The original gauges were 18-18-26-39-47-56 D"Addario Phos. Brz
Now I think my memory is failing me ...per my original posting...I think I started off with the 17 first string and later changed only the 3rd to a 27 to get a little harder sound from that one...
In any event they are ..17-18-27-39-47-56
The string envelope shows-17-B-26.3..G-16.6..A20.9.....18-B-29.5..G-18.6..A-23.4......27-G-38.4...E-27.1
The 56 shows the E note tension at 25 1/2 scale and the G note tension at 24 5/8 scale. Not sure why they would do that.
Anyhow, that's the best answer I can give. Many people like my set. I used to sell a lot of strings but since I've cut back I tell them about less expensive strings on line and that some are very close like the J42 set etc.
There is a booklet D'Addario put out some time ago that had tension ratings for most of the strings listed at that time. Even with that... one could not find the right gauges that would give real close matching tensions for the GBD-GBD reso G tuning.You still have to read between the lines to guess at the tension for that note.
My set does feel very similar all across the strings even tho there's considerable differences in the actual numbers. Pushing straight down with a fingertip on each one. Showing people this seems to impress them and I've had a lot of agreement with my comments on even tension. bw
MarkinSonoma :
from
Great State of Northern California with
posts since12.08.2004...
When I got my first Dobro (circa 1930) in the mid 1970's, all I ever used was Dobro brand strings.
I have a bad habit of running low on strings and not giving myself enough notice to mail order for some. The problem is the couple of stores north of San Francisco that stock popular reso sets (if it's possible for a reso set to be "popular") like EJ-42's price them very expensively, except for one in Santa Rosa, with a brand that is fairly new to me.
And it was here that I discovered Curt Mangan "Fusion Match" Resophonic Guitar strings, and they are $6.95 a set. Not a thing wrong with these. 16-18-28w-36-46-56. And they don't coat them, and they are called 80/20 Bronze.
Curt Mangan apparently worked for Ernie Ball for about 20 years, then struck out on his own.
Erik Waynesmith :
from
Grand Rapids, Michigan with
posts since12.07.2004...
My son and I decided to make up properly sized gauges for a Dobro set... We decided that the cone would work more evenly with even tension on all strings. So we came up with a set the best as we could. We used the data printed on D’Addario strings and went for the target of about 35 lb. per string. This would result in 6 X 35 or 210 Lbs total tension on the tailpiece... In any event they are ..17-18-27-39-47-56... If I were sizing for different tuning, I would go for the gauge that would give me the note I wanted when the tension was in the 30 to 40 lb. range. When at proper tune, one should be able to press down on the individual strings and feel about the same tension on each. I believe this helps get a more even tone and volume across all strings... There is a booklet D'Addario put out some time ago that had tension ratings for most of the strings listed at that time. Even with that... one could not find the right gauges that would give real close matching tensions for the GBD-GBD reso G tuning. You still have to read between the lines to guess at the tension for that note.
D'Addario's tables of tension (and unit weight) for most of their strings are now available in an online PDF document at: D'Addario String Tension Chart. Although the string tension values in this document assume standard acoustic guitar scale length of 25.5" (rather than the 25" scale commonly used on modern resos, or the 24.5" scale of most Dobros), by using a string's unit weight it's easy to accurately calculate its tension for any scale length and note pitch using the following formula:
T (Tension) = (UW x (2 x L x F)2) / 386.4
If you know a string's tension for a particular note with 25.5" scale length, then to calculate its tension with 25" scale length you simply need to multiply by 0.9612 [(25/25.5)2], or for 24.5" scale length multiply by 0.9231 [(24.5/25.5)2].
Here's tension values calculated for the string gauges Bob has suggested for Dobros (using D'Addario phosphor bronze strings on a 25" scale reso):
I found the same source and apparently was working concurrently to you on the calculations! I have added a new page to the Overview with the tension calculation results and some graphs for comparing the profiles between sets. This is getting technical, but very interesting!
Bob Wolfe :
from
Davidson, NC with
posts since12.09.2004...
Eric,
Excellent info. Thanks. I'm glad you took the time To put all that together.
Now I'm wondering just how I managed to get so far off on the 4th and 5th. I guess they all worked so well together over the years..etc...etc... it didn't make any difference... and ... they all felt similar to the touch. No one picked up on it and many people have checked them the way I described !
Changing those 2 strings to the suggested ones would make my set real close to the ideal. If I ever get my hands on a 35 and a 42 I'll have to try it.
Hopefully a lot of people have learned a little more about string sizing and tensions now.
Will Andrew :
from
Southern CA with
posts since06.01.2006...
What are you doing that you change sets three times in a week? Even if I were on tour appearing in a dobro duet with Jerry Douglas, I couldn't bring myself to change strings three times in a week. That's what guitar techs are for!
Will Andrew :
from
Southern CA with
posts since06.01.2006...
