Squareneck Dobro: On Changing Strings

Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:14:46 -0600
Subject: Re: Round neck Resonator string gauges

Hi,

I recently just picked up a cheapo Resonator and I want to tune it to Open G to try my hand at slide. It's an S101 round neck Resonator, no model # or any other markings and that's all I know about it. Do you happen to know anything about these?

It appears to have nickel strings but to me, it doesn't have that nasally, bluesy sound.
What would you recommend in the line of strings (nickel, Phosphor) and slide material (glass, chrome, brass) to try and find that old traditional bluesy sound?

Regards,

Gary

Greetings Gary,

Thanks for writing ...

Never heard of an "S101" ... sorry.

The nickel strings should be fine ... however, it's a possibility that you might have what's called factory wires on your S101 ... so, yes, I'd highly recommend that you change out to new strings. Nickel for a more subtle bluesy sound and bronze if you like a brighter tone. I use a glass slide but I believe for more sustain a heavy brass slide would be of preference.

The "old traditional bluesy sound" can be quite elusive ... and is really predicated on all types of subjective areas: set-up (such as string height), gauge of strings (usually a medium would be best), type of resonator cone, nut and bridge material, type of picks you're using (if using a flatpick, go with a medium to heavy gauge) and, so on.

Hope this helps.
--

Mickey Cochran
Mystic West Products
Acoustic Music Instruction
PO Box 2810
Alto, New Mexico 88312

http://www.mysticwestproducts.com

Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2008 02:07:22 -0600
Subject: Re: Round neck Resonator string gauges

Hi Mickey and thank you for the speedy reply.

I can't find any kind of info on these S101 Reso's but it seems to be very well built. I am new to the Resophonic world and when I started researching strings for round necks and I saw the high number string gauges I was amazed. I have found that sme folks will get individual strings and create their own custom set for certain tunings.

The only ones I have found at the local music stores are D'Addario Phospher Bronze .016--.056.

OK Gary ... these have to be for squareneck Dobro ... not for roundneck. You might double-check this on the package. As I mentioned in our previous e-mails, a medium gauge would be preferred for a bluesy tone ... this would mean no larger than .013 - .054 or so ... even a .012 would work.

The nickel wound ones on the instrument now seem to be a lighter gauge...maybe the high E starting at a .012 or .013. The guitar plays very nice, great action with the strings now for chording. Well I guess I'm on a new journey to find what best suits the instrument. One last question though...Can the roundnecks with-stand the tension of a .016--.056 gauge set?

Nope ... unless you're specifically setting it up with an extension nut adapting a roundneck to a squareneck. Even then, it's a lot of stress on a roundneck to use the .016 gauges ...

Hope this helps, Mickey

Mickey Cochran
Mystic West Products
Acoustic Music Instruction
PO Box 2810
Alto, New Mexico 88312

http://www.mysticwestproducts.com

Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:08:06 -0600
Subject: Re: Question about Regal Dobro maintenance

Mickey,
Thanks for the quick response regarding my Regal. I have attached a couple photos showing how I have been putting the strings on. Is this right or wrong. Regarding your transition, I wish you the best of luck. The website looks great!
Thanks,
Bill

OK ... I understand what you're referring to now ... where the strings are woven underneath the tailpiece as opposed to above it.

It can really been done either way ... but, normally, it is strung above the tailpiece. It's not really going to affect the tone or anything ... there is a little more downward angle from the bridge saddles when strings are under, meaning that there may be a slightly better tension on the bridge saddles. Probably too subtle to tell any tonal variances. I'll have to experiment further with this ... the upshot would be that traditionally, the strings are strung above the tailpiece.

All my best, Mickey

BTW: Thanks for your best wishes and the positive report on the new web site.

Subject: Re: Fwd: resonators
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 11:13:58 -0400

Mr. Cochran;
Thanks so much for your timely response to my inquiry. I think I'll be leaning toward a Regal. One more question, though; I play my Beard squareneck about twice a week for 1-2 hours each session. How often should I change the strings, and do you have any tips on replacement?

Sounds like your strings should last quite awhile at this rate...there are different reasons to change squareneck dobro strings:
1. because they become difficult to tune...
2. they can start to deaden in tone...
3. corrosion makes them difficult to run the slide smoothly across them...

Now, if you're encountering any of the above, then you'll want to consider changing your strings. Many times, and especially at the rate you're using your dobro, strings can last upwards of 3-6 months. If you feel that you perspire more than average, then it could go down to a month or even less.

Hope this helps, Mickey

I've never changed strings on a reso guitar. Thanks once again for your help and am looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Jim Felock

p.s. Stayed in Rio Rancho a few years ago on vacation.The country was so beautiful and the food exceptional (especially Rancho de Corrales in Corrales). Hope to get back there someday.