Suggestions for my new triple neck Remington Steelmaster

Regan Branch · From: Alabama, USA

Hi! I'm Regan, a beginner lap steel player.

I recently acquired a 3-neck Remington Steelmaster (I beat you all to the punch lol sry). Herby is my favorite and biggest inspiration. I've started out learning C6th a bit on a 6 string K Sherwood Deluxe. I just ordered my new instrument and don't have it yet. I really would like opinions on what tunings should be on what neck. I've been referring to John Ely's website for information so far on what accessories to buy and what string gauges to use. His setup may be what I like, or not. The knowledge that triggered me to ask for advice on this forum is... "Boot Heel Drag" is my favorite steel tune. I watched this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0Sf9i88xUA of someone I've never heard play the 'Boot Heel Drag' and I think he did an EXCELLENT job. Here's the big question. In the comments, he says he uses this as his tuning "E13- from high to low it's:
E, C#, B, G#, F#, D, B, E"

On John Ely's Site he lists his E13th like:
E13th (bottom) Cents 440 Scale
E .014 +4.0 441
C# .017 -6.0 438.5
B .018 +4.0 441
G# .024w -6.0 438.5
F# .026w +4.0 441
D .034w +4.0 441
G# .046w -6.0 438.5
E .056w +4.0 441

There's only 1 difference, but this confuses a beginner such as myself. John Ely also lists a C13th tuning which he calls "his" C6th, but then lists a C6th tuning lower down the page. Here's the link which I'm sure many of you are familiar with http://hawaiiansteel.com/tunings/my_tunings.php
For your review.

I want to know as a beginner, who probably shouldn't have 3 necks to begin with, but couldn't pass up this instrument when I saw it on the market, WHAT TUNINGS SHOULD I START WITH?

Thanks Smile

Bill McCloskey · Posted 22 Nov 2019 7:51 pm

You certainly won't go wrong using the three tunings John uses on his triple neck. Some version of C6, A6 and E13 is common.

Glenn Wilde · From: California, USA

Can't help with tunings but here's some multi neck fun for ya.
https://youtu.be/xcipRLzk4zM

Norman Evans · From: Tennessee

Regan, Here are some good videos of Jason Roberts. Some of them have Dave Biller playing non pedal steel.

If I had a triple neck, I would probably have A6, E13, and E6, inside to outside neck. But, that's just me.

Regards, Norm
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=jason+roberts+band

Regan Branch · From: Alabama, USA

Thanks for the tips. More are welcome. Thanks for the DM's. I can't wait to post some pics of it when it comes in and hopefully some high quality videos. I'm learning mainly through "Lessons with Troy" right now, but he mostly teaches 6 string single neck. I sure do need a teacher. I guess that's a topic for another post.

Regan Branch · From: Alabama, USA

Paul Strojan · From: California, USA

I just bought a double neck and I am planning on tuning it to an E tuning and A6, so that the skills that I learn on lap steel I can translate straight over to pedal steel. With three necks, I like the idea of the Roy Wiggins E13 (G#, E, C#, B, G#, E, D, B), A6 (E, C#, A, F#, E, C#, A, low A), and E9 (E, B, G#, F#, E, D, B, E).

Regan Branch · From: Alabama, USA

I don't like this new single string rock / blues type of steel playing. I'm all hawaiian/swing/jazz. I'm starting to think a E13/C6/A6 is gonna work better for my application.

Nic Neufeld · From: Kansas City, Missouri

If you like Hawaiian and swing I'll plug the Jules Ah See C13 tuning. E C A G E C Bb C . The low C gives a great deep anchor to some chords and the Bb let's you get some cool 7th chords too.

B11th is mostly used in Hawaiian but it's a split tuning, like A6 on top but a ninth chord on the bottom. Luckily, an easy retune from either A6 or C6/C13.

E13 (many versions thereof) would be the other obvious choice but I've yet to get proficient in it...
_________________
Waikīkī, at night when the shadows are falling
I hear the rolling surf calling
Calling and calling to me

Nic Neufeld · From: Kansas City, Missouri

PS Google a history of steel tunings by Alan Akaka, my kumu...he takes an hour and walks through a lot of tunings. Very helpful I think...
_________________
Waikīkī, at night when the shadows are falling
I hear the rolling surf calling
Calling and calling to me

Regan Branch · From: Alabama, USA

Thanks for the tips. You're right on the money of what tunings I'm considering.
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So if you see my milk cow, won't you drive her on home?

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