Install Banjo Strings
Replacement of banjo strings is a regular part of keeping your banjo sounding and playing its best. In order to help keep the banjo in tune, properly winding them around the tuning pegs is the most important part of the process. Banjo strings come in varying gauge sizes to suit your playing style and sound. You will want to experiment with different gauges and string manufacturers to find the set you like. There is no "best" banjo string other than the set that sounds and plays best to you. A few inexpensive tools will help make string changing less of a chore. Keep these in your case with a fresh set of strings for easy access, and when broken string "emergencies" occur.
Instructions
1. Remove the fifth string (the shortest string, and the one closest to your body when holding the banjo in playing position), by loosening the tuning peg with the peg winder. Loosen until the string is sufficiently slackened, unwrap the windings from the peg with your fingers and pull the string out. You may loosen the peg with your fingers, but a peg winder will cut string changing time considerably.
2. Flip the tailpiece cover up (if equipped with a cover) to expose the string hooks, and pull the string from the hook.
3. Remove the new string from its envelope (which will be marked with the string number) and uncoil.
4. Slip the loop-end of the string over the bridge hook, and pull it over the bridge toward the tuning peg. On some tailpieces, the string will be placed into a slot just above the hook to hold it in place before it is placed over the bridge. If the loop-end will not fit easily over the hook, insert a pencil into the loop to widen it slightly.
5. Wrap the string around the tuning peg post about three times, and insert the plain end of the string into the tuning peg string hole. Wrap the string around the peg once more, and place the plain end through the hole once again, pulling it through with needle-nose pliers to tighten any gaps between the string and hole. This method will hold the string in place as effectively as other knotting methods, is faster and allows for easier string removal during the next string change.
6. Tune the string up to pitch, and repeat all steps for the fourth, third, second and first strings. While tuning, pull on the string slightly to tighten the windings, and to help the loop-end settle and conform to the bend over the tailpiece.
7. Trim the excess string from all tuning pegs, with wire cutters.
