Best banjo strings

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Oct 6, 2022

In this article, we've listed the best banjo strings one can find out there. We've found about 117 of banjo strings and selected the 35 top options by Facmogu, ISET, Rovner, Gretsch Guitars. Check out what we recommend in 2023.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

GHS Americana Series Banjo Light 10-20 (3 Pack Bundle)
#TOP 1
GHS Americana Series Banjo Light 10-20 (3 Pack Bundle)
ftb score rating icon 10
PBM Score
Generic Tenor Banjo Strings Set Coated 85/15 Bronze Loop Hexagonal 9-30 Set of 3
#TOP 2
Generic Tenor Banjo Strings Set Coated 85/15 Bronze Loop Hexagonal 9-30 Set of 3
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score
GHS Strings PF150 5-String Banjo Strings
#TOP 3
GHS Strings PF150 5-String Banjo Strings
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score

Top 35 Best banjo strings Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

GHS Americana Series Banjo Light 10-20 (3 Pack Bundle)

Ghs

Features

  • These GHS Americana Series Banjo Light 10-20 Strings come in a pack of 3.
  • Finish = Light
  • Gauges: L10, L11, L13, LW20JD, L10
#TOP 2

Generic Tenor Banjo Strings Set Coated 85/15 Bronze Loop Hexagonal 9-30 Set of 3

Generic

Features

  • Loop End
  • For 4-String Banjo
  • Coated 85/15 Bronze
  • 0.009/0.016/0.023w/0.030w
  • A/D/G/C
#TOP 3

GHS Strings PF150 5-String Banjo Strings

GHS Strings

Features

  • Light Gauge: 010-012-014-022w-010
  • 42" Winding Length
  • Phosphor Bronze with extra large loop ends
  • Model: PF150
#TOP 4

D'Addario J60+ 5-String Banjo Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • String Gauges: Plain Steel .0095, .011, .013, Nickel Wound .020, Plain Steel .0095
  • Nickelplated steel for bright tone, smooth feel and long life
  • J60+ utilizes D'Addario's revolutionary "half gauge" plain steels for a more customized tension/feel for light gauge players. Loopend 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.D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known as The Players Choice with a reputation for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario's innovative, environmentally friendly packaging reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.
  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
  • "Plus" gauge plain steels for customized tension/feel
  • Loopend construction for universal fit
#TOP 5

Martin V730 Vega Banjo Strings Med .010

MARTIN

Features

  • Tension: 69.6
  • Martin strings link you and your banjo to the music you want to play and write. It truly gets to the core of what owning and playing on Martin strings is about creating your own personal musical experience.
  • Medium String Gauge: .010, .012, .016, .023w, .010
#TOP 6

MUSCELL Banjo Strings

MUSCELL

Features

  • STRING GAUGES:Plain Steel .010, .013, .016, Phosphor Bronze Wound .023, Plain Steel .010
  • Hex core strings are generally perceived to have a brighter, less muddy tone than round core strings. Many also perceive hex core strings to have a tighter pick attack and increased clarity. because of the advantages they provide in tuning stability, longevity, and high-end clarity.
  • Plain Steel & Phosphor Bronze Wound – which has a good combination of warmth and brightness, a strong picking attack, and is the most popular option.Nickel-plated steel also has more magnetic response since the core wire and the cover wire are both mostly steel.
  • HANDMADE.Sound natural than produced by machines.
  • VALUE PACKED:Includes 3 individually wrapped sets
#TOP 7

Elixir Strings Banjo Strings w POLYWEB Coating

Elixir

Features

  • Banjo strings constructed with nickel-plated steel wrap wire
  • Medium gauge: .010 .012 .016 .023 .010
  • 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)
  • Played for their rich, golden tone
#TOP 8

GHS Strings PF140 J.D. Crowe Signature Series (Studio)

GHS Strings

Features

  • Stainless Steel with extra large loop ends, 42" winding.
  • Signature Gauges: 009 1/2-011-012-020w-009 1/ 2
  • J.D. Crowe's Preferred Gauges For The Studio
  • Model: PF140
#TOP 9