You'd change your strings before the first gig with Jerry would'nt you? I would. I put a fresh set on for every gig, unless they are back to back. After 3 hours the tone has diminished. Maybe I sweat more than you.
MikeConner :
from
Seneca SC with
posts since07.08.2008...
Will,
You can make up sets to match your favorite sets from the bulk string suppliers. I just ordered plain 017 and 020 and phosphor-bronze 028, 036, 046 and 056 from Musician's Friend (their Rogue brand). I have used the plain strings for many years on flatop guitar and been happy. The gauges I've ordered match the Scheerhorn set except for the 020 2nd string (they didn't show a 019 online and I wanted to try an 020 anyway). You can do the same thing with the EJ42 gauges.
The Euphonon strings have been recommended in this thread also. The gauges and source URL are in the Overview.
Will they sound as good? Probably, but strings are such a subjective issue and only you can decide whether they work for you! For me, it was worth the $42 for 12 sets (shipping included) to find out. The Scheerhorn set was shipped with my Wechter-Scheerhorn Maple, and the EJ42 set I have on now just doesn't have as much punch and sparkle as that original Scheerhorn set. I am looking forward to trying the bulk strings. If they don't work out I can use most of them on my Taylor 810 since I normally use medium gauge on it and I have plenty of 013 use.
//mike
Erik Waynesmith :
from
Grand Rapids, Michigan with
posts since12.07.2004...
When buying string brands other than D'Addario, the unit weight and tension values shown in D'Addario's String Tension Chart should be used only as a guide for wrapped strings because other manufacturer's strings may have a different ratio of core wire diameter to wrap wire diameter. The D'Addario tension values I posted above should get you pretty close for most other brands of phosphor bronze strings, but you may find you need to adjust gauges of some of the wrapped strings slightly up or down to get the sound and feel you most prefer.
FWIW, on a 6 string reso I often switch from G tuning [G-B-D-G-B-D] to D blues tuning [D-A-D-F#-A-D]; there's obviously no single set of string gauges which can provide perfectly even tension/response for both tunings. I also like to have access to an open E note for some songs (a la Greg Booth, Jim Heffernan and Mike Auldridge); unfortunately the 'ideal' 6th string gauge for standard G tuning tends to become a little flabby and tubby-sounding when tuned down 3 halftones. These feel and tone/sustain issues when using dropped tunings are in large part why I eventually decided to go to a 7 string reso, with an additional heavy gauge bass string I could tune to either D or E, as necessary.
Comments
Mike,
The original gauges were 18-18-26-39-47-56 D"Addario Phos. Brz
Now I think my memory is failing me ...per my original posting...I think I started off with the 17 first string and later changed only the 3rd to a 27 to get a little harder sound from that one...
In any event they are ..17-18-27-39-47-56
The string envelope shows-17-B-26.3..G-16.6..A20.9.....18-B-29.5..G-18.6..A-23.4......27-G-38.4...E-27.1
39--D-45.2..A-25.4.......47-E-20.7..A-36.9.......56-E 29.0..G-38.3
The 56 shows the E note tension at 25 1/2 scale and the G note tension at 24 5/8 scale. Not sure why they would do that.
Anyhow, that's the best answer I can give. Many people like my set. I used to sell a lot of strings but since I've cut back I tell them about less expensive strings on line and that some are very close like the J42 set etc.
There is a booklet D'Addario put out some time ago that had tension ratings for most of the strings listed at that time. Even with that... one could not find the right gauges that would give real close matching tensions for the GBD-GBD reso G tuning.You still have to read between the lines to guess at the tension for that note.
My set does feel very similar all across the strings even tho there's considerable differences in the actual numbers. Pushing straight down with a fingertip on each one. Showing people this seems to impress them and I've had a lot of agreement with my comments on even tension. bw
Good historical stuff Bobby!
When I got my first Dobro (circa 1930) in the mid 1970's, all I ever used was Dobro brand strings.
I have a bad habit of running low on strings and not giving myself enough notice to mail order for some. The problem is the couple of stores north of San Francisco that stock popular reso sets (if it's possible for a reso set to be "popular") like EJ-42's price them very expensively, except for one in Santa Rosa, with a brand that is fairly new to me.
And it was here that I discovered Curt Mangan "Fusion Match" Resophonic Guitar strings, and they are $6.95 a set. Not a thing wrong with these. 16-18-28w-36-46-56. And they don't coat them, and they are called 80/20 Bronze.
Curt Mangan apparently worked for Ernie Ball for about 20 years, then struck out on his own.
D'Addario's tables of tension (and unit weight) for most of their strings are now available in an online PDF document at: D'Addario String Tension Chart. Although the string tension values in this document assume standard acoustic guitar scale length of 25.5" (rather than the 25" scale commonly used on modern resos, or the 24.5" scale of most Dobros), by using a string's unit weight it's easy to accurately calculate its tension for any scale length and note pitch using the following formula:
T (Tension) = (UW x (2 x L x F)2) / 386.4
If you know a string's tension for a particular note with 25.5" scale length, then to calculate its tension with 25" scale length you simply need to multiply by 0.9612 [(25/25.5)2], or for 24.5" scale length multiply by 0.9231 [(24.5/25.5)2].
