My biggest mistake buying resonator guitar strings

[@dnaquenneville]

Thanks so much for this post. I own a Honey Dipper and argue with others on how you do not put resonator strings on it, It was designed for acoustic strings

[@edpoulin8007]

John pearse seemed to hold resonance better and sounded like I think a slide resonator should sound. That is what I'm going to try next.

[@Bertyification]

As always a really informative video - thanks so much! I must confess I tend to use lighter gauge strings as the thicker ones make fretting hard work and they shred the skin off my fingers 😎 I would be interested in your take of flat wounds vs normal round wounds. I’ve recently tried flat wounds and found I get less ‘unwanted’ (scratchy) noises off the strings. Please keep up the wonderful work 👍🏻

[@drewdietz2115]

This is good to know; I have a Gretsch alligator res. Saved me some time. thanks.

[@richardcaruso002]

Loved the John Pierce

[@thomaslow5244]

I’m also new to resonators. I bought a Recording King Nickel Style-O Resonator from Sweetwater (similar to your Honey Dipper, but I like it’s round neck and the Honey Dipper had a ridge on the neck that bothered me in playing). I have a couple comments. One is that flat wound strings can improve the sound of slide, by muting the grindy sound of the un-flattened wound wires as the slide moves up and down the neck. (See for example D’Addario EFT17 Medium 13-56). Another comment is that the specific open tuning chosen will dramatically change the total string tension on the next and guitar body. (-for example High G open tuning GBDGBD is +3, +2, 0, 0, 0, +2 semitones ABOVE standard EADGBE tuning, so the tension on the neck is correspondingly LARGER than in standard tuning. In contrast, the blues or “Spanish” Open G tuning is all LOWER tension than standard EADGBE tuning (i.e., DGDGBD is -2,-2,0,0,0,-2 semitones BELOW the EADGBE of “standard” guitar tuning, so the string tension is LOWER. Combining thie large tension from GBDGBD “High Open G” tuning, with THICKER treble strings (like the 0.016” 1st string in the “resonator” strings seems dangerous (as you pointed out). This is because the additional tension needed to bring a THICK string up to the same pitch (e.g., additional tension for a 0.016” first string compared with a more typical 0.013 first string) can make the total string tension on your guitar large enough to damage the guitar (bending the neck or distorting the body (esp in wood body resonators). The tension for a string tuned to a given pitch goes like the square of the diameter, so tuning a 0.016” steel first string to D4 in “High Open G Tuning” gives 23% increase in string tension over a “standard” 0.013” diameter 1st string tuned to the same D4 pitch. All that said, I think I am fine with using thicker resonator guitar strings on my Recording King resonator (very similar to your Honey Dipper), so long as I stick with the lower pitch and lower tension DGDGBD tuning. I’ve been using the Shubb C6B capo for Dobro on my Recording King resonator, and playing it in my lap. I like the slightly louder treble volume from the thicker treble strings (D’Addario EFT13 flat wound 0.016-0.056). I am not worried about too much string tension in the lower pitch OPEN G tuning of DGDGBD, and I am having fun playing Dobro style, and changing key freely using the Shubb CB6 Dobro CAPO. However for upright slide guitar playing and fretting notes with my left hand, I think I would revert to more standard string diameters, like the (flat wound) D’Addario EFT17 Medium 0.013-0.056). My two cents.

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Very insightful and I appreciate it. The Honey Dipper has a V neck profile that took me a minute to get used to. I can understand you not enjoying it. I didn't expect it so it was kinda of jarring at first. Other guitars have that V shape neck but none in my small stable.

[@davidmacleod9313]

That’s more than 2¢! Lol So, the dipper has a v neck?

[@carenvale629]

If you really like the Ernie Ball strings and the gauge you tested you might try slipping an old ball down the string. Depending on the length of the wrap, it just might let it fit. I liked the warmth of the Ernie Ball strings.