Ernie Ball 5-String Medium Stainless Steel Banjo Strings

Ernie Ball

Features

  • Vibrant tone
  • All strings are Loop End
  • Crisp lively high notes
  • Made in California, USA with the finest and freshest materials
  • Element Shield Packaging prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made
#TOP 10

Martin Guitar Vega Banjo Strings V700

MARTIN

Features

  • LIGHT-GAUGE BANJO STRING: These are high-quality acoustic banjo strings that brighten the natural tuning of your instrument, including tenor, mid-tones, and bass. They feature a tension of 54.5.
  • FULL-BODIED BANJO: Martin's Vega Banjo Strings offer maximum projection with dynamic response for a full-bodied tone, excellent playability, and strong sound. Made from nickel/steel alloy, this string set is ideal for all styles of banjo playing.
  • BLUEGRASS PERSONIFIED: Designed for optimal performance, these strings will help people pick on their front porch, in their backyard, or on the stage. Add these strings to your studio or touring gear today.
  • VEGA BANJO: With Martin's Vega Banjo Strings, you get a total set of strings designed for performance and playability. Martin guitars and accessories remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone.
  • STRING SOUNDS: This pack of banjo strings delivers a strong mid-range response and full-bodied tone. They make it easy to play bluegrass, country, or any type of music.
#TOP 11

Ernie Ball Earthwood 5-String Bluegrass 80/20 Bronze Banjo Strings

Ernie Ball

Features

  • All strings are Loop End
  • Made from the same 80/20 alloy as our most popular acoustic strings
  • Made in California, USA with the finest and freshest materials
  • Crisp ringing sound with pleasing overtones
  • Element Shield Packaging prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made
#TOP 12

D'Addario EJ55 5-String Banjo Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • String Gauges: Plain Steel .010, .013, .016, Phosphor Bronze Wound .023, Plain Steel .010
  • Phosphor Bronze wound 4th string for added warmth
  • Preferred for its warm, bright, and well balanced tone
  • Loopend construction for universal fit
  • 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
  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
#TOP 13

JYsun Banjo Strings 5 String Set Stainless Steel Core Copper Alloy Wound 3 Full Sets

JYsun

Features

  • PROFESSIONALLY MADE STRNGS:Banjo strings are professionally made of high-grade stainless steel, with copper alloy wound and special silver plating processing, so that the strings sound bright, crisp, with rich harmonic, they are durable for playing.
  • 3 IN 1 GUITAR RE-STRINGING KIT:Guitar cutter & guitar winder & guitar pin puller are built in, with ergonomic design and high-quality materials, it makes string replacements quicker and easier, it can be used for Guitar, Bass, Violin, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin, etc.
  • EASY USE CAPO:Quickly and easily released and re-positioned with one hand without disturbing tuning, the strong spring action clamps it firmly in place, suitable for Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Bass, Mandolin, etc.
  • WITH PICKS AND OTHER USEFUL TOOLS: 10pcs guitar picks & 1pc small bag for picks & 1pc cleaning cloth & 1pc music book clip are as gifts, the color of picks will be sent randomly, the color of picks may be different from the picture, but the quality is same with various color, suitable for Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Bass, Mandolin, etc.
  • GREAT VALUE BANJO STRINGS KIT:Come with 3 full sets of banjo strings(with 5pcs strings for each set) & 1pc 3 in 1 re-stringing tool including string winder, string cutter, pin puller & 1pc capo & 10pcs picks & 1pc small bag for picks & 1pc cleaning cloth & 1pc music book clip. It is a good choice for your banjo string replacement and playing.
#TOP 14

D'Addario J69 5-String Banjo Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • String Gauges: Plain Steel .009, .010, .013, Phosphor Bronze .020, Plain Steel .009
  • One of D'Addario's most popular 5-string banjo gauges, ideal balance of tone and projection
  • Loopend construction for universal fit
  • J69, one of D'Addario's best selling 5-string banjo sets, offers light playing tension for comfortable playing feel and warm, balanced tone. Loopend 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.D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known as The Players Choice with a reputation for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario's innovative, environmentally friendly packaging reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.
  • Preferred for its warm, bright, and well balanced acoustic tone
  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
#TOP 15

