Hi I play both Square neck Dobro and National with a bottleneck.
Once upon a time I believed that they both needed "HEAVY" gauge strings, and that's what I used.
For some time I used Dunlop Resonator PB strings on my Dobro because they provided a 26 G and two 18s for 1st and second, and I "feel" they are slightly higher in tension than EJ42s.
However, Dunlop strings are not always easy to find in the UK and they have stopped the extra 18 in the pack.
On my National I now use a simple medium set - often a used set of EJ17s but with 17s on 1st and 2nd.
Also you don't need a high action to play bottleneck style, I keep my National at the same action height as all my other guitars.
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Silly Moustache,
Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer.
I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom!
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