About banjo strings

I am familiar with the following strings for five-string clawhammer banjo:

See the photographs at the bottom of the page:

1: GHS Professional Banjo Strings. Medium: 11-13-16-26-10

These strings are extra thick, which benefits the clawhammer sound. I find their tone deep, calm and slightly muted, but they can certainly also play loudly and resonantly. I tested them on a mahogany banjo. Mahogany already has a darker, crisp sound. The strings feel pleasantly robust, with a fine response. Sound is a matter of taste, but in my opinion these strings are particularly well suited to clawhammer style.

The price is remarkably favourable.

2: Deering Premium Strings. Medium: 10-12-16-24w-10

Very good strings for clawhammer. They play well with a clear, distinct sound. They are a safe choice and, I think, suit most five-string banjos, probably including bluegrass. I consider their gauges standard.

3: Mortenssons 5-string Banjo Strings. 10-12-16-23-10

Again, very good banjo strings. They are described as "LONG LIFE lasting strings", which seems right. They have lasted well on the banjos I have fitted them to. The sound is good. Again, a good thickness and comfortable to play.

4: Pyramid superior quality strings for Long Neck Banjos. 10-12-16-24w-10

Excellent strings for the long-neck banjo. I consistently use them on my long-neck banjo.

5: Pyramid 5-string Banjo Strings. Swedish Steel

These strings are next to be tried.

6: Alice Banjo Strings. Stainless Steel: 09-11-13-20-9

Very cheap strings. A little thin for clawhammer style. They sound bright and clear, and last reasonably well.

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For Irish tuning on a four-string banjo, I use only GHS Custom: 14-w24-LW32-LW42.