Grover 5/8 Compensated Banjo Bridge

Grover

Features

  • Product Type: Instrument Parts And Accessories
  • Package Quantity: 1
  • Package Dimensions: 12.7 cms (L) x 10.668 cms (W) x 12.7 cms (H)
  • Country Of Origin: China
#TOP 16

GHS Americana Series Banjo Light 10-20 (6 Pack Bundle)

Ghs

Features

  • Gauges: L10, L11, L13, LW20JD, L10
  • Finish = Light
  • These GHS Americana Series Banjo Light 10-20 Strings come in a pack of 6.
#TOP 17

D'Addario Banjo Strings (XTJ0920)

D'Addario

Features

  • High carbon steel wire and Fusion twist technologies deliver unrivaled tuning stability and break resistance. Strings stay in tune 131% better than traditional strings!
  • Strings last at least 4 times longer than traditional uncoated strings
  • Every set includes a players circle Code for product identification, registration, and authentication. Players can collect points to get rewarded with D 'Addario products and merchandise
  • XT strings feature an extended lifespan treatment on every string in the set, preserving the natural tone and feel of uncoated strings
  • The inner packaging features a re-sealable zip closure, for ease of opening as well as storage of unused strings
#TOP 18

D'Addario Banjo Strings (XTJ1023)

D'Addario

Features

  • The inner packaging features a re-sealable zip closure, for ease of opening as well as storage of unused strings
  • Strings last at least 4 times longer than traditional uncoated strings
  • Every set includes a players circle Code for product identification, registration, and authentication. Players can collect points to get rewarded with D ’Addario products and merchandise
  • High carbon steel wire and Fusion twist technologies deliver unrivaled tuning stability and break resistance. Strings stay in tune 131% better than traditional strings!
  • XT strings feature an extended lifespan treatment on every string in the set, preserving the natural tone and feel of uncoated strings
#TOP 19

17 Classic Banjo

La Bella

Features

  • 17 Classic Banjo
#TOP 20

Martin Vega Nickel Wound V700 Banjo Strings Light Gauge

MARTIN

Features

#TOP 21

Alice 4 Strings for Banjo Beginners

Alice

Features

  • There are 3 sets of strings in this package
  • With anti-rust coating, these strings last much longer (compared with uncoated strings)
  • Plain strings are made of high-quality plated steel, wound strings are made of steel core and wound with silver-plated copper alloy
  • String gauge: .009, .016, .023w, .030w
  • Preferred for its warm, bright, and well balanced tone
#TOP 22

GHS Sonny Osborne Signature Banjo Strings Medium Light

Ghs

Features

  • The GHS Sonny Osborne Signature Banjo Strings are made to the exacting specifications of Sonny Osborne
  • Loops are special shape to fit a variety of tailpieces
  • These strings are plain steel and roundwound stainless steel (4th string) and feature GHS Lock Twist to stay in tune
  • Proudly endorsed by legendary banjo player, Sonny Osborne
  • The loop end banjo strings are extra long (42" winding) to fit most long neck banjos, and provide long-lasting tone
#TOP 23

Aquila New Nylgut AQ-5B Banjo Strings – Medium Tension DBGDG-Set of 5

Aquila

Features

  • New Nylgut strings provide better sound than traditional nylon or PVDF
  • Proprietary composite material absorbs less moisture to assure tuning stability
  • Accurately gauged strings of varying densities provides increased accuracy of fret-intonation
  • Designed to have excellent player feel and a sweet tone similar to that of genuine gut strings
#TOP 24

Aquila New Nylgut AQ-1B Banjo Medium Tension DBGDG-Set of 5 (4th Red Series String)

Aquila

Features

  • Accurately gauged strings of varying densities provides increased accuracy of fret-intonation
  • Hand orientation: ambidextrous
  • Designed to have excellent player feel and a sweet tone similar to that of genuine gut strings
  • Red Series 4th string changes the weight of the material, increasing it to leave the Gauge almost unchanged resulting in a brighter, more powerful sound
  • Proprietary composite material absorbs less moisture to assure tuning stability
  • New Nylgut strings provide better sound than traditional nylon or PVDF
#TOP 25

