Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by BUGGY (C) on May 4, 2014 at 7:27am

And piano strings!
But they're a bitch to tune!

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 5, 2014 at 1:19am

Bug, For a good factory six, I like the Martins too.  The SP and others.  What kind of melon?

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Permalink Reply by A.D.EKER on May 4, 2014 at 8:44am

Hi john, i must say you are right about cheap strings ,i got a big packet in the LIDDL (supermarket)VISION MUSIC GmbH Hinter der Bind 21 D- 78224 Singen Germany VM nr: 9117553  that is 5 sets for 6.95 and thats euros,so dollars maybee 8, or 9.they start of whit the thin E at 010- up to 046,and they are electric,plus exstra D strings,cose the tend to brake more.While the ordinary SLINKY,s  sets i use on the FENDER are 17 euros for one set!! but i seen this video of slide master Roy Rodgers he plays acoustic Nylon strings (flat) whit a dubbel Humbucker Pick-up,and gets this great sound!!,I had plans to do a simular set up whit my old TRIUMPH Guitar i got from my Sister.At first i played thick strings but they are tuff to play and bend, now i use mostly 009 up 010 and sometimes i mix up sets the ones that brake alot i use the thick ones and thin ones for the bending. For slides I have All kinds,metal groom,steel groom, steel, aluminum, bone,but i favor my glass side the best,and second my copper one. but every git takes his own set-up,Thats my contribution to your strings and slides discussion! Greetszzzz Black CAT Bone to Ye!! A.D.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 5, 2014 at 1:21am

Gees, Andries.  Your 'cheap' strings cost a lot more than my cheap strings.   And a yes on the thinner strings bending nice.  You reinforce what I have been thinking.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 4, 2014 at 9:56am

Fun and funny answers, guys. 

Slides:   For looks, I like some pretty red or blue ceramic slides.  I had a nice red one, but it cracked in my pocket.  I have some glass ones from Maddog that play well.  The copper one I had did not slide well - it kind of hung up.  I have a deep socket in the shop that was my dad's.   HEAVY.   Works pretty well.   I have not tried melons, Pick.   Does it matter what kind of melon?   I will pickup different gits and slides to try for a song.  It is good to have options. 

My tapered brass slide gets bonus points for being tough.   You could run it over with a car and pick it back up and play.  Don't that at home.  And if you do, take your finger out of the slide first. 

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on May 4, 2014 at 12:31pm

I use Ernie Ball electrics or medium resonator strings. I had a set of Elixr Nanoweb acoustic that absolutely growled, but I haven't been able to reproduce that.

I don't mind spending some money on strings since they typically last a long time.

I have two slides that I really like. I have a $1.75 steel bushing that is about like a socket with the heavy bit cut off. Great tone and sustain, but heavy. I also have a Mojobone half and half which I really like. It has the same tone as the steel, but much lighter. Looks real purty too.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 5, 2014 at 1:22am

Eric, I have cut down and tried to cut down sockets.   Man, some do not want to cut with a hack saw.

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on May 5, 2014 at 1:34am

This is what I use.  You can find them in hardware stores in the drawer cabinets with misc hardware.  You can't beat the price!

http://www.lowes.com/pd_136462-37672-880423_0__?productId=3012328

It may not be the exact linked item, but I usually use a 3/4" x 2" bushing.  there are all different diameters and lengths available.  I usually sand the inside with 220 and 400 grit paper to take off any burrs.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 5, 2014 at 1:48am

I need to look for one of those again.  It looks about right.

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Permalink Reply by Better Trees on May 5, 2014 at 3:04am

That's baller. I paid like $5 for exactly the right socket and then I bought a nice dremel to cut it.

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on May 5, 2014 at 3:27am

Shane and a few others have used the same slide.  I think there's a builder who throws one in with every sale.  Lighter than a socket and fairly easy to play. 

I had broken the tip of my ring finger and I couldn't play chords or even put the slide over the finger so it had me almost shut down for playing for awhile.

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Permalink Reply by Reeds Taylor on May 4, 2014 at 1:28pm

I got steel, bone, ceramic, plus copper and brass. Although they look nice and such.....my favorite is the cheapest and best  .... my bottle neck slide from Maddog. As far as stings go....on my builds I use Swamp Witch Guitar strings, but on the others D"Adario is my favorite...

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