Horsehair or Hemp strings

[Michael Cypret]

Has anyone used Horsehair or Hemp for strings? The following link is a gourd banjo with Horsehair strings playing the tune “Old Johnny Boker.” I think it sounds great. https://youtu.be/RW9KGlw7n3A

[Tom Taggart]

It does sound good and slightly different than nylgut strings.

[Brice Alms]

I made the strings. I think they have a unique sound. Different than nylgut. They have a very plunky tone. The idea came from accounts in the 1600s and 1700s. They probably would sound better if They were thinner.

[Pär Engstrand]

So how do you make them?

[Brice Alms]

I take multiple strands of the long tail hair and simply twist them together on a stick. The 1st and drone have 10 strands.

Pär Engstrand said:

So how do you make them?