Proper String Gauge for A Tuning

[piro39]

What is the proper string gauge for A tuning on a resonator ?

[Michael Messer]

Are you asking about EAEAC#E on a single cone National style guitar, or AC#EAC#E on a Dobro style guitar?

Shine On
Michael

[pete1951]

This depends on you! I play with strings on the light side, so probably 012-053. Some would find these too light and want at least an 013 on top. If you are happy with your guitar strings in G you could try a gauge lighter which should give you similar ‘feel’. So go from an 014 to 013 or from 013 to 012. Most ‘standard’ sets are designed to go up to E on the top, though wound third strings tuned to A may have a shorter than normal life, you might try a thick plain string (020 or 022?) though it may play a little sharp when fretted.
Pete

Posted before I read MMs question, the answer may change my reply!

[piro39]

EAEAC#E on a single cone. In your response I would would like to know each individual string gauge not set size like 12-53.
Also would the same gauge apply to tricones and spider bridges? I play all three.

[pete1951]

I tend to use ‘sets’ of strings and let the manufacturer worry about the gauges. However I often replace the top string with a string one size up as I play in open G ( I don’t tend to up the gauge of the bottom 2). so the top string in a set is a little slack for me.
Gauge depends on your playing style, so on my reso-lectric I use nickel Newtones 012,016,019, 033w,042w 050w, I don’t replace the top string on this set.
On most of my acoustic resos I will use 013, 017, 025,036,046,056. If I was going up to A I might use a gauge lighter, especially on the middle 2 strings.

String gauge on wound strings can de deceiving, a Newtone 056 with a round core will feel softer than a D’Addario 056 on a hex core. So knowing the make of string is also important

But, we are all different, to get the best sound you should probably use the heaviest strings you feel comfortable with ( and that your guitar can stand) .
Pete

Michael has worked with Newtone to create sets of strings in balanced sets, his advice will be the best

[Michael Messer]

It's always a personal taste thing, but if you are tuning to low bass A on all guitars, I reckon you'll be fine with .013.016.024.032.042.052 - The .013 is instead of a .012, which would be the standard 12/52 set. You might want to try a lighter third G because sometimes A feels a bit tight on wound thirds, so maybe get a .022 wound and try that.

So to sum up... I would get a set of .012.016.024.032.042.052 and an additional .013 and .022wound and see how that suits you.

Let me know how it goes and if they don't feel right, let's see where we can go from there.

I hope that is helpful.

Shine On
Michael