Resonator vs Lap Steel String Gauge

Joe Burke · From: Toronto, Canada

I just bought a slightly used Gretsch resonator. I'm going to restring it to G tuning which I also play on my (electric) lap steel. Can I use the same gauge? And will regular acoustic guitar strings work fine?

Thanks,

Joe

Mark Eaton · Posted 25 Sep 2014 12:32 pm

I have a Supro lap steel I keep in GBDGBD like a dobro and I use a nickel 16-56 dobro set, which I would never use on my dobros because I hate the sound of nickel strings on a dobro. Some folks like nickel dobro strings, I guess that's why they make them - they just aren't for me.

The Gretsch squareneck resonators when new come with one of the most popular dobro string sets in the business, D'Addario EJ42 phospor bronze, 16-56. Regular acoustic strings work fine, it's just that a regular acoustic set will not have the correct gauges on some of the strings for high bass Open G.

The first string in particular from a flattop set will likely range from .011 to .013, whereas the typical dobro set will contain either a .016 or .017 as the first, or high D string.

To "load" the cone properly and get good tone one has to pick with a little bit of muscle, and if it's something like a .012 as the 1st string, it's going to sound kind of thin and wimpy.
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Joe Burke · From: Toronto, Canada

Thanks Mark - that helps a lot!

Fraser Moffatt · From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Hope you guys don't mind me chiming in here - might be something that could be useful for Joe as well....

I recently changed the strings on my Beard Vintage R (bought it used a year ago and figured it was time). G-tuning before and after. Put on a set of Pearse strings (16-56) but the guitar sounds like hell now.

Not sure what strings were on there before and assume they were also 16-56. Got some weird tremolo-like vibrating overtones when I strike a string, along with the normal tone one would get striking a string. This is more pronounced on upper strings but still present on lower strings.

I double checked to make sure strings were seated properly on the bridge and all seems OK.

I've changed hundreds of sets of string on acoustic and electric six string as well as bass and haven't run across this before. I'm going to rule out (basic) pilot error.

I'm guessing these tremolo-like overtones might be something to do with the cone being loaded properly. (Advanced pilot error)? If so, how might I adjust?

Are there specifics one should be aware of when changing resonator strings that one wouldn't worry about on an electric or acoustic 6 string? If it matters, I usually change one string at a time on a guitar so as not to mess with neck relief. I did this as well when I changed these string on the Beard.

Or are Pearse string just crap?
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Rick Barnhart · From: Arizona, USA

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Howard Parker · From: Maryland

Fraser,

Specifically, which set of Pearse strings did you put on?
h
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Webb Kline · From: Orangeville, PA

Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

Here are the various John Pearse resophonic string sets sold by JustStrings.com. I would guess you installed the nickel set.

As others have said, most people prefer the sound of bronze wound strings over nickel. I use nickel strings on my National tricone because I have a Lace Ultra Slim pickup on it and the strings pick up well.

Try installing a bronze wound set of strings and see if you like your tone better.
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Fraser Moffatt · From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Gents - thanks for your replies. As Webb suggests, I don't think the cone would have gone out of wack changing one string at a time...

I've got the the Pearse type 3100 Phospor Bronze set...no nickel that I can tell...

So, after a couple of days letting the Beard "rest" after the jam last Thursday, I pulled it out, tuned it up and most of the weird overtones seems to have disappeared. Played it for an hour or so last night. Pull it out again tonight and all sounds fine.

Could it be that the strings just needed to settle in a bit? Never had that issue on any guitar I've ever restrung.
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Howard Parker · From: Maryland

Phosphor bronze strings a re "lively" out of the package many players like that characteristic. Playing for an hour or so is enough to deaden the strings a tad.

Tough to say without the guitar in front of me.

Any concerns? You can always call or email Beard Guitars or call Grant at The Twelfth Fret in Toronto. They are a Beard dealer and very knowledgeable.

h

Joe Burke · From: Toronto, Canada

I put a set of D'Addario's Phosphor Bronze. The guitar sounds very bright - the way theory were intended.

I like a duller sound - more of a bluesy resonator sound. Does anyone use Flat Tops? Or maybe Silk & Steel? The Da'Addario packaging describes Silk & Steeel as a "warm, mellow tone".

Fraser Moffatt · From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Jack Aldrich · From: Washington, USA

I have a pile of strings that I use on all my steels and resonator guitars. I have a file on my computer that has all the gauges for various notes. I prefer Ernie Ball strings, but I'll use whatever I have on hand or can get from local music stores.
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John Billings · From: Ohio, USA

I like the sound of phosphor bronze. Unfortunately, I kill them in a day or two. I have a rather firm picking style. When I was still doing studio work, I'd put on a set of bronze, but for playing regular gigs or just goofing' at home, nickel, for their longevity. Hate playing dead strings, and like I said, I kill bronze-wound strings very quickly!

Steve Marinak · From: Man O War Cay, Abaco, Bahamas

Good thread, but I'd like to ask a twist on this topic. I'm getting my first Tricone Resonator. I've been playing electric in C6. When everyone mentions playing in the key of G on these acoustic steels, can that simply be the same tuning as C6 but dropped down 3 or 4 steps to accommodate the neck tension and such? Thanks.
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John Billings · From: Ohio, USA

When I refer to G Tuning, I'm talking about either High G,GBDGBD, or Low Bass G Tuning, DGDGBD. Both low to high. I prefer Low Bass, as I like to play alternating bass. But there are so many options!
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chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

as mark said, the d'addario ej42 phosphor bronze are the good standard setter and probably as cheap as you'll find. it does take a little playing to settle in.
the only thing to watch for is that you don't turn the position of the spider/bridge when changing strings.

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