Can you buy Heavy Guage strings?

Subject: Can you buy Heavy Guage strings?
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 29 Jun 99 - 11:51 AM

My sister Susan (Rick's guest on Acoustic Workshop last night) is playing more and more acoustic bottleneck. She wanted to get Heavy guage strings for this, but was told at a reputable music store that the you can't get heavy guage acoustic strings. I find this hard to believe, can anyone help? What guage or diameter would be considered heavy? She is planning to put them on a Takamine acoustic. Also, any feedback (bad choice of words?) from slide players on strings and their effect on sound would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve Latimer

Subject: RE: Can you buy Heavy Guage strings?
From: Easy Rider
Date: 29 Jun 99 - 12:00 PM

YES. Heavy guage phosphor bronze and 80/20 brass strings ARE available. Just make sure your guitar has heavy enough top braces for them! If the braces are scalloped, DON'T DO IT!

Try:

WebStrings

or:

Mostly Strings

Many people prefer heavy guage for lap steel, resophonic and slide guitar, and they make sense there.

EZR

Subject: RE: Can you buy Heavy Guage strings?
From: Easy Rider
Date: 29 Jun 99 - 12:05 PM

Oooops!

Sorry. That should be http://www.mostring.net/

Mostly Strings

Try it now.

EZR

Subject: RE: Can you buy Heavy Guage strings?
From: Legal Eagle
Date: 06 Jul 99 - 09:29 AM

Don't put them on a Tak. Don't even put mediums (13/56) on a Tak. Stick to lights (12/52). If you want to play slide get another guitar to do it. If you want to save money get an old EKO - they are built like cricket bats

Subject: RE: Can you buy Heavy Guage strings?
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 06 Jul 99 - 09:40 AM

Please remember that it is my sister who is the musician, I am the one with internet access. Susan and I went to Rick and Heather Fieldings as Susan bought a couple of pick-ups from him. We asked Rick this very question and he came up with a set of strings from England (as only he can) that are a heavier guage but have less tension than most heavy guage strings, apparently more like mediums. Susan has strung the Takamine with them and I believe that she is happy with the sound and playability. The brand escapes me, Rick are you out there? Perhaps you could help.

Thanks to all for the input.