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Post by bluesky636 on Nov 4, 2017 4:41:14 GMT
Hope this is the right place for my first question.
Been playing electric blues for a number of years. I want to start playing acoustic blues and just bought a Gretsch 9201 Honey Dipper single cone resonator. Really happy with the guitar.
So my questions: What are the recommended string gauges for Open A tuning? The guitar came with D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053. Are these good to use for Open A?
Thanks.
Bill
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Post by creolian on Nov 4, 2017 4:54:16 GMT
Hope this is the right place for my first question. Been playing electric blues for a number of years. I want to start playing acoustic blues and just bought a Gretsch 9201 Honey Dipper single cone resonator. Really happy with the guitar. So my questions: What are the recommended string gauges for Open A tuning? The guitar came with D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053. Are these good to use for Open A? Thanks. Bill I would have thought 12s were fine on my reso and they do work but this forum hipped me to the idea of the cone needing proper tensioning to get the guitar singing,.generally with 13s and up. I'm pretty much all finger style in standard tuning and 13s are what I'm using. most of the players here are using heavier gauges in dropped tunings and this is a popular subject around here... Enjoy the forum, all best Jeff
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Post by bluesky636 on Nov 4, 2017 13:55:52 GMT
Appreciate the welcome but this did not answer my question. Going from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) to Open A (E-A-E-A-C♯-E) increases the string tension on the neck so I would like to know if my strings are safe to use.
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Post by blinddrunk on Nov 4, 2017 14:09:41 GMT
Hi Bill. Welcome to the forum. It would probably be okay but, due to the added tension, I have never had the bottle to do this on any of my guitars. If in doubt, do what I do and tune to open G (DGDGBD) and capo on the 2nd fret.
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Post by Pickers Ditch on Nov 4, 2017 14:14:28 GMT
Bill, I have no experience of Gretsch resonators or D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze strings but to answer your question if it was my guitar I would start with these: www.newtonestrings.com/shop/michael-messer-national-guitar-strings/013 to 056 in Phosphor Bronze and read the fitting, no cutting, instructions before before you start. They have round cores and wind up at lower tension than other strings and are designed for the higher tunings. Best of luck. PD
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Post by bluesky636 on Nov 4, 2017 16:12:50 GMT
Hi Bill. Welcome to the forum. It would probably be okay but, due to the added tension, I have never had the bottle to do this on any of my guitars. If in doubt, do what I do and tune to open G (DGDGBD) and capo on the 2nd fret. Think I'll try this. Thanks.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2017 17:57:06 GMT
I think so. A lot of players here go 15-56 or more for open G. I reckon 13-53 would be fine for the step up to A. TT
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Post by pascal on Nov 4, 2017 18:09:50 GMT
My good fellow sebastian Muller (king of the hawaiian squareneck) uses d'Addario EJ 15 (10/47) Throw that 10 and get a 15 for the 1st, and go!
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Post by bluesky636 on Nov 4, 2017 20:46:25 GMT
My guitar is a round neck.
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Post by bluesky636 on Nov 4, 2017 22:29:29 GMT
I found a string tension calculator at www.mcdonaldstrings.com/stringxxiii.html. For Standard Tuning with my current strings, the total tension is 157 lbs. For Open A with my current strings, the total tension is 179 lbs. For Open G with my current strings, the total tension is 142 lbs. For Open G with 13/56 strings, the total tension is 152 lbs. For Standard Tuning with 13/56 strings, the total tension is 170 lbs. Open G with 13/56 strings compared to Standard with my current strings is a reasonable match but Standard with 13/56 and Open A with my current strings are significantly higher. Not sure where to go from here.
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Post by Pickers Ditch on Nov 5, 2017 0:31:55 GMT
Those are standard string tensions for hexagonal core strings - contact Newtone Strings and check their tensions for their ROUND CORE Michael Messer strings and you'll find them to be perfect for what you need!
FROM THE MICHAEL MESSER WEBSITE
"Michael Messer National Guitar Strings® established in 1992
The ultimate strings for all National® and National-style resonator guitars
National® is a registered trademark of NATIONAL RESO-PHONIC GUITARS INC. OF THE USA.
Michael Messer National Guitar Strings® are handmade from the finest materials for extra volume, sustain and purity of tone.
These strings are designed to have perfect tension on National® and other resonator guitars whether you play in regular or in open tunings.
At first sight these gauges seem very heavy. By utilising a principle used in the 1920s that uses a round core rather than the more modern hexagonal one, greater string life and easier playability can be achieved.
All guitars sound better with heavier strings, the problem is playing them! Michael Messer National Guitar Strings® tune to pitch at lower tension than other strings of the same gauge. They make resonator guitars sound amazing, and because they tune to pitch at lower tension there is no strain on the neck or cones.
Michael Messer National Guitar Strings® are available in phosphor bronze or nickel and come in three standard gauges:
13.17.26w.36.46.56. 15.17.26w.36.46.56. 16.18.27w.39.49.59.
Sets of custom gauges are available by order
Michael Messer National Guitar Strings® are handmade in England by Newtone Strings®
Michael Messer ELECTRIC SLIDE Classics®
These nickel strings are designed to have perfect tension on electric guitars for open-tuned slide or regular playing. For D and G tuning we recommend the heavy set, and for E and A tuning we recommend the light set. These gauges may appear heavy, but wait 'til you play them - they are amazing electric slide strings.
MM Electric Slide Classics® are available in two standard gauges:
.15 .17 .26w .36 .46 .56 .13 .15 .22p .32 .42 .52
Order direct from info@newtonestrings.com
Newtone Strings GB Unit 12A Brookfield Way Tansley, Matlock Derbyshire, DE4 5ND" PD
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Post by bonzo on Nov 5, 2017 8:04:16 GMT
Good stuff PD. Can I also add that Newtones vintage range of strings are ideal for vintage guitars or any instruments you might be worried about in respect of the string tensions.
Best wishes to you all, John
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2017 8:50:02 GMT
I used Elixir light 12 - 53,Elixir medium 13- 56, and Elixir resonator 16 - 56 strings on my honey dipper. All were great. Gretsch said the mediums are fine on the guitar. There's a Gretsch forum that you might find useful - www.gretsch-talk.com/There's also a review of the honey dipper special that's interesting www.in2guitar.com/reso.html
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2017 12:05:58 GMT
Not sure where to go from here. How about use 13-53 for open A for a start. TT
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Post by orbital on Nov 5, 2017 14:19:34 GMT
Hi Bill,
As with most things resophonic its all about the set up of your guitar. A well built resonator guitar should be able to comfortably handle a variety of alternate tunings. I have recently started playing in Open A (spanish) tuning on my MM Blues with Newtones MM Pb 15-56. An important factor will be the break angle on your guitar, (from saddle to tailpiece) whichever strings you decide to use. Might be helpful if you post a few photos of yours so others more experienced than me can advise you further. Too steep a break angle can cause problems in higher tunings. I'd recommend trying Newtone MM resonator strings and don't be put off by the gauges. As already stated, they have a different core and tune to pitch at lower tension. Enjoy your new guitar!
Orbital.
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