Real gut strings?

[Scott Danneker]

I seek advice for locating a suitable vendor of real gut strings.  Many thanks in advance.

[Brian Kimerer]

Boo. Not fair.

[D. Wooldridge]

John, what type of varnish do you use?

[Michael Cypret]

I’m thinking about using gut strings. Gamut also makes Lutes. What banjo do you use them on? I’m thinking about using them for a Vintage turn of the last century banjo and to get an authentic sound from a reproduction Minstrel banjo. 

John Masciale said:

I get mine from gamut strings. I get them varnished.  A set of strings can last a long time.

 

[John Masciale]

I use them on my minstrel era banjos.  There are people who also like them on classic banjos.  The difference in sound is subtle. I far prefer the gut strings.  Although I have done sound studies comparing modern banjos with minstrel era banjos I have not tried comparing string types.  I suspect that the gut strings would have slightly higher harmonic content than nylgut, but that is purely a subjective guess. Temperature would definitely be a factor.

Michael Cypret said:

I’m thinking about using gut strings. Gamut also makes Lutes. What banjo do you use them on? I’m thinking about using them for a Vintage turn of the last century banjo and to get an authentic sound from a reproduction Minstrel banjo. 

John Masciale said:

I get mine from gamut strings. I get them varnished.  A set of strings can last a long time.

 

[Michael Cypret]

Thanks much!

John Masciale said:

I use them on my minstrel era banjos.  There are people who also like them on classic banjos.  The difference in sound is subtle. I far prefer the gut strings.  Although I have done sound studies comparing modern banjos with minstrel era banjos I have not tried comparing string types.  I suspect that the gut strings would have slightly higher harmonic content than nylgut, but that is purely a subjective guess. Temperature would definitely be a factor.

Michael Cypret said:

I’m thinking about using gut strings. Gamut also makes Lutes. What banjo do you use them on? I’m thinking about using them for a Vintage turn of the last century banjo and to get an authentic sound from a reproduction Minstrel banjo. 

John Masciale said:

I get mine from gamut strings. I get them varnished.  A set of strings can last a long time.