string tension

[sonshine]

ok u'll, i dont know if i missed it, but can we get a run down of safe string tensions, i mean when you want to tune high, as in E or A tuning on reso's, what guage is safe, i find say a 12 guage set D string will break at the E note and forget the G string, sometimes they make it but it risky, so is it specialist strings, which can be tricky to get for some, or just use a 11 guage which are a bit light weight on top, also i don't want to damage any thing, J. hammond as i understand uses D'adrrio, guage? i bet M.M knows. and how about on a Tele, whats the limit on Guage on E, A tuning? also Michael, i keep returning to your risin' son riff, is it copo'd?

[Michael Messer]

Hi SonShine,

That's a cool name! BukkaGreen's a good one as well

I use 15 to 56 on my Nationals and tune them to open D & G. It depends what guitar you are using...if you are tuning up to E & A you should go as bit lighter on the strings....12 to 54. But saying that....13 to 56 should be fine to, and they should not break. That is not a string problem, it is a nut or bridge problem.

On a Tele I use 15 to 56 and tune to D & G. Same as before, go a bit lighter to tune to E & A.

Here comes the heavy advertizing....you gotta use Michael Messer Nationals and MM Electric Slide Classics, made in the UK by NEWTONE....see my website for details.

Hey you've got Rising Sun! That is played in G tuning, I can't recall if I recorded it in the key of G or A. If it is in A I used a capo in G tuning. Played on a National Glenwood electric guitar through a National Westwood amp. It's a raw sound ;D

Keep in touch,

Shine On,
Michael.