Paralysis by analysis: 6 or 8 string pedal steel

Joseph Lazo · From: Wisconsin, USA

I finally committed to getting a pedal steel, but am stuck on what to get and how many strings it will have. The narrower string spacing of a 10-string just won't work for me due to years of playing guitar and lap steel with fingers only, so it's down to a 6 or 8 string decision. Current contenders are the Jackson Maverick and the Hudson. If there are any others to consider, please advise.

Also, what tunings are commonly used for a 6 string pedal steel? The Hudson comes set up with E9 tuning. The Maverick looks to be a variation of open E. I'm looking for something that will get me those weepy, crying country sounds. What tuning works best for that?

If I go for an 8-string, is it two additional low strings or two additional high strings? I figure with an 8 string I can just leave off the two additional strings if it's too much for my brain to handle, then put them on as I progress. So, an 8-string seems to have the edge for versatility.

I know someone will say "Just go straight to 10 strings", but I know my preference for playing fingers only and the narrower string spacing just isn't going to work for me.

Dave Meis · From: Olympic Peninsula, Washington, USA

I would say definitely 8 string.. it allows you to have more intervals at all positions. And like you say, you can have a six string as well. 😄👍. The 2 extra strings will give you a LOT more versatility with pedal/lever combinations for chord extensions..9ths, 6ths, 7ths..

Joe A. Roberts · From: Seoul, South Korea

8 strings for sure, would usually be two lower strings I’d imagine.

The old Fender 10 string pedal steels (800 single neck 2000 double neck, 23” scale) have the same 3/8th (I think) spacing as the classic 8 string Fender steels.
They also have huge flexibility with tuning and pedal setup that you will be able to experiment with and change yourself.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

I would suggest you stay with six. Simple, compact no added confusion with more strings.

If you are considering 8, then I would go straight to 10.

8 strings only get you halfway to the standard E9th 10 string tuning and will eventually lead you to go there.

6 strings with at least 2 pedals and 2 levers on the E strings will get you a around a lot of music. I would suggest 3 pedals though depending on your tuning.

I just helped my buddy with a Hudson 6. It is tuned the same as the middle 6 of a 10 string E9 just drop the top 2 and the bottom 2. F# on 5, none on top so I don't know if a 3rd pedal is helpful there.

It's a pretty versatile little machine. I hadn't considered using that tuning but it works pretty well. A lot of 6 bangers are tuned E B G# in octaves.

Paul Strojan · From: California, USA

I agree with the 8 string tuning. I would recommend going down and visiting Jackson's. I have one of their 8 string slide kings and it works great. For classic country, you need the D and the F#.

J Fletcher · From: London,Ont,Canada

FYI the Fender Artist series steels have a very wide string spacing. Same as the Stringmaster , I think . Built by Sho-Bud in the 70's .

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

No, not so. Got a D10 right here in front of me. I'm measuring 5/16...you'd have to stretch to say 11/32. Feels the same as all other 10 stringers I've played too.

So, unless I've got an oddball one, not 3/8.

Bill McCloskey · Posted 3 Sep 2024 1:34 pm

Chris Glass gets a lot of music out of six https://youtu.be/el_Xv0NNDPA?si=XDJ7OQr4xRa8IyfX

Tim Toberer · From: Nebraska, USA

I love 8 string. I tried playing 10 and it just didn't feel right. It put me back to the Stone Age. Yes the string spacing I think was the big issue for me too and my brain just didn't like to think 10 strings. 8 is enough in my opinion. The big downside is teaching materials for E9 are going to be all geared towards 10 string, with the exception of the Hudson stuff. If you could find a Fender I say go for it.

I have a couple ideas for copedants if you are more adventurous. I am working on a simplified version of the Sneaky Pete B6 which is kind of a universal. I also think the Bud Isaacs tuning with a slight change to the pedal setup would be fun. It is actually strings 4-11 of the universal E9/B6. http://www.larrybell.org/id23.htm The beauty of this is if you ever want to expand to 10 or beyond, you already know this part of the universal tuning. Add pedals 1&2 and you have a full A6. I would probably add the E raise and lower to knee levers or maybe pedals to add diminished chords and Maj7 etc. Lots of possibilities with 8 strings! The most difficult thing is to find a suitable guitar.

Joseph Lazo · From: Wisconsin, USA

Well, I bought a 6-string 2x2 Jimmie Hudson had in stock. More I thought about it, the more a 6-stringer makes sense for me at this point. Should be here sometime next week.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Congratulations! I was pleased to see my buddy's Hudson. I would say basic, but well constructed and visually appealing as well.

With those 2 pedals and 2 levers, you can play a lot of music. I could probably play everything I need to do all day with that set up in most country, country rock, folky, etc. situations.

Let us know how you get on with it if you please. Enjoy!

Joseph Lazo · From: Wisconsin, USA

Thanks, Jerry. Will do.

Tim Toberer · From: Nebraska, USA

Very cool little steel guitar. I am sure you will have a lot of fun with that. Congrats Smile

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