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Topic: 8 string or 6 string - Which way is better for a beginner? |
Kenn Geiger
From:
Salem, Oregon, USA
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Posted 1 Feb 2008 2:16 pm |
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I looked in the archives and did not find a discussion on 6 Vs.8 string lap steels for the beginner. I ask because I have George Boards DVD set for 8 strings, and no useable lap steel yet to practice with.
I bought an inexpensive [should have been a red flag there] 8 string hand made console steel from flea bay, which upon inspection was made of White Oak for the cabinent, and an unknown pickup using what looked like the aluminum off of the edge of an old kitchen table for the end plates. It sounded horrible, so I took it apart. Lets just say that nothing about this steel is square or aligned and leave it at that. I intend to take the good parts (the keyhead and fretboard base) and start over from scratch using a George L p'up, but in the meantime I have no lap steel to practice on.
I see a Ronco 6 string for $100, but should I wait for an 8 string to come along in my price range? I can't afford a George Board 8 or an MSA Superslide (my first pick, Sierra my second). What are your thoughts if I may ask?
Last edited by Kenn Geiger on 1 Feb 2008 2:43 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Charles Davidson
From:
Phenix City Alabama, USA
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Posted 1 Feb 2008 2:34 pm
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Kenn,This is just my opinion ONLY, but I would wait for an eight,DYKBC.
_________________
Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC ! |
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Bob Borzelleri
From:
California, USA
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Posted 1 Feb 2008 4:50 pm
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Kenn...
The answer is pretty much a mixed bag. Here's my take.
I am currently taking dobro lessons. The resonator I use was tuned to open G. In addition to having an older Oahu tuned to G, my teacher has an eight string National tuned to open D. He also has a weissenborn tuned to D. I am currently learning songs on my GT reso and a GT weissenborn using G and D tuning respectfully, and added an Industrial 6 string lap steel to the mix tuned to open E (same patterns as D). What that tells me is that it probably doesn't matter whether you use a 6 string or an 8 string to start out with or which tuning, for that matter. Pretty much all of the of the playing techniques will spill over. If you plan on having only one lap steel, then I would go with what you want to end up with first.
I'm planning on building an 8 string lap steel soon.
...Bob |
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Terry Farmer
From:
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Posted 1 Feb 2008 5:59 pm
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| Go with an eight. You can always leave two strings off to start with. Then, when you get the itch for more strings, and you will, you won't have to buy a whole new guitar. |
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Doug Beaumier
From:
Northampton, MA
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Bill Creller
From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
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Posted 1 Feb 2008 10:34 pm
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| I play my Dual Pro with 7 on each neck, so an 8 string gives you options you can't have with a six. |
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Mike Brown
From:
Meridian, Mississippi USA
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Posted 2 Feb 2008 4:58 am Peavey Power Slide
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This is exactly the reason why I recommended to Hartley Peavey that we introduce the Power Slide in a six string version vs. and eight string, ie; so that it would be less intimidating to the six string electric guitarist who had always wanted to play steel(lap or otherwise).
If you are not aware by now, our company introduced the new Power Slide at the Winter NAMM show last week and the response was incredible. However, the Power Slide is different in that it is designed to be played standing up! This is for those who wish to play the Power Slide in their Rock n Roll band. Yes, for Rock n Roll music! However, this is not to say that this guitar wouldn't work for traditional lap guitar tunes. See this post;
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=125674
or just read the post NEW AT NAMM on this section of the FORUM.
Please be sure to drop by the Peavey Demo Room at the upcoming Texas Steel Guitar Jamboree and play the prototype Power Slide that will be on display. I look forward to seeing you there.
Last edited by Mike Brown on 2 Feb 2008 5:13 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Gary Boyett
From:
Colorado
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Posted 2 Feb 2008 5:07 am
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If you are just getting started just tune the six strings to the top six and leave the bottom two (larger strings) off.
There are very few notes that you leave out and you can still learn a lot from the DVDs. All of the melody notes will be on the strings you have.
Once you start getting the hang of it then get the eight string. Have fun! |
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Tom Pettingill
From:
California, USA (deceased)
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Posted 2 Feb 2008 7:33 am Re: 8 string or 6 string - Which way is better for a beginne
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| Kenn Geiger wrote: |
| ... I see a Ronco 6 string for $100, but should I wait for an 8 string to come along in my price range? ... |
I guess the question is, what is the price range you are shooting for?
Perhaps get the $100 Rondo and use the rest of your budget to do the rebuild on the console 8 you bought.
_________________
Some misc pics of my hand crafted steels
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Dave Bader
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 2 Feb 2008 5:07 pm
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Mike Brown said
"This is exactly the reason why I recommended to Hartley Peavey that we introduce the Power Slide in a six string version vs. an eight string, ie; so that it would be less intimidating to the six string electric guitarist who had always wanted to play steel(lap or otherwise)."
I don't get this logic. Why limit your steel to only a certain market. I'm sure there are a lot of other players that would like to get their hands on a Power Slide for use in all types of music. Half the responses here indicate that an 8 string could be used as a 6 or 7 stringer. Something that could easily be pitched at a show. Are there any plans to build an 8 string? |
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Steinar Gregertsen
From:
Arendal, Norway, R.I.P.
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Posted 2 Feb 2008 5:16 pm Re: 8 string or 6 string - Which way is better for a beginne
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| Kenn Geiger wrote: |
I ask because I have George Boards DVD set for 8 strings, and no useable lap steel yet to practice with.
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I got a full set of George's instructional DVDs when I bought one of his 8-string lap steels a couple years ago, and it's fully possible to practice those on a 6-string tuned to (low to high) CEGACE.
That is the tuning George use for strings 2-7, and as I recall everything on his DVDs are limited to those strings - they are aimed at both the 6 and 8 string player.
If you have the option of picking up a cheap 6-string while saving money for an 8-string, I'd say do it. You will still be able to practice the essentials of the C6 tuning, and even more importantly - basic techniques like damping, vibrato and slants.
Then you can pick up a high quality 8-string down the road, when you have the money ready.
Steinar
_________________
"Play to express, not to impress"
Website - YouTube |
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Kenn Geiger
From:
Salem, Oregon, USA
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Posted 2 Feb 2008 8:45 pm Thank you all
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I thank each of you for taking the time to answer my question - Even though it was a question with no correct or incorrect answer.  I will use the center 6 strings on an inexpensive 6 string while saving for just the right 8 string to come along. Who knows, maybe I will get the rebuild right and just use that - I know I can't get it any more wrong than it is now 
Highest Regards,
Kenn |
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