Anybody try silk and steel strings on a Gretsch hollow body?

[NewbieBob]

I have G2420 and love it. I'm learning a lot of fingerstyle blues being taught on an acoustic guitar. Considering bridging the gap between the purely electric nature of the Gretsch with a sound closer to acoustic with the silk and steel strings that are said to play easier than regular acoustic strings. Am I barking up the wrong tree or have any of you tried this? Other options?

Thanks

 

[Jerzey Bob]

I'm all about the unconvenional. Try it. Maybe some vids out there in utoob land.

 

[Tele295]

Silk core strings won’t work with electromagnetic pickups.

 

[NewbieBob]

Ahh. So much for that. I thought the outer windings would be picked up even if the core isn't.

 

[dr. love]

I believe the “silk and steel” strings are metal core with a silk layer between the windings, not like classical guitar strings where the core is non-metallic. If they stick to a magnet they should work.

 

[Bob Perrone]

You will certainly have volume issues. Try flat wounds for fingerstyle, I use them on my Country Gent and I love 'em.

 

[Tele295]

I believe the “silk and steel” strings are metal core with a silk layer between the windings, not like classical guitar strings where the core is non-metallic. If they stick to a magnet they should work.

I guess it depends on the brand. When I’ve used them, they have a pure silk core on a silver wrap, like a classical guitar string.

It occurs to me that the bronze and stainless steel wrappings are not magnetic. Is nickel?

 

[Desirsar]

Is nickel?

Nickel and cobalt will be. Stainless steel will be if its structure isn't crystalline.

 

[afire]

Here's somebody using them on electric and he talks a little about it.

 

[wabash slim]

Here's somebody using them on electric and he talks a little about it.

I've never heard a Dobro 12 string before. What a monster!

 

[Tele295]

I've never heard a Dobro 12 string before. What a monster!

Well, Roy is a monster player. I heard him use that guitar to open for BB King. He was playing through a Mesa Boogie Mk II and it sounded huge!

 

[Runamok]

I've never heard a Dobro 12 string before. What a monster!

Arch-cone 12 string, no less.
I have one similar. Not by intent: I hit a curb with mine.

Love that he talks about fit of the guitars. Silk & Steel strings.
He has his pinky professionally encased in glass.

12 frets to the body while playing slide: never dawned on me to express it this way for slide: as a natural stop at the tuning octave!

He ought endorse aftermarket pick guards which address his points of wear on his 0-16 Martin!