Tuning problem !!! Help !!!

Shane Glover · From: Oklahoma, USA

Hi guys

I have a 09 Carter s-10 . I put new Jagwire strings on last week. I used the gauge strings recommended in my owners manual. Now the nylon tuning nut on the 6th string affects the open string tuning. Any helpful suggestions ?

Thanks
Shane
_________________
Buncha CRAP !! But someday Ima get me some good gear !!

Mike Wheeler · From: Delaware, Ohio, USA

I'd say your new 6th string is a smaller gauge than the previous one...thus needing a longer pull to reach the correct note, and still return to pitch. You will need to back off the tuning nut and add more travel to the pull.

If it's a floor pedal pull, back off on the pedal adjustment screw (usually by the rod connector under the front apron) to allow the pedal to move a greater distance when pressed. Then retune the pull.

What's happening is the pull can't travel far enough to reach the desired note. By continuing to turn the tuning nun, you are actually making the changer finger pull away from it's "at rest" position, making the open string note sharp.

Note: You may need to adjust the third string pull also, so that both pulls reach their note at the same time.

Actually, the best solution is to always use the same gauge string as was on the guitar before.
_________________
Best regards,
Mike

Tracy Sheehan · From: Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Shane,if i read you right,back off the nylon tuners on the C 6th and re tune. Sounds as if they are turned in too much.Tracy

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

Did you replace a plain 6th with a wound 6th string? I had to go back to a plain 6th on my Carter to get it to tune up right.

Shane Glover · From: Oklahoma, USA

Thanks for the help. Purchased Jagwire strings from b0b. They are the Carter Starter set. I checked & they are the same gauges as the original set with one exception.The 6th string is wound. Andy I think you answered my question. I will try a plain .022 6th string and see if that helps!

Thanks
Shane
_________________
Buncha CRAP !! But someday Ima get me some good gear !!

Scott Howard · From: Georgetown, TN, USA

Read this , hope it helps.

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=170671&highlight=
_________________
"The Oddball" A MSA Keyless with pedals to the right.

James Leaman · From: Wisconsin, USA

Thats the problem. Can't use a wound 6th string, it won't return. I have put on Earnie Balls with a wound 6th and had to put on a plain 6th. Had the exact same problem. Jim

richard burton · From: Britain

I put a wound sixth on my Carter (due to very slight cabinet drop, which is amplified by using a plain sixth), it required a bit of adjustment to the travels etc to get it to work, but it would lower a whole tone no problem

Shane Glover · From: Oklahoma, USA

Thanks for all the help guys .
What brand strings are you using that has a plain .022 ?
And where can a guy buy them ?

Richard, if I can't find strings I may need your help adjusting the pull.

Thanks again !!
Shane
_________________
Buncha CRAP !! But someday Ima get me some good gear !!

David Nugent · From: Gum Spring, Va.

Shane...The George L "Tension Balanced" sets come with a plain 22. Be sure to specify when ordering, as George L also offers the "Nashville" sets which have a plain 20 for string 6.

Jim Smith · From: Midlothian, TX, USA

Shane Glover · From: Oklahoma, USA

Thanks for the info! I checked b0bs selection of strings and yes he does offer a plain .022 in some sets but the 1st and or 5th strings are usually a different gauge than my owners manual calls for.Am I going from the frying pan into the fire.

Am I correct in thinking every string should be the same gauge as the original strings.So if it calls for a .012 1st string and the set has a .013 did'nt I just move my tuning problem to another string? The manual shows 12-15-11R-14-17-22-26w-30w-34w-36w Does any one know of a set with these exact string gauges?

Thanks
Shane
_________________
Buncha CRAP !! But someday Ima get me some good gear !!

bob Ousby · From: Nevada, USA

Shane...Your new question may be best answered by starting a new thread asking late model Carter S10 owners what string sets they use....Bob

Jim Smith · From: Midlothian, TX, USA

The other strings' gauges won't make near the difference that the wound vs. plain 6th string did. I'd guess maybe half a turn of the nylon tuner, if that.

That said, I'm surprised that either Jagwire doesn't offer a set using Carter's gauges or that Carter didn't use stock gauges. Finding out what other Carter players use will probably help.

Bob Blair · From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

The difference between a plain 20 and a plain 22 on the sixth is, in my experience, not that big a deal. As Jim says, not like changing between the wound and plain.

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

bob Ousby · From: Nevada, USA

Let me chime in here once again because it does make a difference. Click on the "Strings" tab at the top, then click on the "E9" section. Scroll about halfway down until you get to that bright green Lloyd Green Artist Series set. He has a disclaimer there that says:
"This set includes a wound 6th string. Most players today use a plain 6th string. If you are switching from a plain string, you may need to change the leverage point on the 6th string rod puller (bell crank) or move the rod to a different changer hole. The wound G# requires more changer travel than a plain string."

Shane Glover · From: Oklahoma, USA

Thanks for all the info. I am not changing to a wound string. I ordered the string set from b0b because it was the gauge of strings suggested by the Carter owners manual.I did not realize a wound vs. plain string makes that much difference.

I just want to find a source for the correct gauges of strings recommended by the manufacturer. Those I listed above. Once I find this source / set of strings I will stick with it.Just going through growing pains. I am sure a lot of new players will have a similiar problem in the future.I would like to thank you guys for all your helpful tips & info.

Thanks
Shane
_________________
Buncha CRAP !! But someday Ima get me some good gear !!

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

Order your strings from Bob here on the Forum. Bob's pretty good about substituting strings if you need to. I like the Ricky Davis signature set and just change out the wound 6th for a plain. No problem. Smile

Shane Glover · From: Oklahoma, USA

Thanks for all your help !!

Shane
_________________
Buncha CRAP !! But someday Ima get me some good gear !!

Bob Sykes · From: North Carolina

This thread, and its follow up http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=178160 are most interesting. I may be looking at the reverse problem soon. I'm about change my Carter Starter to have a 6th string drop (instead of string 5). So, it appears that I should also change to plain 6th string? Presently I still have the (factory) original strings on this guitar.
_________________
Carters Starter, D10 8+7, SD10, Chandler RH-2, Rogue RLS-1
ISO Sustainus Ad Infinitum

richard burton · From: Britain

Bob,
Before you change anything underneath, check that your steels cabinet drop is not excessive.

To do this, put a plain .022 string on your sixth, tune it up to pitch (don't bother to tune the pedal raise), press the A pedal and activate the knee lever that raises the 4th and 8th strings (simultaeneously).

Listen to the sixth string, and hear how much it drops when you press the pedal/lever.

If it drops excessively (and it may not) then that is what you'll have to live with if you change to a plain sixth

Forum Index > Pedal Steel		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic