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Topic: String gauge/tension question on a Dual Pro |
Tommy Detamore
From:
Floresville, Texas
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Posted 8 Sep 2009 5:40 am |
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I have been using the following gauges for a C6 tuning on my Fender Dual Pro (High to low). I went a tad heavier than the common gauges I have seen listed, since the scale is 22":
.013p
.015p
.018p
.022w
.026w
.032w
.038w
.042w
The strings still feel too "floppy" to me. Could I safely go up another size on each string to get a tighter feel? I don't want to run the risk of stripping the tuners....
I would welcome any comments and suggestions....
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Tommy Detamore
Quilter Labs, Goodrich Sound, Source Audio, Neunaber Audio, and Stringjoy Authorized Dealer
www.cherryridgestudio.com
www.steelguitartracksonline.com |
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Mark Roeder
From:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 8 Sep 2009 7:54 am
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I have a Dual Pro and I keep the strings lighter than I do when I have a steel with new tuners. I stripped a tuner on an old gibson by going to heavy so I alwats go lighter now.
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www.deluxe34.com lap steel stands, Clinesmith, Gibson Console Grande, Northwesterns, The Best Westerns
https://www.facebook.com/TheBestWesterns |
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Matthew Dawson
From:
Portland Oregon, USA
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Posted 18 Mar 2010 9:44 pm
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I'm curious how these are working out. I just put these gauges on my T8 custom and they feel great, but I worry that I am tempting fate:
.13 - G
.15 -E
.20 -C
.24w -A
.30w -G
.34w -E
.38w -C
.48w -A
Do these gauges seem unreasonable? |
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Mike Neer
From:
NJ
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Posted 18 Mar 2010 9:49 pm
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Matt, those seem a little heavy to me, starting with the C. I like to keep that around .018. As far as your string 5 (G), .030 is definitely pushing it--should be closer to .024 and the A should be around .022. Your .034 for E is heavy as well as string 8, which you should try to keep no heavier than .044, especially if you want to tune it up to Bb. Of course, these are just my opinions.
Tommy, I don't think I'd risk going much higher. Can you isolate a string or 2 which feels extra floppy? I have a T-8 and I've been known to use very heavy strings in the past, but I feel OK with the standard gauges on that guitar. I do not like floppy strings myself.
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Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links |
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Matthew Dawson
From:
Portland Oregon, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2010 4:54 pm
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Thanks Mike,
I think I'll go ahead and lighten them up! |
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Robert
From:
Chicago
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Posted 20 Mar 2010 4:55 am
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Just getting back into the steel after an 8-10 year hiatus. Subsequently cannot remember how I strung my old Dual Professional, which I sold. I am waiting on delivery of another one, and I want to go with A6 and (Helms) E13, so I have ordered the Steel Guitar Forum sets for the new guitar - gauges listed here:
Steel Guitar Forum E13th
.012 .015 .018 .020 .026w .032 .036 .042
G# E C# B G# E D B
Steel Guitar Forum A6th, pure nickel wound
.015 .018 .022 .026w .032 .036 .042 .050
E C# A F# E C# A F#
Bobby worked with SIT on the string sets, and I trust him implicitly, but what I didn't know was whether or not the sets would work equally on short scale instruments (like the Dual Pro), or if they were chosen for longer scale lengths. Like the rest of you, I don't like floppy string sets - I appreciate a little "bounce," but I don't want to stress out the tuners, or be breaking strings.
Please advise, and thanks. I missed my steel guitar!
Rob Yale,
Chicago |
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John Borchard
From:
Athens, OH 45701
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Posted 21 Mar 2010 8:28 pm String Gauges
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Tommy, if you haven't already, you might want to check out John Ely's String Gauge chart here:
http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/learning/gauges.php
I find it very useful in getting me "in the ballpark" quickly. I can always tweak a bit if needed. I use a G6 tuning on my '59 Stringmaster and I didn't need to tweak his gauges at all -- very evenly balanced.
By the way, do you know my pal Bill Johnson, sound engineer extraordinaire, from Austin? Just curious, as I thought he mentioned you a while back.
At any rate, good luck.
John Borchard |
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John Bechtel
From:
Nashville, Tennessee, R.I.P.
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Posted 22 Mar 2010 9:27 pm A~c~e~g~a~c~e~g (c6)
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If I was tuning in this fashion, my choice of gauges would be as follows:
G .012p/.013p
E .015p
C .018p
A .022p
G .024w
E .030w
C .036w
A .044w
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<marquee> Go~Daddy~Go, (No), Go, It's your Break Time</marquee> L8R, jb
My T-10 Remington Steelmaster |
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Rick Collins
From:
Claremont , CA USA
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Posted 23 Mar 2010 9:08 am
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John, do you like the sound of a .024" for the G, instead of a .026"?
I'm assuming that you use a wound string there? |
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John Bechtel
From:
Nashville, Tennessee, R.I.P.
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Posted 23 Mar 2010 10:13 am
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I always consider tension as opposed to “sound”! .024w is considered the proper gauge for (G) and .026w is considered the proper gauge for (F#). I don't hear any noticeable difference in the sound. I'm more concerned with even tension.
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<marquee> Go~Daddy~Go, (No), Go, It's your Break Time</marquee> L8R, jb
My T-10 Remington Steelmaster |
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