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

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

 

Silk core strings won’t work with electromagnetic pickups.

 

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.

 

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

 

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?

 

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

 

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!

 

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!

 

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!