[@suziekew8619]

I might have a slight preference for the Ernie Balls, but when I factor in the cost plus the ease of buying them or the John Pearse in Canada, I'm glad that the EJ17s aren't radically different. Thanks for the helpful review, John

[@davidcatalano3781]

As Jimmy vonda's just make up your own custom set

[@davidcatalano3781]

The first set D'Addario

[@mbaker1295]

Cool video. Glad I found your channel as I head into my resonator journey.

[@chrisdevine3511]

Yeah they’re great. And doesn’t he also come across as a genuinely kind person?

[@jaysigma]

Though I use mostly Ernie Balls at all of my electric guitars (mostly 9's and 10's) I go for 12's at my both resonators. In this case I go soundwise for the John's.

[@rickhansen9851]

Hi John, great comparison video. I liked the Ernie Ball Alum Brnz the best. This video opened my eyes....I have been using D'Addario EJ42s (16 ga) on my 2 resos, love the sound, but after hearing you play, I see I can drop the guage to 13s and still get a great sound. PS, I have used Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze 12s on all of my acoustics for years. Love the sound and feel. Thank you, Rick

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

I like the way aluminum bronze better because I'm the one who suggested you try them.

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

Thank you so much for this comment! I searched forever trying to find your comment on this to give you credit! I have basically switched over to them on all my guitars. I love the sound and the feel. Can't thank you for that recommendation enough, Bryan.

[@eddominates]

I think I want to try the pearse strings and the EJ11's .. I have the mahogany version and its about due for some fresh strings

[@NuttinbutdaBlues]

Try D'Addario Nickel Bronze balanced tension. They're a little brighter than the phosphor bronze, and every string is within 2-2.25lbs tension of each other, making string skipping and arpeggios a breeze. I use the 56-13.5 set, but still swap out the 13.5 for a 15.

[@richardcaruso002]

I have the DD EJ42 on mine, may switch to the JP to try them out.

[@BlakeHouse-j3u]

You realize those are the most commonly used Squareneck strings ?

[@annettekittredge8807]

I think I preferred the clarity & cutting power of the sound on d'Addarios... Ernie Balls sounded like they vibrated more, had more twang... blues/country sound? I think I liked d'Addario best, but not a lot in it if you hadn't heard them first, so if the Ernie Balls are easier, gee... I know what I would do...

[@RogerAnderson-b8c]

I prefer the GHS as they have enough mass in the trebles to balance with the basses. Melodic playing on the 1st and 2nd strings really sings. I have been using them on my Regal single cone for a few years now and haven't had any trouble with the extra tension but I really have to work hard to fret notes cleanly. I guess you have to suffer to play the blues.

[@1thommyberlin]

D'Addario native, which I use on all my guitars, flat tops, resos, electrics - so I don't know if they actually sound better or if that's just what I'm used to - but a new thing for me is using flat wounds on my acoustics. Hell, I liked 'em so much, I'ma put a set on one of my Teles.

[@markpurser3415]

Flat wound.... sounds interesting. Love flats on my bass. I should try them.

[@SeaKayakingAfter50]

Hi John (Marcos Z here)...old student, and still to return student this summer I hope. I keep watching your older videos to keep practicing. Video #230 on the Tuesday Blues list doesn't seem to belong there....Angelo L Rossi...

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

Hey Marcos! I'm not sure where you're seeing that. The TB playlist on my channel shows TB230 as the 4 Types of Turnarounds vid. I believe that's correct. Others can create their own playlists so maybe you found one that's by someone else? Hope all's well! John

[@SeaKayakingAfter50]

@@BluesGuitarInstitute I will double check. Thanks

[@Angelum_Band]

Daddario on all of my Dobro's love the bright sound.

[@adamgilbert8474]

I have the 790NR on my Honey Dipper and they sound completely dead, almost as if the bridge has a mute on it, especially when finger picking. There is hardly any sustain, and I cant help but wonder if the bridge isnt seated on the cone properly, or something similar.

