What strings? - Classic-Banjo2024-03-29T00:54:16Zhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/what-strings?feed=yes&xn_auth=noHi Eric,
Thanks for your answ…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2020-08-30:2667446:Comment:1454862020-08-30T12:25:38.171ZJan Faireyhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/JanFairey
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hi Eric,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thanks for your answer, it's really very helpful.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> I did think the original screws must have a wider coarser thread. The ones used looked like they were only biting on the final 5mm of the thread because they must have been slightly longer than originals.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The pot and the neck look in good condition, for its age and…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hi Eric,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thanks for your answer, it's really very helpful.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> I did think the original screws must have a wider coarser thread. The ones used looked like they were only biting on the final 5mm of the thread because they must have been slightly longer than originals.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The pot and the neck look in good condition, for its age and do not seem to have any other faults. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But I have never seen the original screws and would hate to cause damage.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hey if you do some spares, that would be super. I would gladly also pay for your time etc. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you do not then photos would be a help.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thanks again, i was really stuck. I got the banjo as a gift for my son's 18th birthday and he is really looking forward to playing it.</span></p>
<p><br/> <br/> <cite>Eric Crum said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="https://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/what-strings?xg_source=activity#2667446Comment145559"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Mine was held on with much coarser thread screws... I will take a picture of one when I get a chance... Might have some extras... I have quite a Windsor parts stash now... :) The pot was warped on mine, causing the neck to point towards the treble side, and the back piece was starting to separate.. Steamed it straight, Added about a 6 inch section from another broken Windsor on the inside as a gusset. Also had to take a bunch of twist and bow out of the neck... Plays great now, and is my current 2nd favorite banjo I own... (Favorite is my Popular #1 open back). </p>
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<p>Ended up going with medium Clifford Essex Classic banjo strings... Then I played with different head skin thicknesses until I found one that sounded just right for me.. I basically use the same strings on everything now...</p>
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</blockquote> Mine was held on with much co…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2020-08-28:2667446:Comment:1455592020-08-28T23:28:00.200ZEric Crumhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/EricCrum
<p>Mine was held on with much coarser thread screws... I will take a picture of one when I get a chance... Might have some extras... I have quite a Windsor parts stash now... :) The pot was warped on mine, causing the neck to point towards the treble side, and the back piece was starting to separate.. Steamed it straight, Added about a 6 inch section from another broken Windsor on the inside as a gusset. Also had to take a bunch of twist and bow out of the neck... Plays great now, and is…</p>
<p>Mine was held on with much coarser thread screws... I will take a picture of one when I get a chance... Might have some extras... I have quite a Windsor parts stash now... :) The pot was warped on mine, causing the neck to point towards the treble side, and the back piece was starting to separate.. Steamed it straight, Added about a 6 inch section from another broken Windsor on the inside as a gusset. Also had to take a bunch of twist and bow out of the neck... Plays great now, and is my current 2nd favorite banjo I own... (Favorite is my Popular #1 open back). </p>
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<p>Ended up going with medium Clifford Essex Classic banjo strings... Then I played with different head skin thicknesses until I found one that sounded just right for me.. I basically use the same strings on everything now...</p> Hi,
I have a Windsor Idea num…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2020-07-20:2667446:Comment:1445372020-07-20T12:41:19.734ZJan Faireyhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/JanFairey
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I have a Windsor Idea number 8, "Has an issue with neck to pot connection" is an understatement. I looks like someone tried to conectit with the completely wrong srcews. Did you work out to solve the problem and have any advice</p>
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<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Jan</p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I have a Windsor Idea number 8, "Has an issue with neck to pot connection" is an understatement. I looks like someone tried to conectit with the completely wrong srcews. Did you work out to solve the problem and have any advice</p>
