Posted by Randy Escobedo on January 13, 19103 at 19:07:31:
In Reply to: Banjo Strings posted by Lyle Bradford on January 12, 19103 at 12:39:47:
Lyle-
I can give you some thoughts on strings. I have discovered years ago when I first started playing that each banjo has its own voice/sound. Some Mastertones I have owned sounded better with lights and some with mediums. Much of your string sound depends on your banjo setup. For example head tension, head brand, bridge type, tailpiece, action, and very important what wood the banjo is made of. So you see its a matter of preference. There is no right of wrong. Its all in the ear and fingers of the player. Lights will be of course easier to play. Now, I can tell you what Earl's banjo is like. The last I knew was he is using a standard issue Grover 5/8" bridge, Remo banjo head with light strings. Of course these are Gibson strings bearing his name. I do remember reading a interview many years ago with Earl. He said depending on what type sound he wanted when recording he would choose light or medium. I have used different brands through the years. My favorites have been Gibson. I have used these strings for many, many years and have been more than satisfied with them. They have a great tone and play easy. I do use both light and mediums Earl Scruggs strings. Gibson also makes a light gauge #SBG-573L with 10 gauge on the first and fifth. To me its medium/lights. They have a stainless steel wraped fourth instead of nickel and sound great. Any other opinions anyone? Thanks.