Newbie asking for advice on modifications

[mrstrellisofnwales]

Still tinkering…. Quick question. What’s the largest gauge unwound string I could buy, either in a single or a set just to put on as a 3rd string? Has anyone tried doing this little mod?

[pete1951]

I think an 024 is the largest I have come across, though most guitar shops probably will only have an 020 in stock.
Pete

[resotonic]

I have tried an .023 plain 'G' & found it was lacking the 'spring-y' tone that complements your other G tuned string (if you tune your guitar to open G). Nice for single string solo play tho. A bit louder than wound. For Standard tuning, a bit more clarity.

[mrstrellisofnwales]

Thank you guys, searching Strings Direct that’s what I found in off the shelf sets. Just thought that maybe someone might have tried or found something fatter for a lapsteel or pedal steel. Still tinkering.
Mrs T

[Michael Messer]

Indian stringed instruments use heavy plain strings, but they are not steel, they are bronze. I did some experimenting a few years ago with them and they have a lovely warmth and sweetness, and they are so smooth for slide playing, but when you go heavier they are not very stretchy and can break easily. I have some .026 which I tried as a third G and it was nice for lap steel playing on my tricone, but I never pursued it any further. I also have some .022 bronze and that is nice, but for me worked better as a second string B or A than as a third G.

You can get strings like this from sitar string suppliers and you might even find that Newtone still has some.

There is a reason why little is known about the question you are asking, its is because those gauges as plain strings on a guitar tuned to G or thereabouts, don't really work well.

Shine On
Michael

[pete1951]

One problem when fretting very thick plain strings is that they play a little sharp. This is not a problem with guitars with adjustable bridges, but on acoustics with narrow saddles they will always play sharp when fretting on the upper frets, if you are just playing lap steel or slide then there is no trouble.

On the plus side you can bend plain strings ( at least a tone on most electric sets, 5 semi tones if you work on it) and with no winding a slightly smoother sound than a new wound 3rd.
Pete

[mrstrellisofnwales]

Thanks again guys. Sitar strings are a really interesting Idea and I can also appreciate the brittleness of steel and also intonation issues. All this tinkering is not me trying to fix problems but rather an attempt to further understand how the guitar really works. For many years I’ve been taking flat tops which I found cheap or was given and done my tinkering to try and get the very best from them that’s possible. It’s just an interesting hobby which started at a rubbish tip when I found a guy chucking out an Eko Ranger which had been the victim of some serious abuse and I took it home. My son still has it. Most of the others I’ve done have been given away. But it’s amazing what can be doneThis is my first attempt at a resonator. I can see now why they’ve not been on my radar before- it’s like a musical battleship. Thanks. Mrs T