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<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Jan</p> Strange ; there are stranges…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2017-10-01:2667446:Comment:1247002017-10-01T16:13:10.645Zmarc dalmassohttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/marcdalmasso
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/51756063?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/51756121?profile=original" target="_self"></a>Strange ; there are stranges parts sometimes in a banjo ; like this capo , which a a double function , capo and remove the varnish from the neck when you gonna slide it…</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/51756063?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/51756121?profile=original" target="_self"></a>Strange ; there are stranges parts sometimes in a banjo ; like this capo , which a a double function , capo and remove the varnish from the neck when you gonna slide it</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/51756063?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="721" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/51756063?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/51756121?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="721" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/51756121?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p> Hi Eric, I'm not familiar wit…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2017-10-01:2667446:Comment:1244012017-10-01T07:20:18.331ZSteve Harrisonhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/SteveHarrison
<p>Hi Eric, I'm not familiar with Windsor zither banjos but I do own a Windsor popular No.1 and a couple of Popular number threes (all three are open back). I've tried a variety of strings and have found that Nylgut medium gauge with a Clifford Essex heavy gauge 4th fits the bill. To my ears, they complement the Windsors' bright, strident sound. Ultimately it's all down to personal preference. Enjoy your journey with classic banjo, all the best...Steve.</p>
<p>Hi Eric, I'm not familiar with Windsor zither banjos but I do own a Windsor popular No.1 and a couple of Popular number threes (all three are open back). I've tried a variety of strings and have found that Nylgut medium gauge with a Clifford Essex heavy gauge 4th fits the bill. To my ears, they complement the Windsors' bright, strident sound. Ultimately it's all down to personal preference. Enjoy your journey with classic banjo, all the best...Steve.</p> Whoa! So those cylindrical f…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2017-10-01:2667446:Comment:1246972017-10-01T06:25:50.755ZJody Stecherhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/JodyStecher
<p>Whoa! So those cylindrical feet were intended for round holes?!? David Wade... what's your opinion?</p>
<p>I've never seen a Windsor with a two part bridge and the bridges in the zither-banjo catalogs show a one piece bridge. Eric, are you sure the bottom part is not an "after-market" addition?</p>
<p>Whoa! So those cylindrical feet were intended for round holes?!? David Wade... what's your opinion?</p>
<p>I've never seen a Windsor with a two part bridge and the bridges in the zither-banjo catalogs show a one piece bridge. Eric, are you sure the bottom part is not an "after-market" addition?</p> The bridge on the Windsor is…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2017-10-01:2667446:Comment:1244002017-10-01T01:24:32.881ZEric Crumhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/EricCrum
<p>The bridge on the Windsor is labled "The New Windsor" and has two cylindrical feet. Those feet sit in two holes in the base. It is also the second one I have had come to me on a Windsor from the same time period.The inside of the head is also labled "Arthur O Windsor" :) Need a different bridge anyway... That one is rough. And the strings are too close together for my stubby fingers anyway.. :)…</p>
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<p>The bridge on the Windsor is labled "The New Windsor" and has two cylindrical feet. Those feet sit in two holes in the base. It is also the second one I have had come to me on a Windsor from the same time period.The inside of the head is also labled "Arthur O Windsor" :) Need a different bridge anyway... That one is rough. And the strings are too close together for my stubby fingers anyway.. :)</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/51756157?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/51756157?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-left" width="721"/></a></p> And actually sometimes a 3 fo…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2017-09-30:2667446:Comment:1245092017-09-30T14:47:26.023ZJody Stecherhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/JodyStecher
<p>And actually sometimes a 3 footed ebony top banjo bridge works better on a zb than the 2 footed classic banjo type of bridge. I also use a non-slip pad between my leg and the banjo. <br></br> <br></br> <cite>Trapdoor2 said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/what-strings?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A124694&xg_source=activity#2667446Comment124694"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>And...just as an alternative POV, I could not stand a 'true' ZB set of…</p>
