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Post by jonnybees on Jul 26, 2009 23:15:30 GMT
hi
just acquired a wood bodied reso - its a johnson triolian - only cheap but sounds pretty good.... needs a bit of tarting up (!)
but...
what strings to use - are 16 to 56 too heavy? any tips appreciated!
thanks
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Post by tark on Jul 27, 2009 1:23:05 GMT
You might want to try a set of standard brass wound (bronze) guitar strings. The wooden resos can lack brightness on the lower strings. A brass wound set will help give it a bit of zing.
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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 27, 2009 8:50:34 GMT
Hi Johnnybees,
The Johnson Triolian is an okay guitar for the price, but it is not particularly robust as the top and back are too thin and there are some construction points that add to that problem.
16 to 56 strings are usually marketed as 'resonator' strings. This is a little confusing, but 'resonator strings' gauged 16 to 56 are designed for lap-style Dobro players usually tuned to a high bass G (GBDGBD) on a square-neck guitar. On a round-neck Johnson Triolian National-style guitar I would not recommend you use anything heavier than 13 to 56 or 15 to 56. These would be 13 or 15 / 17 / 26 / 36 / 46 / 56. Keep the guitar tuned in low tunings - DADF#AD and DGDGBD. Do not tune up to E or A.
Choice of material for strings - well that is your choice. I would go for phosphor bronze.
Shine On
Michael.
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Post by jonnybees on Jul 27, 2009 9:44:45 GMT
thanks to both of you -
I'll try the bronze as an experiment
re the gauge - I take it from Michael that 13 - 56 is a maximum, so I 'll try something a bit lighter unless anyone objects (well not objects, but you know what I mean, has any views etc)
Its not a brilliant guitar but it only cost £85.... it will be ideal for busking and pub gigs with beer swilling and clumsy people around. It has a nice even tone which on a blind test people like.
I know what I want ultimately but I havent saved the £2000 or so required yet! and to be honest all the "in between" price guitars dont really seem a lot better than the £85 guitar, so you may as well play a cheapy and save for the gorgeous ones - or is that just me? (The MM ones are probably the exception, but not quite the sound I want..... what would suit me is an MM tricone....is there one due???)
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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 27, 2009 10:43:23 GMT
Hi Johnny
Glad to have been of some help. Yes 13 to 56, maybe with a 15 on the top, but no heavier.
New MM models......I am afraid I cannot talk about our new models, but there are some in the pipeline.
Shine On
Michael.
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Post by steverino on Jul 27, 2009 17:54:01 GMT
Jonnybees, I have fixed up a couple of Rogue Triolians (same guitar, really) for friends to play finger style rather than slide. I set the action pretty low and strung with Martin Silk & Steel .0115" - .047". This unlikely combination actually sounds great, making for a very lively sounding and easy to play guitar. I would use considerably heavier strings and a higher set up for slide, but then I would prefer a metal bodied guitar for this anyway.
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