Strings for a guitar/banjo

Subject: Strings for a guitar/banjo
From: Nick
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 03:29 AM

I have been lent a guitar/banjo (Bowwood) by a friend. The intonation is out and the strings are about a 100 years old.

What sort of gauge strings should I use as I would hate to damage it?

Subject: RE: Strings for a guitar/banjo
From: Leadfingers
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 03:58 AM

Banjo strings in general are lighter than acoustic guitar strings Nick - I would be carefuk of any but a ten thou first - look at a light guage electric set .
And you say the intonation is out ? Surely its not a fixed bridge , though I am not familiar with Bowwood as a make . Check Twelfth fret harmonic against Fretted note and move the bridge to suit .

Subject: RE: Strings for a guitar/banjo
From: johncharles
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 05:56 AM

Any good guitar shop should have a micrometer to measure the string diameter and give you an appropriate set
john

Subject: RE: Strings for a guitar/banjo
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 06:30 AM

I wouldn't bet that the strings that are on it are necessarily correct! I have a set of electric 10's which I will give a go and sort the bridge out at the same time.