Finding the best banjo strings suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. GHS Strings PF140 J.D. Crowe Signature Series (Studio), 5-String Stainless Steel Banjo Strings (.009 1/2-.020)
Feature
Model: PF140Featuring NitroPack singles, guaranteed fresh from the factory!
J.D. Crowe's Preferred Gauges For The Studio
Stainless Steel with extra large loop ends, 42" winding.
Signature Gauges: 009 1/2-011-012-020w-009 1/ 2
Description
GHS banjo strings are among the most played in the world. Our PF135 J.D. Crowe Signature Series (Studio) set features specially designed loop ends and an extra long 42" winding to fit a variety of tailpieces and banjos. As always each string features the GHS Lock Twist to ensure your strings stay in tune.
Introducing our brand new NitroPack singles! Each single string is sealed in a nitrogen environment, eliminating all oxygen, in a tear-resistant package. Whether you use one string or the whole set, the NitroPack guarantees straight from the factory freshness!
ABOUT GHS STRINGS
GHS Strings are manufactured in a state-of-the-art, climate controlled facility using precision equipment and only the purest of materials. When you buy GHS strings you get quality, consistency, lasting intonation and superbly harmonious sound!
GHS Strings - The String Specialists since 1964.
PF140 Set: L09 1/2-L11-LW20JD-L09 1/2
2. D'Addario EJ61 Nickel 5-String Banjo Strings, Medium, 10-23
Feature
D'Addario's most popular 5-string banjo gauge, ideal for all playing stylesLoop end construction for universal fit
Nickel-plated steel for bright tone, smooth feel and long life
Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
String Gauges: Plain Steel .010, .012, .016, Nickel Wound .023, Plain Steel .010
D'Addario's most popular 5-string banjo gauge, ideal for all playing styles^Loop end construction for universal fit^Nickel-plated steel for bright tone, smooth feel and long life^Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance^String Gauges: Plain Steel .010, .012, .016, Nickel Wound .023, Plain Steel .010
Description
EJ61, D'Addario' s most popular 5-string banjo set, provides the ideal balance of playing tension and bright, projecting tone. Loop end construction for universal fit. D'Addario banjo strings are trusted by legends like Ralph Stanley, Rob McCoury, Ron Block, Alison Brown, and more, for their authentic tone and reliable performance. They are made from the highest quality plain steel, stainless steel, nickel plated steel and phosphor bronze and available in a wide variety of gauges.3. D'Addario EJ60 Nickel 5-String Banjo Strings, Light, 9-20
Feature
One of D'Addario's most popular 5-string banjo gauges, ideal balance of tone and projectionLoop end construction for universal fit
Nickel-plated steel for bright tone, smooth feel and long life
Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
String Gauges: Plain Steel .009, .010, .013, Nickel Wound .020, Plain Steel .009
One of D'Addario's most popular 5-string banjo gauges, ideal balance of tone and projection^Loop end construction for universal fit^Nickel-plated steel for bright tone, smooth feel and long life^Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance^String Gauges: Plain Steel .009, .010, .013, Nickel Wound .020, Plain Steel .009
Description
EJ60, one D'Addario' s best selling 5-string banjo sets, offers light playing tension for comfortable playing feel and brilliant tone. Loop end construction for universal fit. D'Addario banjo strings are trusted by legends like Ralph Stanley, Rob McCoury, Ron Block, Alison Brown, and more, for their authentic tone and reliable performance. They are made from the highest quality plain steel, stainless steel, nickel plated steel and phosphor bronze and available in a wide variety of gauges.4. GHS Strings PF150 5-String Banjo Strings, Phosphor Bronze, Light (.010-.022)
Feature
Model: PF150Featuring NitroPack singles, guaranteed to be fresh from the factory!
Phosphor Bronze with extra large loop ends
42" Winding Length
Light Gauge: 010-012-014-022w-010
Description
GHS banjo strings are among the most played in the world. Our PF150 Phosphor Bronze set features specially designed loop ends and an extra long 42" winding to fit a variety of tailpieces and banjos. As always each string features the GHS Lock Twist to ensure your strings stay in tune.
Introducing our brand new NitroPack singles! Each single string is sealed in a nitrogen environment, eliminating all oxygen, in a tear-resistant package. Whether you use one string or the whole set, the NitroPack guarantees straight from the factory freshness!
ABOUT GHS STRINGS
GHS Strings are manufactured in a state-of-the-art, climate controlled facility using precision equipment and only the purest of materials. When you buy GHS strings you get quality, consistency, lasting intonation and superbly harmonious sound!
GHS Strings - The String Specialists since 1964.
PF150 Set: L10-L12-L14-LB22-L10
5. Elixir Strings Banjo Strings w POLYWEB Coating, Medium (.010-.010)
Feature
Banjo strings constructed with nickel-plated steel wrap wirePlayed for their rich, golden tone
Original POLYWEB Coating provides a slick, fast feel that keeps the strings from getting in the way of playing
Our patented coating technology protects against common corrosion, extending tone life longer than any other brand's coated or uncoated strings (Elixir Strings player survey)
Medium gauge: .010 .012 .016 .023 .010
Description
Prolong your tone with the same premium banjo strings that experienced players worldwide trust to keep their incredible tone longer than any other string available. Unlike other string brands, Elixir Strings coats the whole string. This protects not only the outer string surface but also the gaps between the windings where common tone-deadening gunk typically builds up in other brands coated and uncoated banjo strings. Who wouldnt love more quality playing time between the hassle and cost of string changes? Engineered to endure, these nickel-plated steel banjo strings boast a rich, golden tone while our original POLYWEB Coating provides a slick, fast feel. Elixir Strings: Great tone. Long life.6. Martin V730 Vega Banjo Strings, Medium
Feature
Gauges: .010 - .025highly resistant to corrosion
Description
The name Vega has been synonymous with fine quality-crafted banjos since 1889. Their combined experience in instrument making, string winding, and comprehensive sound testing make Vega strings the best choice for your banjo. All raw materials are of premium quality to assure brilliance, clarity, and longevity. We have selected a nickel/steel alloy for its tonal qualities which are best suited to accent the strong resonating tendencies of most banjos.7. D'Addario EJ55 Phosphor Bronze 5-String Banjo Strings, Medium, 10-23
Feature
Phosphor Bronze wound 4th string for added warmthLoopend construction for universal fit
Preferred for its warm, bright, and well balanced tone
Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
String Gauges: Plain Steel .010, .013, .016, Phosphor Bronze Wound .023, Plain Steel .010
Phosphor Bronze wound 4th string for added warmth^Loop end construction for universal fit^Preferred for its warm, bright, and well balanced tone^Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance^String Gauges: Plain Steel .010, .013, .016, Phosphor Bronze Wound .023, Plain Steel .010
Description
D'Addario EJ55 5-string banjo sets are made from plain steel and offer a Phosphor Bronze wound 4th string for a warmer tone. Loop end construction for universal fit. D'Addario banjo strings are trusted by legends like Ralph Stanley, Rob McCoury, Ron Block, Alison Brown, and more, for their authentic tone and reliable performance. They are made from the highest quality plain steel, stainless steel, nickel plated steel and phosphor bronze and available in a wide variety of gauges.8. Ernie Ball 5-string Banjo Medium Stainless Steel Loop End Set, .010 - .024w
Feature
All strings are Loop EndCrisp lively high notes
Vibrant tone