D to D# only [2nd string]

Larry Bressington · From: Nebraska

I enjoy a Vintage-esque Co-ped, and i am currently experimenting not having the 2nd string [full tone drop]... Just D# to D.

1)Big set-back?
2)No set-back?
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A.K.A Chappy.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

It's what you get used to. You find other ways to get the changes you want even though they might come from or end out of another direction.

One nice thing about the D# to D is that it's a way more positive feel and solid note stop than the 1/2 stop D/C#.

Personally, I've had the D#/D/C# change for so long, I wouldn't want to be without it. JMO.

Paul Sutherland · From: Placerville, California

I only drop the second string a half tone to D. I haven't tried a modern steel with a feel stop, but the ones in the old days really sucked, imo. It was way too easy to over-shoot the half stop, and then the D was out of tune.

I use the lower to D all the time, including in fast licks, and I'm on and off the lever frequently. No time for feeling things out. I have to have a very positive stop on the lever.

Plus, the lower to C# never impressed me. I can slant the bar to get that lick that starts in unison (strings 2 & 5).

Jim Pitman · From: Waterbury Ctr. VT 05677 USA

Got a new guitar coming with the D# to D/C# change. I decided to try it again. I have just D on the current guitar and like Paul, I'll use it as the seventh note in a really fast run. I can always change it back but I've heard the half stop has a really positive feel on this new Infinity guitar.

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

I tune my 2nd string to C# and raise it to D and D# on 2 separate levers. D# is RKL, D is RKR. Both levers also have changes on another string. RKR lowers my 8th to D, and RKL lowers my 11th from E to C#.
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Larry Bressington · From: Nebraska

Thanks fellow's, that's great info...I'm like paul sutherland thinking...I have also dabbled with tuning to D mike, but i have the Franklin lever on 1 and 2 and that causes a bit of conflict as i am out of levers and 4 is all i'll go. I may have to practice up my slant some more on 2 and 5.

I have explored some of the disadvantages of not having it, for the drone licks, but i love the firm stop, and there is a whole world out there on just the D drop.
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A.K.A Chappy.

Chris LeDrew · From: Canada

I got tired of overshooting the half-stop as well, so i just drop it to D now and use it for a 7th in the no-pedals position mostly, with the odd usage in AB-position descending licks.
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b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Larry Bressington · From: Nebraska

Thanks fellows, i been enjoying the half drop this week after 15 years of a double drop. I can really get in there and diggie around with confidence allowing better control over picking and thinking. I don't lower 9th string either, i block and re-pick 10 or 8... I'll be pedal less if i get any simpler! Very Happy

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A.K.A Chappy.

John Macy · From: Rockport TX/Denver CO

I come from the Jimmie Crawford school and tune my second string to D, then raise it to D# on one lever and down to C# on another...
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John Macy
Rockport, TX
Engineer/Producer/Steel Guitar

Chris LeDrew · From: Canada

I do like the 9th lower for bending up into a 7th chord in the open position from the AB position. The way the low third in the AB chord bends into the low 7th note in the open position makes a sweet sound.
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Larry Bressington · From: Nebraska

I did Surrender and go back to the Full drop, it was a great week of experiments, but just got's to have it!

Very Happy

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A.K.A Chappy.

Larry Bressington · From: Nebraska

I felt too much 'Loss' in other words! On to other explorations...Lets disconnect the A pedal next? Mad

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A.K.A Chappy.

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

I find that tuning the 2nd string to C# and raising it opens up all sorts of possibilities. Given how relatively easy it is to set it up that way, I suggest that people try it and see how you like it.

One of the players listed in back of Winnie Winston's book tunes his 2nd string to C# and raises it. I think it was Weldon Myrick, but I could be wrong.

B.J. Cole tunes his 2nd string to C# too.
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Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
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Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

I was thinking about just dropping it to D, so I made a conscious effort at my gig last night to see how much I used each change. Not once that I can remember using the D note. I used the C# several time, including one intro where I have to play the following note sequence quickly. There is not enough time to use the C# on the A pedal on string 5 and let it off, mute it, and play the B on 5.

Steve Lipsey · From: Portland, Oregon, USA

Hey - a big thanks to all of you! I've had only the 2nd string set for D#->D since I started playing (1.5 years ago), my brain couldn't tell my knee to go exactly half-way reliably, but in response to this thread, I put the half and full stops back on my Williams a couple of days ago, and now I can't live without it..with the 9th string D->C# it gives you 10 strings of no-pedal scale to pick, I'm loving that option for really clean, fast stuff....a whole new voice...gigged with it and enjoyed the new option for solo riffs and nice arpeggio backups....

Oh yeah, and the Williams half-stop is clear enough that I can catch it pretty well, so I didn't lose anything....I think that is really important, if you can't get your half stop to line up exactly and feel secure, it would be very different...
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Larry Bressington · From: Nebraska

I must say...My new Mullen has a very lovely and positive 'half feel' on 2nd string with lowering the 9th. I have the best of both worlds with that, i was just trying to do the Basic Co-ped as much as possible, but i do have to reproduce current licks also, and the learning curve without it was a bit On/Off.

I did try some slant's last night with 2 and 5 but...i got a few raised eyebrows from the bandstand which had me crawling around with a spanner and screwdriver, after the first set! Laughing

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A.K.A Chappy.

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