Wound or Unwound G string ?

[piro39]

I am curious what reasons the forum members have for using a wound or unwound G string on a resonator (all types).

[jono1uk]

Hi

If you tune your reso (or acoustic) to EAEAC#E with a wound 3rd -it snaps ...an unwound doesn't ..
That is my reason.

Jon

[pete1951]

An unwound 3rd has a different tone, which some prefer. There is a small (nonexistent for slide players) problem, a plain G will fret a little sharp as you get to the higher frets. Intonation bothers some more than others so there is a compromise to be made.
Pete

[meanstepfather]

I prefer a wound third on a reso..The main purpose of an unwound third is to facilitate bending and the guage I use on a reso is reasonably heavy so it seems pointless.I also think heavy guage unwound thirds can sound cold/dead.However,I do use resonator exclusively for slide playing.My wood bodied guitars are a different matter...lighter guage and an unwound third..I couldn`t play half of what I play otherwise.

[pete1951]

Ah, yes bend ability. I also have a reso with a plain G for that very reason. Mine has a slightly wider than standard saddle so intonation can be adjusted.
Pete

[Deleted]

Plain for above reasons, but I prefer the tone of a wound.
TT

[Michael Messer]

I use a wound third on all my guitars, resophonic, acoustic and electric. I prefer the tone, especially when playing in open G. I don't remember a time when I used a plain G, maybe when I was a teenager playing rock and rock and roll on electric guitars, but certainly I have used a wound third for 40+ years.

Shine On
Michael

[slide496]

I use a standard newtone set on the resonator and a wound on the electric and acoustics. I think I tried an unwound at some point on the resonator but wasn't comfortable with it-don't remember why.

Lawd lawdy,
Harriet

[chromatic]

USA C6th lap steel sets off the shelf are around 16 19 22 24w 30w 38w and A6th around 15 18 22 24w 30w 36w. Either gauge can be and often is used live for both tunings (otherwise haul around a double neck) The third string note is either G or A. Scale length around 23".

Cheaper to buy a standard set and swap the third for wound if the tone isn't right. I've done that a few times.

Cheers

[pete1951]

One other thing , if you use a magnetic pickup, designed for a standard bronze set with a wound 3rd , a plain G can be very loud.
Pete

[slide496]

Jun 21, 2020 19:54:14 GMT pete1951 said:

One other thing , if you use a magnetic pickup, designed for a standard bronze set with a wound 3rd , a plain G can be very loud.
Pete

Thanx
H

[gaucho]

I switched to an unwound 3rd recently and love the tone. To me, it gives that vintage twang that I ave been looking for. But, I use light strings (which also contributes to the vintage tone IMO), Slinkys in the purple pack which come wit an unwound 3rd. Its a 17g, any heavier feels dead to me on an unwound 3rd. The Purple Slinkys are 11-47 and go against conventional reso wisdom, but I've put them on all my Nationals, NRPs, Dobros and Republics!

[pete1951]

Jun 25, 2020 13:27:59 GMT gaucho said:

I switched to an unwound 3rd recently and love the tone. To me, it gives that vintage twang that I ave been looking for. But, I use light strings (which also contributes to the vintage tone IMO), Slinkys in the purple pack which come wit an unwound 3rd. Its a 17g, any heavier feels dead to me on an unwound 3rd. The Purple Slinkys are 11-47 and go against conventional reso wisdom, but I've put them on all my Nationals, NRPs, Dobros and Republics!

017” G ? I think that should be 018”
(I use ‘PowerSlinkys on several electrics, and a reso-electro though I usually substitute a 012 on top)

Pete

[gaucho]

You are right Pete, It is an 18. I love them! I tried the Yellow Pack too but that 22 unwound 3rd felt dead!

[finch]

Unwound strings are a bit quieter than wound , so give the impression of being slightly brighter . Unwound can sound better , smother , on a lap steel . Personal , I don't mind sting noise , it adds to the tone and I prefer wound on slide guitar .