1-1/2 step pulls?

Dave Zirbel · From: Sebastopol, CA USA

I've been experimenting with new tunings and copedants lately. Wondering if many have tried pulls that moved a tone 1 and a half steps. I know the Boo Wa does that and on a uni E9/B6 the middle B goes to D. I imagine pedal feel would be different and possible increased string breakage. I'd like to hear your thoughts from those that have tried.
Thanks
Dave
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Dave Zirbel-
Sierra S-10 (Built by Ross Shafer),ZB, Fender 400 guitars, various tube and SS amps

Larry Bell · From: Englewood, Florida

The musical interval is not as important as the gauge of the string, IMHO. It's a lot easier to get an unwound 6th to go up B or even down to E than it is, for example to get the 3rd to raise or lower just a full tone.

I am a U12 player with both the changes you mentioned and I've also used B to D on the 5th string (a Jimmy Day change from way back) as well as the B to D on the 9th string of a U12. I also lower 8 from E to D on a lever and that's a pretty long throw too.

It's all a trade-off. I've never experienced any unusual breakage on 1 1/2 step pulls but your mileage may vary. If it is raising 1 1/2 steps it will substantially increase the tension when you engage it. However, I have two guitars that raise B to D on 9 and one that doesn't. None of them have ever broken a 9th string. They will require long throw, but there are mechanical ways to reduce the length of the pull if you really need to do so.
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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
My CD's: 'I've Got Friends in COLD Places' - 'Pedal Steel Guitar'
2021 Rittenberry S/D-12 8x7, 1976 Emmons S/D-12 7x6, 1969 Emmons S/D-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Quilter ToneBlock 202 TT-12

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