| Visit Our Catalog at SteelGuitarShopper.com |

Post new topic Making a Switch from E9 to D9
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  Making a Switch from E9 to D9
Tim Heidner

 

From:
Groves, TX
Post  Posted 17 Jan 2012 12:52 pm    
Reply with quote

would you have to do a bunch of re-adjusting to put a whole set of fatter strings on?
I want to fatten up my sound, I seem to be gravitating to a slide guitar or lap steel type of style of playing (with pedals), and the E9 strings sound a bit thin...
View user's profile Send private message
David Mason


From:
Cambridge, MD, USA
Post  Posted 17 Jan 2012 2:34 pm    
Reply with quote

Have you tried just tuning down the same sets? I only play "C"6th, but I find that tuning the same strings down to Bb gives me a much stringier, less shiny-robot sound. And I never break 'em anymore.... Smile
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Ryan Barwin


From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Post  Posted 17 Jan 2012 3:02 pm    
Reply with quote

You'll also definitely want to use a wound 6th if you're not already.
_________________
www.pedalsteel.ca
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Wally Moyers


From:
Lubbock, Texas
Post  Posted 17 Jan 2012 6:58 pm    
Reply with quote

My first Pedal Steel was a Sahara that was built by a local builder here in Lubbock. It would't tune up to E9 without breaking strings so it was tuned to D9. That was about 1970..

Tim, I would try going up one or two gages and see how it plays. You will have to do some re-adjusting of pedal travel but it will give you a fatter sound. Stevie Ray Vaughn always tuned down for the same reason.. It will be interesting to see how it works for you.. Good luck...
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
b0b


From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
Post  Posted 17 Jan 2012 10:31 pm    
Reply with quote

I've been playing D6th for the past two years. I have the E9th A+B pedals on it. I like the darker timbre - I think it sounds better for folk and Americana. These gauges would work for D9th:
Tab:
E  .014
C# .017
F# .013
D  .015
A  .020p
F# .026w
E  .030
D  .034
C  .038
A  .042


If you currently use a plain 6th string, you'll probably need to adjust the rod position on your B pedal for a longer pull. Other than that, I think it will be a simple retuning of the pedals.
_________________
-𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Tim Heidner

 

From:
Groves, TX
Post  Posted 18 Jan 2012 8:46 am    
Reply with quote

Thanks for the tips, everybody!
View user's profile Send private message
Zeke Cory


From:
Hinsdale, New York USA
Post  Posted 20 Jan 2012 3:13 am     D9 it is !!!
Reply with quote

I also play a D9th tuning. Mine is a standard E9th set of strings just tuned down. My strings are the standard 13,15,11,14,17,20w,26,32,34,36. Dave & Bob are right about Never breaking strings and the sound a bit darker. The sound I guess I would call a bit "stringier". You will be amazed at how easy your pedals work. Just touch them and they are there. You will inherently develop a much lighter touch to pull this off however, as I run my guitar very hot, volume pedal wise. Also, trying it out without changing your standard string set you can find out if you like it without having to change strings twice if ya don't. Best of luck in whatever method you choose. Zeke
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Ernie Dunlap

 

From:
Oklahoma, USA
Post  Posted 20 Jan 2012 2:57 pm     tuning
Reply with quote

get a universal 12
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Fred Glave


From:
McHenry, Illinois, USA
Post  Posted 21 Jan 2012 8:19 am    
Reply with quote

Dropping down a whole step shouldn't be a problem.
I did it a long time ago just to see if there was any advantage. I was "More" of a newbie and playing a lot of stuff in the key of E. I had problems playing in the low open position without the bar. The wound 6th string will help preserve resonance and sustain when you drop down a whole.
_________________
Zum Encore, Zum Stage One, Fender 2000, Harlan Bros., Multi-Kord,
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
b0b


From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
Post  Posted 21 Jan 2012 8:47 am    
Reply with quote

I wouldn't use E9th gauges for D9th. When strings aren't tight, it's harder to play in tune. Also, thicker gauges sound better.
_________________
-𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Bill Myrick

 

From:
Pea Ridge, Ar. (deceased)
Post  Posted 26 Jan 2012 4:02 am    
Reply with quote

My first from Scotty was a Fender single neck with eight strings, three pedals and tuned in D9th. - 1969 - fond memories - Smile
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website

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