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Topic: 8 String Dobro Strings |
Judson Adair
From:
Oklahoma, USA
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Posted 9 Jan 2017 8:21 am |
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So I bought an 8 string dobro this weekend but it is in G6 and I would really prefer C6. I have look on here and the only set of 8 string the have has a low G (low to high G A C E G A C E) on top and not the low A (low to high A C E G A C E G) which is what I am looking for.
So here are my questions:
1) Does anyone know where I can order a set like what I want?
2) Could I just buy a 10 string C6th pedal steel set and use those? I am not sure if they will be too heavy for the dobro neck or not.
Anyone have any ideas? This is my first dobro. |
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Jack Hanson
From:
San Luis Valley, USA
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Posted 9 Jan 2017 8:56 am Re: 8 String Dobro Strings
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| Judson Adair wrote: |
1) Does anyone know where I can order a set like what I want?
2) Could I just buy a 10 string C6th pedal steel set and use those? I am not sure if they will be too heavy for the dobro neck or not. |
1) You may have to order strings individually by the gauge. I get mine online from Just Strings:
http://www.juststrings.com/?s_kwcid=TC
2) You could, but your dobro will likely sound much better with bronze instead of nickel or stainless wound strings. Some experimentation may be necessary before you settle on the gauges that are comfortable for you. John Ely's string gauge chart is a good place to start:
http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/learning/gauges.php |
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Judson Adair
From:
Oklahoma, USA
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Posted 9 Jan 2017 12:03 pm
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| I will give it a look. Thanks! |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 9 Jan 2017 12:14 pm
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I've bought a lot of Ernie Ball strings through Musician's Friend by the gauge.
I have several different guitars and it works good for me.  |
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Judson Adair
From:
Oklahoma, USA
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Posted 9 Jan 2017 12:33 pm
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| What kind of Ernie Ball do you suggest for dobro? |
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Dave Thier
From:
Fairhope, Alabama, USA
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Posted 9 Jan 2017 1:09 pm Re: 8 String Dobro Strings
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| Jack Hanson wrote: |
| Judson Adair wrote: |
1) Does anyone know where I can order a set like what I want?
2) Could I just buy a 10 string C6th pedal steel set and use those? I am not sure if they will be too heavy for the dobro neck or not. |
1) You may have to order strings individually by the gauge. I get mine online from Just Strings:
http://www.juststrings.com/?s_kwcid=TC
2) You could, but your dobro will likely sound much better with bronze instead of nickel or stainless wound strings. Some experimentation may be necessary before you settle on the gauges that are comfortable for you. John Ely's string gauge chart is a good place to start:
http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/learning/gauges.php |
Dobros are a different beast when it comes to strings. Steels rely on amplification for sound and use strings that will excite the pickups. Dobros, on the other hand, rely on mechanical amplification by driving the cone. Most dobro players use phosphor bronze for their wound strings. I also use Just Strings for bulk strings. |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 9 Jan 2017 2:33 pm
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Judson,
On a dobro, I would suggest bronze strings. |
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Jack Aldrich
From:
Washington, USA
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Posted 9 Jan 2017 3:15 pm
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I have couple of 8 string resonator guitars: a Dobro and a custom made Sitka Spruce top and koa body. I keep them both in C6/High G tuning - From bottom, G(.042) Bb(.038) E(.030) G(.024) A(.020) C(.018) E(.014) G(.012). I use Ernie Ball and, if I can't get them, D'Addario's or whatever. I do not advise using brass strings because of the brightness of brass. btw, I play the koa one regularly with Hawaiian bands and for Western Swing sessions.
_________________
Jack Aldrich
Carter & ShoBud D10's
D8 & T8 Stringmaster
Rickenbacher B6
3 Resonator guitars
Asher Alan Akaka Special SN 6
Canopus D8 |
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Brian McGaughey
From:
Orcas Island, WA USA
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Dave Thier
From:
Fairhope, Alabama, USA
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Posted 10 Jan 2017 7:11 am
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| Jack Aldrich wrote: |
| I have couple of 8 string resonator guitars: a Dobro and a custom made Sitka Spruce top and koa body. I keep them both in C6/High G tuning - From bottom, G(.042) Bb(.038) E(.030) G(.024) A(.020) C(.018) E(.014) G(.012). I use Ernie Ball and, if I can't get them, D'Addario's or whatever. I do not advise using brass strings because of the brightness of brass. btw, I play the koa one regularly with Hawaiian bands and for Western Swing sessions. |
Who makes the brass strings you speak of? |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 10 Jan 2017 8:12 am
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He's not using brass strings.  |
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Brian McGaughey
From:
Orcas Island, WA USA
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Posted 10 Jan 2017 8:23 am
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One other consideration I just thought of regarding string sizes is determining the total amount of tension the spider bridge wants to see to sound best. I'm not sure what that might be but it would seem to me that on a standard GBDGBD dobro the string gauges are higher (thicker) than the charts indicate.
One would have to do a little digging about on line but it could be figured out. |
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Dave Thier
From:
Fairhope, Alabama, USA
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Posted 10 Jan 2017 8:31 am
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| Erv Niehaus wrote: |
| He's not using brass strings. |
Nobody uses them. |
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Judson Adair
From:
Oklahoma, USA
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Posted 10 Jan 2017 9:12 am
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| I used the John Ely chart and ordered a strings from Just Strings. I had to order 3 separate full sets to get the smallest 3 gauges though. I couldn't find them as individual strings. Once they get here and I get it strung up I will let you guys know how it sounds. Maybe I can get my wife to take a video. |
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