Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

How Many Sets Of Strings Does It Take

#1

In my case, it takes three sets of strings to get one new set on my banjo.

Today was the day it all went wrong. A while back I decided to change my banjo strings every three months. Based on how much I play, this seems about right. Last week I noticed the strings were losing their zing, so I decided 01 Sept is a good day to change them.
Last time I changed them, everything went smooth as silk. This time was like a Three Stooges routine.
First, I got three strings on, then realized I had wrapped them on the wrong posts! Doh!
Got another set of strings out, put them on, then promptly broke one, which rapped my finger as it popped & then the blood appeared.
When I went to change that one, I noticed another string has slipped out of its slot on the tailpiece while I was winding it. This was a totally mis-fed string.
Time for my 3rd set of strings. This time I learned from my mistakes and am now sporting new strings!

Of course, my banjo is out of tune. :grin:

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#2

Mission accomplished!!! Nobody will know that you went through 3 sets. All they know is that your banjo sounds awesome.

By the way, do you stretch your new strings? It greatly reduces the retuning needed.

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#3

I do stretch them, ever since watching the Banjo Ben video on how to change strings. It’s a great tip.
https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/how-to-change-banjo-strings-banjo?from_track=beginner-banjo

And I was shocked at the difference the new strings made. I thought I was going to need ear protection because my banjo was so loud!

I know I will get better with practice, but string-changing practice is not real high on my list of things to do. 4 times a year seems about right for me.

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#4

I feel your pain. That’s why I haven’t changed my strings in over a year. banjo

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#5

Try it! You banjo will thank you with better sound.

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#6

Don’t know that you were looking for advice, but one thing that helps me is to replace one string at a time. I only take them all off if I need to do some deeper cleaning or some sort of maintenance.

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#7

Normally I would do that, but today was my deep cleaning day as well, so all the strings came off. You are absolutely correct. It is so much easier to do them one at a time!
I was convinced I would misplace & lose the bridge. It was that kind of morning.

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#8

My Stelling and Twanger sound great. We don’t experience the temperature and humidity fluctuations you guys have. Banjos are in their cases when not in use and house remains constant throughout the year.

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#9

I thought my Sierra sounded great. Now with the new strings it booms like a cannon!
You know how it is. You don’t notice the hair in your comb & you look great, when in fact you’ve got a rather large bald spot on the top of your head.
I didn’t know about mine until I got it sunburned!

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