Is 16-56 strings ok for roundneck resonator?

[s11141827]

I used to use 16-56 Gauge Strings on my Round Neck Resonator but now I use 9-46 Gauge Ultra-Light Strings when playing it like a Regular Guitar (plus I use a Mag Slide so I can play slide blues) because I've shaved the cone down to only 3/32 of an inch w/ 1500000 grit sandpaper & I've strung the strings backwards underneath the tailpiece to get more volume.

[H165]

normally 16, 18, 26, 36, 46, 56 in gauges.

I get D'Addario gauges .016, .018, .028, .036, .045, and .056 in a set and then sub an .017 on string 1. This is a flat-played slide spider (bluegrass). My reso is industrial strength so I probably don't qualify to provide useful anecdotal info.

[Dave Hicks]

I string up a Gretsch Boxcar for slide with John Pearce resonator 16s. I don't seem to have a problem after 5 or 6 years. I can fret some, but I mainly play slide on this,

These ship with 12s, which seemed very anemic on the high e, so I worked up to 13s, 14s and then 16s.

However, the next time I change I might try a 16 high string with the rest of the set in lighter gage, as mentioned above.

D.H.

[MissoulaFlood]

Originally Posted by Diamond Slides

A favorite over here in the U.K is to string up with a 13 - 56 gauge set ~ but swap the top E from the 13 to a thicker 15. This changes your set to 15; 17; 24 (instead of 13; 17; 24) - this will give you a 'stiffer' top E top string with a little more meat to enhance your tone

Slide On!

Ian.

This is what I do using custom sets from String Joy. Fine even with standard tuning.

[s11141827]

If the 16 is too stiff (aka too tight) then yeah drop down to a 13 or thinner. We do have Magnesium Slides that allow for lighter strings & lower action. The lighter the string gauge the higher the bridge has to be & it helps to string the strings below the tailpiece lip to get more break angle.

[s11141827]

Originally Posted by H165

I get D'Addario gauges .016, .018, .028, .036, .045, and .056 in a set and then sub an .017 on string 1. This is a flat-played slide spider (bluegrass). My reso is industrial strength so I probably don't qualify to provide useful anecdotal info.

However you can change the 17 back to a 16 if you want more balanced tension

[s11141827]

Originally Posted by Diamond Slides

A favorite over here in the U.K is to string up with a 13 - 56 gauge set ~ but swap the top E from the 13 to a thicker 15. This changes your set to 15; 17; 24 (instead of 13; 17; 24) - this will give you a 'stiffer' top E top string with a little more meat to enhance your tone

Slide On!

Ian.

However these days I now stick to the 13 because now I have a Magslide to allow for lighter strings. Also to get more meat I use railhammer pickups plus the braces in my guitar were cut down so I can use really thin strings.