How to Change Banjo Strings

Gear from this lesson

• Banjo Ben Stainless Steel Wound 5-String Banjo Strings (Light or Medium) View in store →
• D'Addario PW-HDS String Changing Neck Support Stand View in store →
• D'Addario Pro-Winder Instrument String Winder, Clipper, and Pin Puller View in store →

1. BC

   Ben Clark Leader · 9 Oct

   https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/how-to-change-banjo-strings-banjo-beginner Change them strangs, or strings…however you say it.

2. SM

   Steven Maxon · 14 Feb

   Seems like every time I change my strings, I resort back to this video just to make sure I do it right. Nice guide for doing so!

3. CG

   chad gipson · 3 Mar

   When do I know when to change my strings? I have about 100 hours on mine.

4. CB

   Christopher Boling · 4 Mar

   I’ve always been told about every three months. Others here might have better suggestions!

5. BC

   Ben Clark Leader · 4 Mar

   That’s plenty of hours. Change them strangs

6. CG

   chad gipson · 9 Mar

   I did about 3 days ago. It went better than I thought it would.

7. WK

   Walter Kraslow · 16 Nov

   Can you use Jake’s method for changing mandolin strings on the banjo? That is: Luthier’s knot: and first attaching the string to the tailpiece and then putting it through the hole in the post (in other words, work from the tail piece to the peghead). Thanks for any advice.

8. BC

   Ben Clark Leader · 17 Nov

   Mandolin strings on the banjo? Why I suppose you could.

9. AC

   Archie Cairns Leader · 17 Nov

10. WK

    Walter Kraslow · 17 Nov

    I didn’t ask about using mandolin strings on a banjo. I asked about the process of putting new banjo strings on a banjo. Let me try to rephrase the question: can you use Jake’s method, and use a luthier’s knot on banjo strings and attach the string to the tail piece first and then attaching it through the post? Sorry if i wasn’t clear.

11. BC

    Ben Clark Leader · 17 Nov

    English is funny, dude. Your original post makes sense now with the context, lol. Sure, anything with a post can have a luthier’s knot. I prefer the method I teach, however. Either is fine.

12. WK

    Walter Kraslow · 17 Nov

    Thanks, Ben.

13. AC

    Archie Cairns Leader · 17 Nov

    If you think the English language is funny check out some Scots scots-language-guide-tighter-1100x702.jpg1100×702 102 KB

14. JE

    Justin Edwards · 30 Dec

    How do you know what size to get? I haven’t changed my strings since I got my banjo in February. Don’t want to end up with something I’m not use to.

15. AC

    Archie Cairns Leader · 30 Dec

    Hi @justin.r.edwards84 Justin to @BanjoBen 's Forum If we are talking about strings for a 5 String Banjo and you are a beginner then I would suggest you try the LIGHT strings just don’t overtighten them as they are inclined to snap, Banjo Ben's General Store Banjo Ben Stainless Steel Wound 5-String Banjo Strings (Light or Medium) I'm often asked what type of banjo strings to use. Strings affect tone, of course, but also playability and ultimately your confidence as a picker. It took me quite a while to settle into a set and I'm happy to bring those to you today. Put my... Price: USD 4.99

16. JE

    Justin Edwards · 30 Dec

    Awesome, thank you for the quick response. Yes, I’m talking about a 5 string banjo. Guess I should have mentioned that since this does include other disciplines.

17. TP

    Ty Presley · 30 Dec

    A lot of times, I’ll notice that old strings don’t stay in tune as long. I know that’s hard to gauge given than a banjo never stays in tune very long anyway! I can’t say for sure but they seem to sound more dull over time too. Again, hard to tell. I didn’t start noticing this until I stuck with the exact same brand and size strings for awhile.

18. JE

    Justin Edwards · 30 Dec

    I had originally picked up a pack of Medium from the local Guitar Center, but just went ahead and ordered some Light from BB’s. I will just test out the lights when I get them and if I don’t like them, I’ll swap out to the mediums and then purchase mediums from here on out. Thank you @TPresley!

19. BC

    Ben Clark Leader · 5 Jan

    Let me know what you think of those lights. Once you get used to them, I think you’ll prefer them!

20. JE

    Justin Edwards · 5 Jan

    I think they should be here on Wednesday and I’ll probably work on them and my spike installation during the same session. I’ll let you know. Like I said above, I don’t even know what I currently have on there, whatever was on there when I bought it is what’s on there now.