Well...since you CAN'T buy hammer dulcimer strings, have been making my own strings for quite some time. Not absolutely certain what you need for a banjo, but i use harpsichord wire. What is really important is to have ROUND nosed pliers to make the loop....you don't want any kinks, they will break when you tune. And the fifth string breaks often enough, eh? Bet that 'Spaw will know what kind, and where to buy, wire for you.