Tenor banjo strings on an irish bouzouki?

[Huda]

Hi all,

One of my buddies uses tenor banjo strings on his Greek bouzouki. Would this work on an Irish bouzouki (23.5")?

If so, would the tuning still be GDAE?

Thanks,
Huda

[otterly2k]

I think it could be done, Huda - with the following warnings-
-- it will sound different from the bronze strings that are usually used (TB strings are typically nickel)
-- depends on the string gauges as to whether it would work GDAE
-- also - tenor banjos are much shorter than bouzoukis... before you buy strings, make sure the would be long enough to work on your zouk.

[Celtic Saguaro]

Irish Tenor banjo strings might be heavy enough, if they are long enough. Tenor banjo strings, even Irish Tenor banjo strings, are nickel wound instead of bronze. I'm sure there would be a tone difference.

[EdSherry]

There are two standard "tenor banjo" sets: #one for "Irish" (GDAE) tuning, the other for "traditional" (CGDA) tuning. #

Examples of the former are:

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/CTB.htm

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/J63I.htm

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/JP2000L.htm


These will often work for 'zouk, but as Otterly says, you need to check your string length and gauges. #Many Irish tenor banjos have very short necks, so the string gauges needed to get them up to pitch are much higher than would be required for a 'zouk. #

It's not so much that the string itself may not be physically long enough. #The string gauge has to be matched to (a) the pitch you want to tune it to and (b) the scale length. #

The "traditional" tenor banjo tuning of CGDA requires lighter-gauge strings, which (as a general matter) would not be suitable for a GDAE-tuned 'zouk.

Also, does your 'zouk take ball-end or loop-end strings? #Banjo strings are loop-end.

The choice between nickel (most banjo sets) and phosphor bronze (most OM/zouk sets) is a matter of personal taste, though I generally prefer bronze to nickel.

I'd recommend these:

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/J80.htm

[danb]

Use the string tension calculator, and match the total load of a known normal set to get the notes you need. Generally err on the side of keeping their relative tensions close so that you have the right feel.

Trying different pre-made strings sets on XX from YY is very hit or miss!

[Huda]

Hi all,

Thanks for your erudite responses!

I tried to use the string tension calculator, but I guess that I am not as mathematically-inclined as I thought I was.

How do you use it?

More to the point, how can I tell if a set of Irish Tenor Banjo strings will be long enough and have the correct gauge for my 23.5" Irish Bouzouki which is tuned to GDAE?

Thanks!

[PseudoCelt]

If I remember correctly, D'Addario tenor banjo string tensions are calculated based on a 23" scale (says on the back of the packet). If this is correct, you should be fine using their GDAE TB sets on a 23.5" OM.

I don't have a string packet to check, so I might be wrong. It's a while since I bought TB strings.

I wouldn't put nickel strings on an OM, but YMMV.

Patrick

[Celtic Saguaro]

Pseudocelt, I should have looked more closely yesterday. I have a set of J63I which is D'Addario's Irish Tenor set (.012, .016, .024, .036). The tension is measured at 26 1/4" so it would seem they are certainly long enough. Huda, you'd have to check about other brands.

[Steve L]

Is there some reason you don't want to use octave mandolin strings? The GHS sets I use are almost the identical gagues recommended on the label inside my Flatiron which is a 23.5 scale. Never had a problem in over 20 years.

[Huda]

Hi,

Steve L, good question. I don't particularly like the sound or feel of octave mandolin strings. I am looking for a lighter string with for my ears and my fingers.

Greek bouzoukis and sazes tend to have lighter stings, and those instruments have the sound and feel that I am looking for.

Thank you all for checking into the details of the TB strings for me.

Thanks!

[steve V. johnson]

Hey Huda,

When you get this sorted out, let us know how it goes? And if you could post a soundclip or a link, I'd love to hear how the nickel strings sound for you.

Thanks,

stv

[Huda]

Will do. I ordered the J63I set today.

[mikeyes]

It is just as easy to go to FQMS or to Juststrings.com and buy single strings. The prices are competitive and you will get the string length you want in the right material.

[Huda]

Hi all,

I finally put D'Addario's Irish Tenor strings (Set J63I) on my OM, and they sound great!

The strings are light and easy to chord. I love them!

When I get my mic set up, I'll post a sound clip for you guys to hear.

Thanks for all of your help, everyone.

Thanks,
Huda

[mandroid]

string 4 or 8 ? lower 2, pairs of same.. or octaves ? thick and and thin pairs,
like 12 string guitars on the low end?

[Huda]

Hi,

I used two J63I sets, so they are in unisons.