For the dedicated Nashville resonator guitar player, the pursuit of the perfect tone is a lifelong journey. Unlike a standard flattop acoustic, the resonator guitar is a precisely engineered mechanical system where the strings act as the primary driver for a spun aluminum cone. This unique architecture makes the instrument incredibly responsive to even the smallest changes in your setup. The choice of strings and picks is not merely an accessory decision; it is the most direct and impactful way to sculpt your voice on the instrument. Whether you are channeling the mournful cry of a bluegrass dobro, the snarling slide of a country blues player, or the clean, cutting lines of a Western swing soloist, understanding how your gear interacts with the resonator's cone is essential to achieving an authentic and powerful Nashville sound.

The Resonator Ecosystem: How Mechanics Dictate Your Choices

Before diving into specific products, it is critical to understand the mechanical landscape of the resonator guitar. The most common configuration found in Nashville studios and bluegrass circles is the squareneck dobro, built with a spider bridge system. In this design, the string tension is transferred through a machined aluminum spider resting on a wooden ring, which presses down on the center of a spun cone. The cone amplifies the vibration. Too much tension (heavy strings), and the cone chokes, producing a dull, thuddy sound. Too little tension (light strings), and the cone fails to engage fully, resulting in a thin, weak tone. Roundneck players, using a biscuit bridge (common on single-cone Nationals) or tricone systems, face similar constraints, though the tonal palette shifts towards brighter, punchier frequencies.

This delicate balance means that standard acoustic guitar string logic does not always apply. A set of strings that sounds incredible on a Martin D-28 may sound lifeless or overly bright on a resonator. The player must consider scale length, string tension at pitch (E flat, Open D, Open G, or standard G tuning), and the specific harmonic profile of the cone. The best Nashville players treat their instrument as a system, and selecting strings and picks is the first step in tuning that system to perfection.

Unlocking the Cone: The Best Strings for Nashville Tone

The material composition and gauge of your strings directly affect how the cone vibrates. Here is how the most popular options perform in the resonator ecosystem.

Phosphor Bronze: The Bluegrass Standard

Phosphor bronze strings are the overwhelming favorite among professional dobro players for a reason. The phosphor content adds a layer of warmth and complexity to the mids, smoothing out the potentially harsh overtones of the cone while retaining excellent projection and volume. They provide a balanced frequency response with a strong, punchy low end and clear, singing highs that cut through a bluegrass band without becoming brittle. For squareneck players in the tradition of Jerry Douglas or Rob Ickes, medium-gauge phosphor bronze sets (typically .016 to .056) like the D'Addario EJ42 are considered the gold standard. They provide the tension needed to drive a properly set-up spider cone without overwhelming it.

80/20 Bronze: Bright and Responsive

80/20 bronze strings (often called "bright bronze") offer a more immediate, sparkling top end compared to phosphor bronze. They are an excellent choice for roundneck players who play blues or country slide. The increased brightness helps the resonator "bark" and project with authority, especially in a biscuit-bridge National style guitar. However, they tend to lose their tonal luster faster than phosphor bronze and can sound brash on some instruments. If your setup is naturally dark or warm, 80/20 bronze can breathe life into it. For vintage-style National guitars, a light or medium set of 80/20s is a classic pairing for achieving that gritty, pre-war blues tone.

Nickel Wound Steel: The Twang Factor

Nickel wound strings are less common in the acoustic resonator world but are a secret weapon for electric and crossover players. Because nickel is magnetic, these strings interact beautifully with magnetic pickups often installed in resonators for stage use (like Fishman or McIntyre pickups). They offer a smoother, warmer magnetic field response compared to bronze. Acoustically, they provide less overtone complexity but a very fundamental, punchy "thump" that sits perfectly in a dense country mix. For players using a resonator as a lap steel in a rock or country band, nickel wounds provide the sustain and feedback resistance that bronze strings sometimes lack. GHS produces excellent nickel resonator sets that many Nashville session players use.

Coated Strings: Longevity for the Road

Resonator strings can be expensive, and changing them frequently is a hassle. Coated strings (like Elixir or D'Addario XT) use a thin polymer layer to protect against corrosion. For the touring professional, the extended lifespan often outweighs the slightly muted initial high-frequency response. A coated phosphor bronze string can sound fresh for weeks longer than an uncoated set. The coating also reduces finger squeak, which is a major benefit for recording slide guitar where string noise is magnified by the resonator's sensitive cone. However, some purists argue that the coating dampens the subtle overtones that make a high-end cone sing. A well-maintained coated string is an excellent choice for session players who need consistency.

The Interface: Selecting the Perfect Pick for Your Style

If strings are the engine, the pick is the throttle. The material, thickness, shape, and type of pick you use will dictate your attack, dynamic range, and ultimately, the character of every note you play.

Flatpicks for the Roundneck Player

Roundneck resonator playing demands control. The large surface area of the cone exaggerates every nuance of your picking hand. Thin, flimsy picks produce a flabby, indistinct sound.