[@generalpurpose6517]

Well you made a good choice on the guitar❤ I have one just like it

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

Yeah, I really have enjoyed it. I think I've had it for a year...maybe two now. HEAVY! But really nice. Glad you like yours too!

[@Dan0948]

I've been using ghs Americana series resonator cryogenic guitar strings LJ17-56LJ for over 20 years. On my 1931 National duolian. I also don't like the buzz of the steel slide, and the audible vibrato sound from a steel slide. I like the warmer sound of a ceramic slide, you have the same weight as the steel slide, and the same slide quality as a glass slide

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

I like steel for certain things and ceramic for others. I guess I like them all ha! I have a mudslide that I really like and a rocky mountain slide that's great too. They do tend to sound smoother than my metal ones.

[@Dan0948]

My style of playing is a little bit more of a heavy percussive than you. So I like the heavier strings, with the ceramic slide. I have a Mudslide, but my favorite one is a Keb Mo slide, which is the same color as my 1931 National duolian painted neck.

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

@@Dan0948 I have that Keb Mo slide and that's a cool color!

[@Dan0948]

@@BluesGuitarInstitute I'm getting along in days. In a short 7 years, my National guitar will be 100 years old. I've been taking vitamins in order to make it to that big day😉 It's the only thing a good Steward of such a gift could do😇

[@05645ci]

The heavier Pearse strings tear my index finger on my picking hand up; first, a blood blister, then a callous, then a shredded callous that hangs up when it picks a string. Are flat wounds or round wounds easier on the picking fingers? What strings are easiest on the fingers? I play bass, acoustic, and electric guitar, and I'm tired of my resonator tearing up my index finger.

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

Are you picking regularly? If I take a break from fingerpicking for a few weeks the same thing happens to me when I get back to it. Consistent playing helps me keep that blister at bay!

[@05645ci]

@@BluesGuitarInstitute that’s it;)

[@stephensparks3621]

John Pierce sounded the best to me. May have to try a set on my Regal.

[@youtubebrows8095]

Thank you for this- very helpful! I'm new to resonator guitars. About a year ago, I fell in love with the vintage Del Vecchio Dinamico Resonator guitar sound and after about 6 months of looking, found the right one for me. Since I'm new to the technical details, I do have a question for you about that. I'm not quite clear on how the Dobro resonator guitars are different from the Spanish style ones, but it sounds like it's for a different style of playing. I feel a deep connection to the sound of the John Pearse Resonator strings, thanks to hearing them in your video review, and was wondering: Do you think they will work for my 1960s Del Vecchio Dinamico Resonator?

[@youtubebrows8095]

To clarify when I ask if you think they will work I mean, would you say a Del Vecchio is more of a Spanish style and less of the Dobro style or is that just the type of playing? (Essentially, I want to avoid the mistake you were talking about in the video)

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

Spanish in this sense refers to the tuning (DGDGBD) often played on a 'round neck' which is like a regular guitar and that's what the Pearse strings are meant for. The other would be a square neck which is meant to be played in your lap. Super thick neck that you can't really wrap your hand around and fret. That tuning is different. I'm not familiar with that Del Vecchio model but the neck (square vs round) should help you pick the right strings.

[@mariomortara7286]

Try the John Pearse slack key strings. That's what I use on my 72 Dobro metal body round neck

[@youtubebrows8095]

@@mariomortara7286 thank you!

[@PauloTonella]

Del Vecchios are not so strong as dobros, só take care with string gauges. The last one I had was strung with 010 and had the best DV sound IMHO. Take care to not wrap the neck and neck joint 5:27

[@Dan0948]

The funny thing is with the ghs you didn't hear your string buzz like you did on the other sets.

[@davidmacleod9313]

Interesting. Pearce for me. But, what do I know? 😊I bought a cheap Gretsch Boxcar and, I believe, the string gauge it comes with are 16’s! Is that right? Too heavy for me but I was thinking maybe they have to be thick to get that sound? Hmm. What about 12’s?

