| Visit Our Catalog at SteelGuitarShopper.com |

Post new topic Any issue in changing 6th string to wound instead of plain
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  Any issue in changing 6th string to wound instead of plain
Michael Maratos

 

From:
Cheshire, UK
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2010 12:17 am    
Reply with quote

Has anybody any views on whether using a wound .022 6th string instead of the existing .022 plain on my Magnum would cause any issues. (I just have some spare sets of strings with a wound 6th and don't know whether to use them or not)

Mike
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Jack Stoner


From:
Kansas City, MO
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2010 1:42 am    
Reply with quote

If you are lowering the 6th string it could be an issue as there is more mechanical travel involved.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Ken Metcalf


From:
San Antonio Texas USA
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2010 4:09 am    
Reply with quote

Not to bad lowering to G but F# is a long throw.
I would not use them just to get rid of some strings.
_________________
MSA 12 String E9th/B6th Universal.
Little Walter PF-89.
Bunch of stomp boxes
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Jerry Overstreet


From:
Louisville Ky
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2010 4:22 am    
Reply with quote

As stated, lowering a full tone is a problem. Otherwise, some players like the sound of the wound string better and it seems less troublesome overall except for the aforementioned limitation.
View user's profile Send private message
Earnest Bovine


From:
Los Angeles CA USA
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2010 8:17 am    
Reply with quote

I prefer the sound of the wound string.
Also it stays in tune better. Cabinet drop on a plain .020 or .022 can be a significant problem.
The only downside is that it's harder/longer to raise the wound string, and that causes more cabinet drop on the other strings. but overall, tuning is better with wound 6th.
View user's profile Send private message
Ken Metcalf


From:
San Antonio Texas USA
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2010 9:12 am    
Reply with quote

You have got me thinking since I don't lower my 6th string much any more.
How much difference is there on the raises?
I raise my 6th string to A and occasionally to Bb
Might just try it as it is more stable tuning wise.
_________________
MSA 12 String E9th/B6th Universal.
Little Walter PF-89.
Bunch of stomp boxes
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
b0b


From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2010 9:41 am    
Reply with quote

You will probably have to move the pull rods for that string to different holes in the bell cranks. The wound string requires more travel, so the pull rod needs to be further from the crossbar.

Ideally, you want the the pulls for the 3rd and 6th strings to be in sync (starting at the same time) so that you don't feel a "notch" in the pedal travel.

Like Earnest, I prefer the sound of the wound 6th. Most players use a plain string, though.
_________________
-𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Michael Maratos

 

From:
Cheshire, UK
Post  Posted 22 Sep 2010 11:23 am    
Reply with quote

Thanks to you all for the advice - very helpful
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Butch Pytko

 

From:
Orlando, Florida, USA
Post  Posted 26 Sep 2010 6:34 pm    
Reply with quote

My feeling on the wound vs plain for the 6th string has always been one of sound or tone. Years back when I was taking lessons, my steel teacher highly recommended using the wound for the 6th string. He gave me the same reasons that have been stated above. I tried the wound for a while & found it was easier to tune, stay in tune, & so on. But, I missed that brighter sound or tone you get from the plain string. Also, from the many interview write-ups I have from Buddy Emmons, I think he stated that he really liked the "snap" or "pop" you get from the plain, which you can't get from the wound string! I have certainly agreed with that line of thinking for a long time!
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  
Please review our Forum Rules and Policies
Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction, and steel guitar accessories
www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

The Steel Guitar Forum
148 S. Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425 USA

Click Here to Send a Donation

Email SteelGuitarForum@gmail.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for Band-in-a-Box
by Jim Baron