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<p>And actually sometimes a 3 footed ebony top banjo bridge works better on a zb than the 2 footed classic banjo type of bridge. I also use a non-slip pad between my leg and the banjo. <br/> <br/> <cite>Trapdoor2 said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/what-strings?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A124694&xg_source=activity#2667446Comment124694"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>And...just as an alternative POV, I could not stand a 'true' ZB set of strings on my ZB (Windsor #1). I gave it a shot...but they took too much work (careful right-hand) to <em><strong>not</strong></em> sound terrible. I prefer a standard set of nylon/nylgut strings on mine...which make it sound like a 'normal' banjo. The ZB sound (with a ZB string set) is one of those 'binary' issues...people tend to like it, or they don't. I'm a "don't".</p>
<p>The instrument itself takes some getting used to. I really like the tunneled 5th string. However the balance of the instrument (at least, mine) is so 'bottom heavy' that I tied a strap to it just to keep it from crawling around in my lap. This can be mitigated with a strip of carpet "non-skid" also.</p>
<p>I wouldn't worry too much about finding a traditional ZB bridge (like Jody mentions, with cylindrical feet). A normal lightweight banjo bridge will do nicely.</p>
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</blockquote> And...just as an alternative…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2017-09-30:2667446:Comment:1246942017-09-30T14:02:13.480ZTrapdoor2https://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/Trapdoor2
<p>And...just as an alternative POV, I could not stand a 'true' ZB set of strings on my ZB (Windsor #1). I gave it a shot...but they took too much work (careful right-hand) to <em><strong>not</strong></em> sound terrible. I prefer a standard set of nylon/nylgut strings on mine...which make it sound like a 'normal' banjo. The ZB sound (with a ZB string set) is one of those 'binary' issues...people tend to like it, or they don't. I'm a "don't".</p>
<p>The instrument itself takes some getting used…</p>
<p>And...just as an alternative POV, I could not stand a 'true' ZB set of strings on my ZB (Windsor #1). I gave it a shot...but they took too much work (careful right-hand) to <em><strong>not</strong></em> sound terrible. I prefer a standard set of nylon/nylgut strings on mine...which make it sound like a 'normal' banjo. The ZB sound (with a ZB string set) is one of those 'binary' issues...people tend to like it, or they don't. I'm a "don't".</p>
<p>The instrument itself takes some getting used to. I really like the tunneled 5th string. However the balance of the instrument (at least, mine) is so 'bottom heavy' that I tied a strap to it just to keep it from crawling around in my lap. This can be mitigated with a strip of carpet "non-skid" also.</p>
<p>I wouldn't worry too much about finding a traditional ZB bridge (like Jody mentions, with cylindrical feet). A normal lightweight banjo bridge will do nicely.</p> Zither-banjos in Richmond. Wh…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2017-09-30:2667446:Comment:1246092017-09-30T00:01:09.113ZJody Stecherhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/JodyStecher
<p>Zither-banjos in Richmond. Who woulda guessed? I'm in the Richmond "district" of SF. Anyway no need to experiment as the parameters are well researched and established. For the 1st and 5th string plain steel wire of either .08 " or .09" are the only options. Lighter is hard to find and .10 will be like bailing wire. It will clang instead of sing. For the 2nd string it's either 10 or 11. The third string is about .034 nylon or lighter, or my preference which is #73 plain nylgut or #73…</p>
<p>Zither-banjos in Richmond. Who woulda guessed? I'm in the Richmond "district" of SF. Anyway no need to experiment as the parameters are well researched and established. For the 1st and 5th string plain steel wire of either .08 " or .09" are the only options. Lighter is hard to find and .10 will be like bailing wire. It will clang instead of sing. For the 2nd string it's either 10 or 11. The third string is about .034 nylon or lighter, or my preference which is #73 plain nylgut or #73 Aquila gut. For the bass string you have more leeway. For a wound classical guitar type string I'd say go no heavier than .026W. My favorite by a big margin is copper wound Nylgut #108. #112 is probably perfect for the Temmlett if it has the typical short scale. </p>
<p>I probably am misinterpreting what I see in the photo of the Windsor but it appears to have no feet and to have 2 pieces. If so, it's not the original. </p>
<p>Some original ZB bridges had cylinder feet and so do some reproductions. Personally I don't "get" it. Whenever I've used one they have been unstable and come crashing down with a bang. But some seem to like it. </p>
<p>For your Stewart, yes all soft strings is what you want.La Bella 17s are suitable. Search this site for opinions. *My* opinion is that Nylgut, which I like so much on some banjos, is usually not a suitable string for Stewarts. I have no idea why. They just sound insipid. Maybe with a different bridge and/or head or tailpiece Nylgut would be good. So I use D'Addario nylon on Stewarts. I like a bit heavier gauge than the LaBella set but La Bella makes good sounding strings.</p>