Where can I get good strings for plectrum and tenor banjos?
Most music stores don’t stock plectrum banjo strings, and if they do, it’s often only as a set with pre-determined gauges. String gauges are very personal. Each banjo is different; each player is different. Therefore, purchasing strings “by the set” can be less than ideal. Also, generally speaking, music store employees are not as experienced with plectrum and tenor banjos as they are with guitars and 5-string banjos. They might not know what strings to recommend. My recommendation is to purchase strings individually by the gauge. I get mine from Renee Karnes, a banjo luthier in California. She’s considered one of the best and most knowledgeable banjo luthiers in the world. She can recommend string gauges for you to use based on the type of banjo you have and your experience level of playing. Once you’ve tried the new strings, you can determine if they are just right or if you require something heavier or lighter. Renee’s address is: 1551 Duck Hollow Court, Rescue, CA 95672. Her phone
