The Steel Guitar Forum

There's been some discussion on the 'dobro' forums about the new D'Addario NB1656 Nickel Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, Resophonic, 16-56.

Does anybody know if these would function better with a pickup (specifically a SD Mag-Mic) in a Weissenborn, than Phosphor-Bronze? And maybe sound better for the acoustic mic part of the pickup than straight nickel?

Since they're new, I doubt too many people have tried them with your setup. Why not splurge on a set and let us know your results?

...look for my Kickstarter email... 😎
But to simplify my question, is there enough nickel in them to function as 'electric guitar' strings?

I've installed a few of those on my weissenborns. One guy insisted on nickel strings. Which is totally fine, it's his instrument and I aim to please. And he was a good , accomplished player. So that's what went on it. But, I thought the Bronze had a little more vibrance and personality. However this is probably a player preference. The instruments I built were at different timeframes, so I didn't get to do a comparison. Would be nice if you get the chance to try both to hear what you thought about it.

I liked the pickup. But one thing I don't like about sound hole pickups is that the poles never line with the strings. I'm not sure if it's a real problem. I like and build a higher string height than most weissenborns, especially imports and it seems like the poles of a sound hole pickup are always too low even after raised up.

When I got my 1st Weissenborn I put a set of strings on it that were supposed to come up to pitch with less tension.
I think they were called "Aloha" strings or something like that.
I can't find them anymore.
Erv

Here's the definitive reply I received from D'Addario's customer service department regarding my question:
"Hello,
Thank you for your e-mail.
I had one colleague tell me they work really good. and the other one say it's works o.k."

Well, I guess that settles that.