Here's tension values calculated for the string gauges Bob has suggested for Dobros (using D'Addario phosphor bronze strings on a 25" scale reso):
1st (D) - 017 35.8
2nd (B) - 018 28.4
3rd (G) - 027 36.9
4th (D) - 039 43.4
5th (B) - 047 44.7
6th (G) - 056 39.4
----
Total = 228.6 lbs
Here's the tension values for D'Addario's popular EJ42 PB reso string set (on a 25" scale reso):
1st (D) - 016 31.6
2nd (B) - 018 28.4
3rd (G) - 026 33.9
4th (D) - 035 35.4
5th (B) - 045 41.2
6th (G) - 056 39.4
----
Total = 209.9 lbs
Here's gauges and tension values for a custom set designed to obtain closest possible tension matching between all strings (on a 25" scale reso):
1st (D) - 017 35.8
2nd (B) - 020 35.0
3rd (G) - 027 36.9
4th (D) - 035 35.4
5th (B) - 042 36.2
6th (G) - 053 35.4
----
Total = 214.7 lbs
Erik@AdvancedMusicTechnology.com
Eric,
I found the same source and apparently was working concurrently to you on the calculations! I have added a new page to the Overview with the tension calculation results and some graphs for comparing the profiles between sets. This is getting technical, but very interesting!
Eric,
Excellent info. Thanks. I'm glad you took the time To put all that together.
Now I'm wondering just how I managed to get so far off on the 4th and 5th. I guess they all worked so well together over the years..etc...etc... it didn't make any difference... and ... they all felt similar to the touch. No one picked up on it and many people have checked them the way I described !
Changing those 2 strings to the suggested ones would make my set real close to the ideal. If I ever get my hands on a 35 and a 42 I'll have to try it.
Hopefully a lot of people have learned a little more about string sizing and tensions now.
You guys have really done your homework! Wow. I'm impressed. You've laid out a lot of information.
I have two favorite sets I'm currently using. ghs Scheerhorn Cryogenic set (TS1600) and D'Addario EJ42. I'm going thru 3 sets just this week alone.
To replicate the TS1600 in gauge and tone, what brand singles and where should I buy?
To replicate the EJ42 in gauge and tone, what brand singles and where should I buy?
Will they sound just as good?
What are you doing that you change sets three times in a week? Even if I were on tour appearing in a dobro duet with Jerry Douglas, I couldn't bring myself to change strings three times in a week. That's what guitar techs are for!
You'd change your strings before the first gig with Jerry would'nt you? I would. I put a fresh set on for every gig, unless they are back to back. After 3 hours the tone has diminished. Maybe I sweat more than you.
Will,
You can make up sets to match your favorite sets from the bulk string suppliers. I just ordered plain 017 and 020 and phosphor-bronze 028, 036, 046 and 056 from Musician's Friend (their Rogue brand). I have used the plain strings for many years on flatop guitar and been happy. The gauges I've ordered match the Scheerhorn set except for the 020 2nd string (they didn't show a 019 online and I wanted to try an 020 anyway). You can do the same thing with the EJ42 gauges.
The Euphonon strings have been recommended in this thread also. The gauges and source URL are in the Overview.
Will they sound as good? Probably, but strings are such a subjective issue and only you can decide whether they work for you! For me, it was worth the $42 for 12 sets (shipping included) to find out. The Scheerhorn set was shipped with my Wechter-Scheerhorn Maple, and the EJ42 set I have on now just doesn't have as much punch and sparkle as that original Scheerhorn set. I am looking forward to trying the bulk strings. If they don't work out I can use most of them on my Taylor 810 since I normally use medium gauge on it and I have plenty of 013 use.
//mike
When buying string brands other than D'Addario, the unit weight and tension values shown in D'Addario's String Tension Chart should be used only as a guide for wrapped strings because other manufacturer's strings may have a different ratio of core wire diameter to wrap wire diameter. The D'Addario tension values I posted above should get you pretty close for most other brands of phosphor bronze strings, but you may find you need to adjust gauges of some of the wrapped strings slightly up or down to get the sound and feel you most prefer.
FWIW, on a 6 string reso I often switch from G tuning [G-B-D-G-B-D] to D blues tuning [D-A-D-F#-A-D]; there's obviously no single set of string gauges which can provide perfectly even tension/response for both tunings. I also like to have access to an open E note for some songs (a la Greg Booth, Jim Heffernan and Mike Auldridge); unfortunately the 'ideal' 6th string gauge for standard G tuning tends to become a little flabby and tubby-sounding when tuned down 3 halftones. These feel and tone/sustain issues when using dropped tunings are in large part why I eventually decided to go to a 7 string reso, with an additional heavy gauge bass string I could tune to either D or E, as necessary.