This is how I change steel strings on a 5 string banjo. If you like what I do, and want access to exclusive banjo content, please join Banjo Quest at: / tomcollins
THANK YOU! I have struggled EVERY TIME I have changed the strings, and despite watching EVERY OTHER banjo player describe on YOU TUBE how they change their strings (over and over and over), YOU NAILED the essential, confusing, bits - for me at least. And ya gotta love the toilet paper spools approach!
I just want to say how helpful this was! I changed the strings on my banjo for the first time by myself, and all other tutorials I watched were not nearly as clear and helpful as your example with the cardboard banjo. It was extremely clear!
Hahah! I really questioned my life choices when I was collecting empty toilet paper tubes for a banjo head mockup. Glad someone found it useful!!! Cheers! Tom
Very nice. Coming from a guitar background, I’m having a lot more trouble changing my banjo strings than my guitar strings, so this video is very handy. Love the Michel Gondry-esque DYI banjo head + strings too. 😊
Great point. I sure wish I covered that in this video, but .... the truth is I don't pay much attention to windings! Perhaps I should, but I've never noticed much of a difference. Horses for courses, as they say! Best, Tom
Tom, if I can offer another opinion on the luthiers knot apparently if you ask any guitar tech it makes it a pain to take off the strings and not just that It can actually affect the tuning machines and gradually pull them out of tune
Thanks for the counterpoint! I hadn’t heard this before, but wonder if this is strictly from a guitar tech perspective? I’ve been using the luthier’s knot for almost 25 years, and have never had any tuner issues. Perhaps planetary tuners are more robust, or the lighter gauge strings prevent problems? I can see how it could slow down string removal in an emergency back-stage situation, or if you’re stringing dozens of guitars a day. I don’t really notice a slower string removal, as I end up with little post wrap when using the knot. Horses for courses though, and I appreciate your feedback!
now why would you cross strings on a tuning post? That way you create a point where parts of the string rub on each other and it breaks more quickly. There are other ways to secure the string
In 20 years of stringing my banjos like this, I have never had a string fail at the post, even when tuned up to A or D. This is the way I was taught by a world class luthier, and I string banjos weekly and play many hours every day as a full time pro banjoist. If you have another way that works for you, go for it. I'm just sharing my experience, such that it is.
you are correct. I restrung my banjo recently and the only way I could lock the 5th string was the way you showed it in your vid. The other 4 were fine but the 5th tuner is real tricky. Thank you and my apologies, sir :D@@FretlessFury
@@hustlinc3540 This might be the first time in the history of UA-cam that a commenter has come back and revised their initial opinion. I deeply appreciate that, my friend. May the banjo spirits smile upon thee!
This is the clearest, most helpful video on changing strings. Thank you!
You are so very welcome!
Genius cardboard model. You're a good teacher. :)
Hahaha! Thanks Donna!
THANK YOU! I have struggled EVERY TIME I have changed the strings, and despite watching EVERY OTHER banjo player describe on YOU TUBE how they change their strings (over and over and over), YOU NAILED the essential, confusing, bits - for me at least. And ya gotta love the toilet paper spools approach!
It's also called a luthiers knot!
I just want to say how helpful this was! I changed the strings on my banjo for the first time by myself, and all other tutorials I watched were not nearly as clear and helpful as your example with the cardboard banjo. It was extremely clear!
Glad it helped! Happy restringing!
This was awesome. I have been reluctant to tackle a change for the banjo but with this tutorial I feel confident. Thanks
I like to use a capo when restringing to stop the string popping off the tailpiece whilst I'm setting up the tuning peg's knot.
Oooooh, this is a nice little tip. Thanks for sharing! I'll give it a try.
This was SO helpful thank you!!! I always do a terrible job of changing my strings but the cardboard demo really helped me this time
Some heroes don't wear capes, Tom. :) This will be useful to so many.
My cape kept snagging on the string ends, so I had to remove it. Thanks Ryan!!!! Hope all is well! Tommy
Gem of a video, the demonstration with the cardboard was a huge help!
Hahah! I really questioned my life choices when I was collecting empty toilet paper tubes for a banjo head mockup. Glad someone found it useful!!! Cheers! Tom
Very nice. Coming from a guitar background, I’m having a lot more trouble changing my banjo strings than my guitar strings, so this video is very handy. Love the Michel Gondry-esque DYI banjo head + strings too. 😊
Yeah, no fool'n! That makeshift banjo head is SO GREAT of a hand-on illustration!
And when you’re done with the chenilles, you can wrap them around your strings by the tailpiece to dampen any unwanted overtones :)
Can most any soft leather strip or cloth be used for a dampener? Are they obligatory?
Thanks mate
Every day is a school day 👍
A truly wonderful demonstration. 😊 Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment, fiddlepeg!
Great demonstration -- I love this method the best - there is a debate on how much to wind on the tuner -- I like a consistent 3 windings
Great point. I sure wish I covered that in this video, but .... the truth is I don't pay much attention to windings! Perhaps I should, but I've never noticed much of a difference. Horses for courses, as they say! Best, Tom
All that made perfect sense. Thank you
My pleasure, Wendy!
Thank You!
My pleasure!
Tom, if I can offer another opinion on the luthiers knot apparently if you ask any guitar tech it makes it a pain to take off the strings and not just that It can actually affect the tuning machines and gradually pull them out of tune
Thanks for the counterpoint! I hadn’t heard this before, but wonder if this is strictly from a guitar tech perspective? I’ve been using the luthier’s knot for almost 25 years, and have never had any tuner issues. Perhaps planetary tuners are more robust, or the lighter gauge strings prevent problems? I can see how it could slow down string removal in an emergency back-stage situation, or if you’re stringing dozens of guitars a day. I don’t really notice a slower string removal, as I end up with little post wrap when using the knot. Horses for courses though, and I appreciate your feedback!
now why would you cross strings on a tuning post? That way you create a point where parts of the string rub on each other and it breaks more quickly. There are other ways to secure the string
In 20 years of stringing my banjos like this, I have never had a string fail at the post, even when tuned up to A or D. This is the way I was taught by a world class luthier, and I string banjos weekly and play many hours every day as a full time pro banjoist. If you have another way that works for you, go for it. I'm just sharing my experience, such that it is.
you are correct. I restrung my banjo recently and the only way I could lock the 5th string was the way you showed it in your vid. The other 4 were fine but the 5th tuner is real tricky. Thank you and my apologies, sir :D@@FretlessFury
@@hustlinc3540 This might be the first time in the history of UA-cam that a commenter has come back and revised their initial opinion. I deeply appreciate that, my friend. May the banjo spirits smile upon thee!
hahaha. sad but true. I come mainly from the guitar world and I ve seen a lot of guitars with strings wound all sorts of crazy ways. @@FretlessFury