Thanks for the info Hank.........the steel came with very very light gauge strings. So light that when tuned to an open E, the 6 string is like a rubber band. I ordered a couple of sets of replacements, one for G and one for E. They are supposed to be a heavier gauge. I guess once I get some decent strings on this baby, I'll have to determine if my tone bar is up to the job weight and style. It is an heirloom from my late uncle who was a steeler back in the days of Ernest Tubb, Martha Carson, Maddox Brothers and Rose, etc. Thanks for the reply.