D'Addario J63i Irish Tenor Banjo Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • Designed for the Irish Tenor Banjo
  • String Gauges: Plain Steel .012, .016, Nickel Wound .024, .036
  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
  • D'Addario J63i banjo sets are designed for the Irish Tenor Banjo, typically tuned in fifths and played with a "plectrum" picking style. 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.D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known as The Players Choice with a reputation for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario's innovative, environmentally friendly packaging reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.
  • Loopend construction for universal fit
  • Nickelplated steel for bright tone, smooth feel and long life
#TOP 26

Alice 5 String Banjo Strings

Alice

Features

  • With anti-rust coating, these strings last much longer (compared with uncoated strings)
  • There are 2 sets of banjo strings in this package
  • Preferred for its warm, bright, and well balanced tone
  • Strings gauge: .009, .011, .013w, .020w, .009
  • Plain strings are made of high-quality plated steel, wound strings are made of steel core and wound with silver-plated copper alloy
#TOP 27

Aquila New Nylgut AQ-2B Banjo Light Tension DBGDG-Set of 5 (4th Red Series String)

Aquila

Features

  • Red Series 4th string changes the weight of the material, increasing it to leave the Gauge almost unchanged resulting in a brighter, more powerful sound
  • Accurately gauged strings of varying densities provides increased accuracy of fret-intonation
  • Proprietary composite material absorbs less moisture to assure tuning stability
  • New Nylgut strings provide better sound than traditional nylon or PVDF
  • Designed to have excellent player feel and a sweet tone similar to that of genuine gut strings
#TOP 28

GHS BANJO - Stainless Steel String Set- 5-String

Ghs

Features

  • SET: PF 155 Light (10-11-12, 5-20-10)
  • BEST MATERIAL: Stainless Steel (Extra long 42" Loop End fit any Banjo)
  • PLAY WITH THE BEST: One of the best-selling strings in the world!
  • BEST QUALITY: Made in USA according to the latest technology!
  • FOR YOU: Your tone! Crisp and perfect Attack. Claw-Hammer your Sound!
#TOP 29

3 Pack Full Set Stainless Steel Coated Copper Alloy Wound 5-String Loop End Banjo Strings DBGCG (.009 .011 .013 .020 .009)

Alice

Features

  • Loop End;
  • Alice AJ05;
  • .009 .011 .013 .020 .009;
  • Stainless Steel Coated Copper Alloy Wound;
  • Compatible Models: 5-String Banjo
#TOP 30

JYsun Banjo Strings 3 Full Sets of 5-String Stainless Steel Core Copper Alloy Wound & 1PC 3 in 1 Restringing Tool including String Winder String Cutter Pin Puller & 1PC Capo & 10PCS picks

JYsun

Features

  • HIGH QUALITY STRNGS:Banjo strings are made of high-grade stainless steel, with copper alloy wound and special silver plating processing, so that the strings sound bright, crisp, with rich harmonic, they are durable for playing.
  • GREAT VALUE BANJO STRINGS KIT:Come with 3 full sets of banjo strings(with 5pcs strings for each set) & 1pc 3 in 1 re-stringing tool including string winder, string cutter, pin puller & 1pc capo & 10pcs picks. It is a good choice for your banjo string replacement and playing.
  • BONUS WITH 10 PCS GUITAR PICKS:10 thick guitar picks are as a gift, the color will be sent randomly, the color of picks may be different from the picture, but the quality is same with various color, suitable for Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Bass, Mandolin, etc.
  • 3 IN 1 GUITAR RE-STRING KIT:Guitar cutter & guitar winder & guitar pin puller are built in, with ergonomic design and high-quality materials, it makes string replacements quicker and easier, it can be used for Guitar, Bass, Violin, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin, etc.
  • EASILY USED CAPO:Quickly and easily released and re-positioned with one hand without disturbing tuning, the strong spring action clamps it firmly in place, suitable for Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Bass, Mandolin, etc.
#TOP 31

