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Topic: Bass strings on my E9/B6 uni sound floppy |
John Polstra
From:
Lopez Island, WA, USA
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Posted 2 Apr 2009 8:22 am |
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In another thread, several folks commented that they like their 12-string universals in large part because of the extended range they get at the low end. I'd like to take advantage of that, but I just don't like the sound or feel of my lower strings. They sound and feel floppy, like they're too loose. My 11th and 12th strings are 0.054" and 0.068", which seems to be fairly standard. (I'm pretty new to this.) Should I try some thinner strings down there to tighten them up a bit? Any specific recommendations?
A typical electric 6-string guitar has a 0.046" string on the low E, compared to 0.054" on my steel for the same note. So it's no wonder the steel feels loose to me.
John |
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Dave Mudgett
From:
Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
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Posted 2 Apr 2009 8:41 am
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| Quote: |
| A typical electric 6-string guitar has a 0.046" string on the low E, compared to 0.054" on my steel for the same note. So it's no wonder the steel feels loose to me. |
You have that relationship backwards. To increase string tension at a given pitch and scale length, one increases the string gauge.
If a 0.054" feels too loose to you, I'd increase it to, perhaps, a .058 or .060. I definitely think the .068" gauge is too loose for the low B, which is down in the low bass guitar range (3rd string, 2nd fret) - I prefer something more like a .075 or .080, or even more if the roller nut would take it.
The scale length figures heavily into the tension. At a given pitch and string gauge, tension increases with increasing scale length. A typical pedal steel has a scale length of 24" or 24.25", as compared to 25.5" for the typical Tele or Strat, and 34" for a bass guitar like a Fender Precision or Jazz Bass. When one gets down to strings in the bass range, that 24" scale is extremely short.
Last edited by Dave Mudgett on 2 Apr 2009 8:44 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Olli Haavisto
From:
Jarvenpaa,Finland
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Posted 2 Apr 2009 8:43 am
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The thinner the string , the looser it will feel. Other factors being equal.
You could try a 0.70 for the 12th string
Edit. Posted simultaneously with David
_________________
Olli Haavisto
Finland
Last edited by Olli Haavisto on 2 Apr 2009 8:47 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Dave Ristrim
From:
Whites Creek, TN
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Posted 2 Apr 2009 8:44 am
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| I use a low "A" on my D12 steels and put a .079 or .080 on there. |
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John Polstra
From:
Lopez Island, WA, USA
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Posted 2 Apr 2009 8:55 am
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Yikes -- thanks for straightening me out, guys. I don't know where my brain is this morning. I've made another pot of coffee. Maybe that will help.
John |
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Ulric Utsi-Åhlin
From:
Sweden
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Posted 2 Apr 2009 9:24 am
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Those low notes actually require greater scale
length,You can only compensate so much by means of
heavier strings ; this is the case with all guitars,
it´s a compromise ; IF we increased the length
we´d get into trouble at the treble end.McUtsi |
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David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 2 Apr 2009 2:57 pm
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I agree the low E needs at least 0.056, and the low B at least 0.72. Where do you guys get those heavy gauge strings beyond 0.070? Are you using bass strings?
Ulric is right, beyond a certain point, a thicker string might give a little more volume, but will not help much with sustain. It's a trade off. |
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