Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ben on October 7, 2009 at 4:42am

I can't believe this post has been up for so long without any responses. If you don't care about spending a few dollars on strings, I'd recommend some "resophonic" (resonator guitar) strings. A lot of brands make them but they're a bit more expensive because they are ground flatter so the slide doesn't make as much noise. You can also find them nickel-wound in acoustic weights. This is nice if you've got an electro-mag pup but want the response of acoustic strings. I've also tried the zebra wound strings (bronze and nickle wound side by side so you get response with an electro-mag pup). They're okay but I think a bit expensive for what you get.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin M. Kraft on October 7, 2009 at 7:40am

Thank you, Ben! I was beginning to wonder if anyone was going to respond. lol I appreciate your input.

Ben said:

I can't believe this post has been up for so long without any responses. If you don't care about spending a few dollars on strings, I'd recommend some "resophonic" (resonator guitar) strings. A lot of brands make them but they're a bit more expensive because they are ground flatter so the slide doesn't make as much noise. You can also find them nickel-wound in acoustic weights. This is nice if you've got an electro-mag pup but want the response of acoustic strings. I've also tried the zebra wound strings (bronze and nickle wound side by side so you get response with an electro-mag pup). They're okay but I think a bit expensive for what you get.

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Permalink Reply by Ben on October 7, 2009 at 8:46am

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Accessories/Strings/GHS_Acoustic_Slide_...

These are what I'm putting on a 6-string lap steel that is in the works. The tension pulled my guitar apart on my first attempt. I rethought the design and am in the process of reworking it. I don't really know how they sound yet but they were noticably smoother. Let it be noted that they weren't as smooth as flat-wound jazz strings though. Those might be an option. I'm not sure if they come in acoustic or just electric though. I think I prefer acoustic strings on CBGs for the volume they give when I don't feel like plugging in. Also if you're playing with a slide, then the added resistance is always nice so you don't bend the notes (without meaning to anyway).

On another note, how's the planning for the festival going? Are there a few builders/players in the area? I'd love to put one on in the Washington, D.C. area but I'm the only person I know of in the immediate area and don't really think that importing people to play would be the way to go. Unless...I'm thinking "The CBG Road Show!"

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Permalink Reply by Tres Seaver on October 7, 2009 at 9:28am

The "no rules" ethos might be a reason for the silence. ;) Here's my NSHO:

Bronze strings are probably what most folks use: the "grating" noise you are hearing is even an advantage for some styles. If you want a smoother sound, you might try varying the slide, maybe using glass or stainless instead of bronze or copper.

Nickel strings are going to be important if you want to use a magnetic pickup: the bronze ones don't have enough ferrous material to generate the right signal.

Hope that helps,

Tres.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin M. Kraft on October 7, 2009 at 11:01am

Thanks for your input and your interests in the festival.

I have already gotten some great responses from CBG-ers in Kansas and as far away as Iowa interested in at least attending. Some are helping, including an excellent graphic artists who is donating his talent to posters, and stuff--a blessing in itself!

I meet with the president of the KC Blues Society Festival at the members meeting tomorrow, where I'll discuss the possibilities. On the phone, he was very receptive. In fact, among his many activities, he goes into local schools and teaches kids how to build cigar box guitars!!! Something I didn't know myself.

Ben said:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Accessories/Strings/GHS_Acoustic_Slide_...

These are what I'm putting on a 6-string lap steel that is in the works. The tension pulled my guitar apart on my first attempt. I rethought the design and am in the process of reworking it. I don't really know how they sound yet but they were noticably smoother. Let it be noted that they weren't as smooth as flat-wound jazz strings though. Those might be an option. I'm not sure if they come in acoustic or just electric though. I think I prefer acoustic strings on CBGs for the volume they give when I don't feel like plugging in. Also if you're playing with a slide, then the added resistance is always nice so you don't bend the notes (without meaning to anyway).

On another note, how's the planning for the festival going? Are there a few builders/players in the area? I'd love to put one on in the Washington, D.C. area but I'm the only person I know of in the immediate area and don't really think that importing people to play would be the way to go. Unless...I'm thinking "The CBG Road Show!"

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Permalink Reply by Kevin M. Kraft on October 7, 2009 at 11:05am

Excellent point about the bronze strings with a magnetic pickup. I never would have thought of that. I have noticed the differences in slide. A wine bottle neck slide grates appreciably, while my heavy glass-brass combo slide is quite quiet by comparison.

Wonder if technology will ever produce an ADJUSTABLE guitar slide in which the player can change the slide's surface to mimic different materials at the touch of a dial or button.

Hm......

Tres Seaver said:

The "no rules" ethos might be a reason for the silence. ;) Here's my NSHO:

Bronze strings are probably what most folks use: the "grating" noise you are hearing is even an advantage for some styles. If you want a smoother sound, you might try varying the slide, maybe using glass or stainless instead of bronze or copper.

Nickel strings are going to be important if you want to use a magnetic pickup: the bronze ones don't have enough ferrous material to generate the right signal.

Hope that helps,

Tres.

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