Tailpice for nylon strings

[Simon Williams]

Hello all,

I recently picked up the banjo again after a number of years away from the instrument. I have a Hudson 5 string that I converted to nylon strings. However the tail piece is not designed for nylon and the strings have started to snap. I am looking for a tailpiece that is compatible for nylon. I have found a tailpiece that is available here in the Netherlands called a Gold Star Waverly old-style. I enclose a photo of it. Is this a good choice?

I look forward to seeing people's comments,

Simon

[Trapdoor2]

Stamped metal will require careful deburring and smoothing of all edges that come in contact with the strings...typical process for nylon conversion. A really good, simple alternative is a tie-on wooden tailpiece, such as a Weaver.

[Joel Hooks]

There are nylon strings, such as the material supplied by DuPont to Labella, and there are the polyester strings sold as "nylgut" by Aquila.

Nylon is pretty tough and can stand up to some abrasion.  Polyester, on the other hand, will snap with the slightest burr.  These are much more fragile than gut ever was regarding being cut.  Even the slightest nick to the string will cause them to snap.  Patent friction pegs and various tailpieces that are suitable for gut or nylon will eat right through polyester without cleaning up.

2000 grit wet dry sand paper will polish anything that can contact the strings. 

Modern tailpieces for wire strings can be cleaned up and used with them as Marc wrote above. 

[Simon Williams]

Thanks guys for the advice. The tailpiece that was on the banjo was not designed at all for nylon strings at all, so I have to fit a new one. I am now designing a tailpiece to be made from wood. I'll let you know how I get on.

All the best, Simon

[Simon Williams]

I have made a tailpiece from walnut. I still need to do some refinement, but it works a treat. The strings I used are Aquila red series. The sound is just great. Thanks again for the advice.

Best, Simon

[Simon Williams]

Hi Mike, I used the fixing from the previous tailpiece. I drilled a hole through the width of the piece and used m3 all-thread and capped nuts. I'm sure purists will may have a word to say, but it works for me. An uncapped bridge, now there's a thought!

Mike Bostock said:

Nice job Simon. How is your tailpiece attached? I'm also a convert to wooden tailpieces for banjos that I play finger style with non-metal strings. 

Metal tailpieces, particularly the period ones, can be reliable for nylon or gut. I've uploaded a photo of what I think is an after-sale but roughly contemporary metal tailpiece on my c.1880 7-string banjo. I'm fairly sure that the original tailpiece would've been ebony and I'm in the process of making one to fit.

If you haven't already, I wonder how long before you're tempted to start making uncapped bridges. :-)