  • Material Matters: Delrin and Tortex offer a warm, rounded attack with a smooth release. Acrylic and Ultex picks provide a brighter, sharper click that adds "cut" to the mix. Casein picks (like those from Red Bear Trading) offer a rich, warm tone with a balanced attack that many blues players prefer.
  • Thickness: For Nashville resonator, anything below 1.0mm is generally too thin. The standard is 1.14mm to 1.5mm. The heavier the pick, the more energy you transfer to the strings, driving the cone harder and creating a bigger, fuller tone. A thick pick also allows for greater control of dynamics, enabling you to play softly for a sweet, woody tone or dig in for a roaring bark.
  • Shape and Bevel: A rounded tip produces a warmer, less percussive attack. A pointed jazz-style tip (like the Dunlop Jazz III or Blue Chip TPR) offers maximum precision and articulation. Speed bevels on premium picks (Blue Chip) reduce pick drag, allowing for faster, cleaner runs across the strings.

Fingerpicks and Thumbpicks: The Lifeblood of Bluegrass Dobro

For the squareneck dobro player, the flatpick is replaced by a system of thumbpicks and metal fingerpicks. This setup allows for the dynamic attack and rolling banjo-style patterns that define the bluegrass sound.

  • Thumbpicks: The thumbpick is the anchor of your picking hand. The band should be tight enough to hold securely without causing fatigue. The blade (the part that picks the string) can be long and flexible (for a softer, "brush" tone) or short and stiff (for a punchy, articulate attack). Propik and Dunlop Zookies are industry standards because of their comfort and adjustable fit. Blue Chip makes a high-end thumbpick with a polished edge that glides over strings with zero friction.
  • Fingerpicks: Fingerpicks are typically made of brass or stainless steel. Brass picks (like National NP-2s) offer a warmer, rounder tone. Stainless steel picks (like Dunlop or Propik) are brighter, louder, and more durable. The gauge of the pick matters: heavier gauge picks provide more control and a stronger attack, while lighter gauge picks offer more flexibility and a smoother sound. Most professionals modify their fingerpicks by bending the blade to a specific angle and shaping the tip to their exact preference.

Genre-Specific Pairings: Curating Your Signature Sound

To understand how these choices come together, let us look at how professional players in specific genres configure their rigs.

Classic Bluegrass Dobro (The Jerry Douglas Tradition)

This style demands a huge, rounded tone with a powerful fundamental and a singing high end. The goal is to "growl."

  • Strings: Medium Phosphor Bronze (.016w - .056). D'Addario EJ42 or GHS PBQ.
  • Thumbpick: Propik (stiff blade, custom fit).
  • Fingerpicks: Stainless steel, heavy gauge (often heavily modified by the player).
  • Why it works: The heavy phosphor bronze strings drive the cone with authority, providing the necessary tension for a complex, rich harmonic response. The stiff thumbpick ensures a precise attack on the bass strings, while the heavy fingerpicks provide the "snap" needed for the high notes to cut through a banjo and mandolin.

Nashville Country / Western Swing (The Bob Dunn / J.D. Maness Vibe)

This sound is about clarity, rhythm, and fat, single-note runs. The resonator is often plugged in or competing with electric instruments.

  • Strings: Medium Nickel Wound or 80/20 Bronze.
  • Thumbpick: Dunlop Zookies or a flexible x-large thumbpick.
  • Fingerpicks: Brass (for warmth) or bare fingers for a slapping technique.
  • Why it works: Nickel wounds or 80/20 bronze provide the clarity and punch needed for fast, clean articulation. A flexible thumbpick allows for rhythmic "chucking" and bass runs. This setup produces a less "glassy" tone than bluegrass, emphasizing the mid-range punch needed to sit in a big band mix.

Blues & Americana Slide (The Son House / Bukka White Legacy)

Raw, powerful, and often aggressive. The focus is on the slide technique and the fundamental vibration of the cone.

  • Strings: Light to Medium 80/20 Bronze or Nickel Wound.
  • Flatpick: Heavy Acrylic or Ultex (1.0mm - 1.4mm).
  • Why it works: A single heavy flatpick provides the consistent attack needed for slide work. The bright material of the pick helps the high notes of the slide "sing." Lighter string gauges are easier to press down in open tunings and allow for expressive bending behind the slide.

Pro Setup: Maximizing Your Rig

Once you have selected your strings and picks, proper setup and maintenance are critical. The resonator cone is delicate. Always change strings one at a time to maintain consistent tension on the cone and spider. Removing all strings at once can cause the cone to collapse or shift, destroying your setup.

Pay attention to the height of your strings (action). A high action produces more volume and sustain but requires more aggressive picking. A lower action is easier to play but can cause buzzing and a thinner tone. Your choice of string gauge will directly affect your action; heavier strings pull more, bowing the neck forward slightly and raising the action.

Finally, work with a qualified repair technician who specializes in resonators. A standard guitar tech may not understand the nuances of adjusting a spider bridge or the relationship between cone tension and string tension. Modern builders like Beard Guitars have refined the setup of these instruments to an art form, and their approach to matching components can provide invaluable insight.

The journey to finding your ideal voice on the Nashville resonator is deeply personal. It requires listening, experimentation, and a willingness to let the instrument guide you. By understanding the mechanical relationship between your hands, your picks, your strings, and the spinning cone beneath them, you can unlock the full potential of this uniquely American instrument and craft a signature sound that stands out in any musical setting.