MM National Strings Question

[Deleted]

HI,
I have a wooden '34 National. On the National site they seem to recommend light (12-54) strings for wooden guitars and medium for metal ones.
I emailed Newtone strings suggesting the possibility of a light set, maybe 12-16-24-34-44-54.
In the meantime what are peoples thoughts of using the MM medium strings on an old wooden resonator?

cheers

Josh
(Ironbridge UK)

[Alan]

I think I had mediums on my wooden resonator, although it was from 2003, not 1928.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Josh,

First of all we should clear up a point that you may not be aware of; the company trading as National Reso-Phonic Guitars INC is a highly respected company producing beautiful resonator guitars, BUT.....this company has no connection whatsoever with the National company that built your 1934 wood bodied National.

I have never picked up a National or Dobro from the 1920s, 30s and 40s that could not be strung with medium gauge strings. If I were stringing your guitar (what model is it BTW?) I would use either 13/17/26/36/46/56, or 15/17/26/36/46/56. Steve James used to tour with a mid 30s Trojan strung 16 to 60, so I have no concerns about using medium gauge.

I am amazed that National Reso-Phonic says that about their wood bodied guitars. Their mentor and guiding light, Bob Brozman, (as far as I know) would not use light gauge strings on any National or National Reso-Phonic guitar.

I hope I have helped?

Shine On
Michael

[blueshome]

Apparently NRP string their version of the El Trovador with 12's- I presume this is Mike Dowling's influence, not BB's, as he is the man behind this model.

[Deleted]

Thanks for the replies. I will put these MM National mediums I bought on then.
Regarding the model I have, it's funny really, people say its a Trojan because its a '34 wooden model that isnt an estrallita or el'trovador. I am not 100% on it being a Trojan, I dont think these models came with a headstock logo originally. ( i put mine on as I am vain lol), it also has neck binding. it's mahogany and the F holes are a little different. The only reference I can find that looks like mine is the Sears catalogue from 1935, it looks like one they branded a supertone. So maybe it would be called a National Sears Supertone? hehe. To my ears it sounds better than any trojan I have heard, not at all 'mushy' but really tight and full imho. cheers
Josh

[Deleted]

Well I have the MM strings on my '34 wooden resontor, and.. I think I know why National recomend a lighter set for the el trovador, with the 36-46-56 its just too boomy too much bass. My guitar sounded great with Martin sp 12-54 but these Newtones are over the top for a wooden resonator IMHO. I bet they would be great with slighty thinner bottom end. I can see they would work great on a metal guitar though as they need that extra bottom end. So it looks like I have to revert back unfortunaty

cheers

Josh

[Michael Messer]

It is all a matter of taste. I have used MM Newtone 15/56 on all my Nationals, including wood bodied, for 18 years and I get exactly what I want from them.

Shine On
Michael