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

Not sure what comes on it, but my Gretsch Honeydipper came with something much lighter. Definitely D'Addarios because I remember the colored ball ends but I'm guessing they were 13's or 12's. It's been a while though :)

[@davidmacleod9313]

@@BluesGuitarInstitute it says EJ16 (.012-.053) Coloured ball ends. But, man! They’re hard on the fingers! Lol My Taylor has Elixir 12-53 but feel so much easier AND I feel confident enough to bend them…but not the resonator. Maybe shorter scale length on the reso? I’m going to try 10’s, what do you think? Lol

[@davidmacleod9313]

@@BluesGuitarInstitute Update! (Lol) I took the Boxcar back because of the V neck and went to the Arts Music Store up here in Kanuckland and opted for two Recording Kind resonators. One is the Dirty 30’s Mini Humbucker and the other is a metal Swamp Dog 14 fret reso. Cheap but awesome, apparently. I’ll get them around October-November. Also, people are saying that the Recoding King’s imitation of the Martin D28 is amazing and some can’t tell the difference.

[@sambeetler4721]

@@davidmacleod9313 I just got me a swamp dog 2 weeks ago . I love it, what a tone, you wont be disappointed.

[@davidmacleod9313]

@@sambeetler4721 Now I really can’t wait!!!! Did you get the 14 fret or Swampdog parlour? And how heavy is it?! Lol

[@terrycaster4976]

I’m going to buck the trend here. I hated the Ernie Balls. I thought they sounded bland and lifeless. The John’s get my vote.

[@mattwesthaver6909]

Same

[@JohnBolingacousticblues]

John what type of cone outfit do you use on the Gretch Honey Dipper? Thanks. John Boling

[@winning742]

What brand of slide

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

It's from black mountain, I really enjoy it. It's got a spring loaded clip inside so it adjusts to your fingers. Good tone too.

[@franktiedemann872]

Off topic. I notice the good sound you get with recording the dobro with the mike pretty close. If I do that I just get too much treble. Do you have treble turned down on your EQ?

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

It might look closer than it really is on camera. It's about 8 inches away from the body and a little off-axis. I don't think I had the eq on my preamp engaged for this one and I didn't eq anything in post for these samples. Could be the mic your using?

[@franktiedemann872]

Thanks!!! love your site. I was a member last year.

[@magusguitars]

Some of the best strings for resonators are made by a UK company called Newtone. The PB Michael Messer Newtone resonator strings are the best of the best, they have a round core for low tension, high gauge. John Pearse and the Daddarios are also good. Ernie Ball do not make good acoustic strings imo.

[@tomguitaronline]

Have u tried Martin Monel retro strings? I love them on my takamine parlor and my dobro 33 roundneck. I'm a fingerstyle player and just learning slide so i may want something different once i play with a slide more. tom in maine

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

Hey Tom! I have tried them on my acoustic and I thought they were ok, maybe a bit too different from what I was used to personally. But I have a couple of members who love them. They're a solid pick for sure. PS - Nice dobro :)

[@im-gi2pg]

They were all great!!!

[@911aDay]

This is wonderful... you should get some affiliate thing going... I just ordered a Gretsch G9201 thanks to you! 🔥🎸

[@OfftheGridStudio-152]

Well that was an eye, and ear opener. I gotta say, and taking nothing away from each set of strings... I really liked that "warm" sound from the Enrnie Ball set.

[@22DINGOS]

John Pearse since a bit more mellow yet still crisp

[@davidmacleod9313]

Hi there…well, I just got my Recording King Dirty Thirties resonator and the headstock was broken durning shipment. But, my question is this; I noticed that the ball end of the strings were on top of that fan lookin thing and the string went under that fan lookin’ thing. Can you do that? Plus, just sighting where the bridge is and running a string fron the first fret, the action was scary high! Should I order another and hope for the best? I can always return it. Plus, (sorry!) how do you lower the action? The Swamp Dog came too and the action is not so good. The strings it came with suck, as well. Lol Cheers! And thanks!

