Neck construction question

[Anthony G Spangler]

Hello!

As I pick my way through all the information I can find, I keep coming across metal neck reinforcement in modern banjo construction, but I can't tell if it is done on nineteenth century models.  It seems that I've heard that steel strings (on other instruments, anyway) put considerably more stress on everything than gut or even nylon, and I'm still novice enough not to know just how true that is, though it sounds logical.  I've never built anything that used anything but steel strings (mountain dulcimer, epinette des Vosges, and a rebec and pochette that used modern violin strings).

I guess my short question would be, for a banjo using nylon or Nylgut (or even real gut) strings, is metal neck reinforcement necessary?

Thanks!

Tony

[Anthony G Spangler]

Sorry, I'm not seeing a video link...

Bell Banjos said:

Anthony, watch the video below, it'll take the misery out of waiting for Nylguts to stretch.

[Anthony G Spangler]

Just found it! That is very helpful!  Thanks!

Tony

Bell Banjos said:

Anthony, watch the video below, it'll take the misery out of waiting for Nylguts to stretch.

[Anthony G Spangler]

Found it!

Anthony G Spangler said:

Sorry, I'm not seeing a video link...

Bell Banjos said:

Anthony, watch the video below, it'll take the misery out of waiting for Nylguts to stretch.