Aquila Red Series AQ-11B Banjo Strings – Medium Tension DBGDG-Set of 5

Aquila

Features

  • Each string Shares a similar diameter, yet differs in material density providing a uniform feel and enhances intonation
  • Aquila Red Series strings have an extremely comfortable player feel and a greater volume than standard strings
  • Improved composite material and proprietary design makes the tone brighter and more responsive across the Fretboard
  • Proprietary composite material also absorbs less moisture than other synthetic strings to assure tuning stability
#TOP 32

Aquila New Nylgut AQ-7B Minstrel Banjo Strings – Medium Tension DGDFA-Set of 5

Aquila

Features

  • Proprietary composite material absorbs less moisture to assure tuning stability
  • Accurately gauged strings of varying densities provides increased accuracy of fret-intonation
  • New Nylgut strings provide better sound than traditional nylon or PVDF
  • Designed to have excellent player feel and a sweet tone similar to that of genuine gut strings
#TOP 33

Aquila New Nylgut AQ-6B Banjo Strings – Medium Tension DBGDG-Set of 5

Aquila

Features

  • Designed to have excellent player feel and a sweet tone similar to that of genuine gut strings
  • New Nylgut strings provide better sound than traditional nylon or PVDF
  • Accurately gauged strings of varying densities provides increased accuracy of fret-intonation
  • Proprietary composite material absorbs less moisture to assure tuning stability
#TOP 34

Generic 4-String Banjo Strings Set A/D/G/C Coated Copper Loop Round 9-30

Generic

Features

  • A/D/G/C
  • 4-String 0.009/0.016/0.023w/0.030w
  • Loop End
  • Banjo Strings
  • Coated Copper
#TOP 35

GHS BANJO - Nickel Plated String Set

Ghs

Features

  • PLAY WITH THE BEST: One of the best-selling strings in the world!
  • BEST QUALITY: Made in USA according to the latest technology!
  • FOR YOU: Your tone! Crisp and perfect Attack. Claw-Hammer your Sound!
  • BEST MATERIAL: Nickel Plated Steel (Extra long 42" Loop End fit any Banjo)
  • SET: PF 115 Medium (10/12/16/24/10)

Important Things to Keep in Mind When Searching for the Best banjo strings

How many hours A day should I practice banjo?

Aim for 1 hour a day for the fastest way to improve your banjo playing.

Which is harder banjo or guitar?

If you compare how easy it is to move fingers over fingerboard or frets, you will realize it is harder to work on guitar than banjo since banjo has fewer strings. The fact that guitar has more strings that are closer to each other makes it hard, especially for beginners, to pluck or strum a precise chord.

Will guitar strings work on a banjo?

You'd need small gauge guitar strings, and wouldn't be able to use all wound strings. You can't just use any guitar string on any banjo, because of the gauge, tension, and wound differences, you can severely damage the instrument.

How long will banjo strings last?

They also become hard to play as the dirty, oxidized strings won't allow your fingers to glide over them as easily. We recommend you changing your banjo strings at the minimum every two months. If you play more often, then once or twice a month.

What is the easiest song to play on the banjo?

Top 10 easy songs for banjo beginners
  • Clinch Mountain Backstep.
  • Cripple Creek.
  • You Are My Sunshine.
  • The Ballad Of Jed Clampett.
  • Ground Speed.
  • Hot Corn, Cold Corn.
  • I'll Fly Away.
  • Nine Pound Hammer.

What strings do I need for a banjo?

Here are the characteristics of the most popular alloys used in banjo strings: Nickel-plated Steel: Bright tone with strong projection and smooth feel. Phosphor Bronze: Used on wound 4th strings, it produces a warmer tone. Stainless Steel: Balanced tone and projection with smooth feel and corrosion resistance.

Editor's Notes

To compile this list of the top banjo strings we spent 69 hours to read over 678 customer reviews carefully. As a result, our editors chose the 35 products most people truly liked. They boast of the rating of 312, on average, and cost around $406.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.