Plain 3rd String Recommendations, please.

[Pickers Ditch]

Having been reading a lot about plain (unwound) 3rd strings on acoustical guitars I would like to try this trick

I use Newtone MM Monel 13s on my resonators and parlour guitars - playing slide and fingerstyle mix.

So what do you all suggest as a starting point, guage wise, for trials by this ancient wannabe?

I take it that this here plain string would be steel like the top two or are there other demon alloys out there?

Thank you.
PD

[blueshome]

I have 12-52 on my Style0 with an 18 unwound 3rd. I suggest you try 20 or 21. It changes the sound and feel. I do the same on one or my ladder braced guitars.

[pete1951]

On electric sets an 011 top string would (usually) have an 018 plain string, an 012 an 020 and ( as Phil recommends ) an 021 ( or 022) on a set with an 013 top.
You will probably notice that this string plays a little sharp on the top frets, the bigger the string ( or the core with wound strings) the more ‘compensation ‘ needed to get it to play totally in tune ( not a problem when sliding).
Pete

[slide496]

For the .18 some brands offer tin plated steel.

To Add: I use these on one parlor, they kind of have an old time sound, shimmery for my 2nd and 1st string. I looked and they make them also in .18 guage. They are brass coated.
www.stringsbymail.com/dr-strings-xenon-power-plain-single-guitar-string-018-23042.html

Harriet