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Topic: D8 or D6? Advantages |
Larry Dering
From:
Missouri, USA
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Posted 22 May 2013 6:53 am |
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| From a players perspective, how much use do you get with the extra strings on a D8? I have 2 six string lap steels with C6 and E tunings. Your take? |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 22 May 2013 7:30 am
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| Those two extra strings really come in handy when you play tunings with added notes like C6th, A6th, B11th, or C#m7th. It extends your range. |
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Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
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Posted 22 May 2013 9:57 am In response.................
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What Erv says is largely true........
However, I've found that the C6th/A7th tuning can provide one with everything needed for melody playing. I'm now playing my seven string with the same tuning and the bottom string does give me a little extra: E C A G E C# C |
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David Mason
From:
Cambridge, MD, USA
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Posted 22 May 2013 1:08 pm
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There's no downside, to my way of thinking. It certainly seems easier to play things in the correct keys when you have more choice of bass notes. I guess if the only thing you were doing was playing melody lines over a band, they might just be in the way, but most of us spend a lot of time alone, trying to play with ourselves. Maturely....  |
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Larry Dering
From:
Missouri, USA
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Posted 22 May 2013 6:40 pm Thanks Erv and Ray
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| Thanks for the info, I am struggling with the desire to buy a dual 8 string, but wanted to somehow justify my cause. I was sure the extended range is nice to have but wanted a more experienced players take on this. You guys are not making it easy. Looks like I will have to man up and buy something. I respect your opinions. |
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Larry Dering
From:
Missouri, USA
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Posted 22 May 2013 6:45 pm Dave stated "more choices."
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| As Dave noted, more choices for bass notes. Since retirement I do more playing alone to tracks, etc. What is the favored scale length? |
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Rick Barnhart
From:
Arizona, USA
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Posted 22 May 2013 6:48 pm
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Larry, you can always string up an 8 string guitar with 6 strings...obviously the opposite isn't a possibility.
_________________
Clinesmith consoles D-8/6 5 pedal, D-8 3 pedal & A25 Frypan, Pettingill Teardrop, & P8 Deluxe. |
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Iestyn Lewis
From:
Georgia, USA
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Posted 23 May 2013 6:12 am
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I can't speak about playing them, but know this - you will have a much harder time selling a D6 when you get tired of it, because everyone thinks they need 8 strings.
_________________
Iestyn
http://facebook.com/trcguitars |
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Bill Hampton
From:
Colorado, USA
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Posted 23 May 2013 8:02 am
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I come from a dobro background so I like to have the 5th note on top. When I do this with 6 strings in a 6th tuning, I lose the root on the bottom -- so I like to have at least 7 strings.
The narrower string spacing of an 8 string is a difficult adjustment for me though. |
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Tony Russell
From:
North of England
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Posted 30 May 2013 4:23 am
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| Bill Hampton wrote: |
I come from a dobro background so I like to have the 5th note on top. When I do this with 6 strings in a 6th tuning, I lose the root on the bottom -- so I like to have at least 7 strings.
The narrower string spacing of an 8 string is a difficult adjustment for me though. |
Ahh Bill - I come from a pedal steel background (using the fifth on top in C6th) and also can't work easily with less than 7 strings! Seems to be a theme here whichever direction you're going or coming! I use both a 7 and and 8 string dobro.  but not at the same time
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Tony Russell Davis |
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