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

Hey David, great that you got it, but bummer about the headstock. Yes, I think the bridge design on the dirty 30s would have the ball ends sitting on top like you described. I think the swamp dog is goes under though. Different design. You can lower the action by adjusting the saddle height (that's the part near the bridge that the strings are resting on). That might mean taking off some material which is beyond me. you might want to take to a tech if you can. if it's not too bad sometimes adjusting the truss rod can get the action just right.

[@davidmacleod9313]

@@BluesGuitarInstitute Thanks for getting back to me. I’m returning the bummer guitar and the Swamp Dog, I’m going to change the strings to see if that helps. Here’s the thing though…this is a new store I’m trying out (because they were the only RK dealer around. About an hours drive north of Toronto, where I live) but you have 10 days to decide. My usual store is 30 days, no questions asked! Lol I’ll probably return both. Ugh… Anyway, I’ll have about $2000 Canadian (lol) and put THAT towards ….. something. (It’s a disease, you know?) Thanks for taking;g the time for me. Appreciate it. Sure you don’t need a new neighbour? Lol

[@davidmacleod9313]

Jesus! I changed the strings and, holy sht!! What a difference! (Elixer 12-53) Action still high but a capo helps. Wish I knew how to send photos because there are issues with the biscuit…I can’t believe the low E even stays on bc it’s right on the edge! Lol 😊I’m going to keep it bc there’s hope!!! Thanks, man! Elixirs feel great, btw.

[@Blues40]

I mean, you just sound good so to me there’s no difference. Haha 🙈 Great video and lesson, thank you.

[@RichardMerrill-tu7gx]

I will give Ernie ball a try. Have you tried String Joy yet?

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

Hey Richard, I have and I do like them on my acoustic. Haven't tried them on the honey dipper yet.

[@marccarter1350]

Ha, made the same mistake with the same strings myself!

[@wamgoc]

EJ 17s sound the best to me!

[@MelodicDreamers]

John Pierce

[@carlbowden4712]

I had used Daddario EJ42 reso strings forever then I read Charlie Parr used flat wound reso strings, I can't remmeber what brand, so I switched to Daddario EFT13 which are flat wound. The flat wound strings you don't hear as much of that scratching noise from the slide sliding on the strings. It's a cleaner sound, although I do find for some songs that scratchy sound is better. I do have flat wound on both my reso's currently. The EFT13 flats are little harder to find

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

I might give those a shot, Carl. Really like Charlie's stuff and I can see where flats would reduce the scratchiness.

[@craigdickerson9706]

John Pierce for sure

[@craigdickerson9706]

Remember, you want that resonator sound.

[@markpurser3415]

D'Addario I think.

[@MalisaDonnelly]

The John p's had a fuller sound

[@mikefinley4367]

Earnie Ball, gets my vote. I immediately switched a new guitar to the Earnie Ball 2006 Rock / Blues set and have been happier with the result.

[@dnaquenneville]

BTW...forgot to answer....Daddario all the way!!

[@colelancaster7078]

You attacked the Earnie Ball strings differently. It was as if the action was less trouble with these strings. Earnie Ball strings have always seemed less forceful even on acoustics and electric guitars. I don’t see why they wouldn’t be the same with a resonator

[@davidmacleod9313]

6:57 Sorry…me again… I’m looking at the ball end of the B string and it looks like it’s not in all the way. Maybe that hole needs to be reamed a titch?

[@BluesGuitarInstitute]

I don't remember any issues with the 2nd string but I decided not to ream out the string holes and just stick with smaller gauges (love the Ernie Balls and the John Pearse's).

[@jamesrodriquez2863]

I think the JP strings sounded best.

[@robertmartinez763]

John P

[@Music-ec6mx]

Ernie Ball seem to have a warmer sound, but also more sustain!

[@aberhan]

Ernie Ball, the only set that had a noticeable difference.

[@MichaelCottrill-p8q]

Ernie Ball sound the best.

[@jonathancomer1185]

It's Ernie Ball for me.....