening too much. Have the tuner beside you when doin it!


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