Can't hear the 3rd string

J. David Carrera · From: Los Angeles, CA

I notice on my MSA I could hardly get my 3rd string to cut through. It was much more quiet than the other strings, the 4th string was quiet too. I've tried two different pickups on this guitar with the same results. I have since bought an Emmons and it has the same problem.

Is this the nature of pedal steel? Is there any remedy?

Thanks

Jack Hanson · From: San Luis Valley, USA

More likely the amp and/or its EQ than the steel. Especially if the problem persists on both the MSA and the Emmons.

What kind of amp are you playing through?

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

Couple of thoughts.. Make sure you are using at least an .011 3rd.. Some guys use 010 and its too flimsy.. Try an .0115 or even an 012.. You will get more volume..

If you still feel that the 3rd string is simply not loud enough on 2 different steels, more than likely the amp/eq set you are using doesn't reproduce the frequencies of that string very well for whatever reason.. I HAVE seen individual pole magnets go bad on pickups, but on 2 different steels, I would doubt it... bob
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no gear list for me.. you don't have the time......

Lee Baucum · From: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier

Hearing issues? As we age, we can lose the ability to hear higher frequencies.

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

Lee, even at the 12th fret with B pedal, the fundamental is 880 Hz.
Try, assuming the cable is long enough, turning the pickup around. If it's the pickup, the 8th string will be weak.

Check for vibration-stifling grooves in the finger. The third string will cut grooves easier and sink into them easier.
Listen to it without amp: does 3 sing as well as the others?
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2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

J. David Carrera · From: Los Angeles, CA

Lane, that's a good point. When I play unplugged all of the strings a fairly balanced. I'm most often playing through various tube amps and the amp modeler in Logic. I haven't noticed it being less of a problem on certain amps even when I occasionally play through something solid state. I'll try a .012.

Thanks.

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

I think most of us learn to give a bit extra oomph to the 3rd string when we play it. A 12 should help
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

Yes, try a 12 and I've gotten a richer, fuller tone on this high string with Live Steel strings, they do make a difference. Very Happy

Lee Baucum · From: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier

Bill Moran · From: Virginia, USA

Lee Baucum · From: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier

Rich Upright · From: Florida, USA

I've had the same issue on every one of my steels,also a weird harmonic on the 12th fret. Nature of the beast, I guess. Try adding more midrange EQ. Seems to help.

Peter Freiberger · From: California, USA

Tonealigners and Telonics pickups have adjustable pole pieces. Typically I find they're adjusted closer to the third string.

Bob Moore · From: N. Rose, New York

I have MSA D10 and had same problem and just readjusted my eq and problem was solved. Bob M

Philip Mitrakos · From: The Beach South East Florida

Let's face it ...pedal steel players are cool they end up with the hottest dames that end up talking too much and we stop listening .
That's when that guy started spending more time in the garage messing with his gadgets.
And came up with the Li'l Lzzy ..that little bugger will bring your 3rd string to life.
and the girl next doors G string.
....what where we talking about ?

Larry Behm · From: Mt Angel, Or 97362

One option would be to put in a pickup with adjustable pole pieces. Telonics or Tone Aligners come to mind. You can increase the volume by raising the set screw directly under each string.

Increasing the string gauge is a good start, but to race to the finish line try the above. If you do not believe me, ask Jay Dee or Frank Carter they have lots to say about this issue.

Danny Shields had pickups like these years ago.
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Bengt Erlandsen · From: Brekstad, NORWAY

Is the problem with the 3 and 4 strings there all the time or in combination with other strings beeing played ?

Wit the guitar plugged to your amp play one string at a time w same finger, thumb, index or middle and try use same same attack/force on ea string, are there any strings that doesnt ring as loud as other it could be the string, eq setting or the pickup thats at fault.

If the problem happens when playing several strings at same time it could be that you have a "weak" finger.

I know I have a "weak" index finger (comes from playing regular guitar, hybrid picking w flatpick and ring, middle) that makes my 4th string sound low compared to 5th and 3rd when all 3 strings are played together. If I use thumb, middle and ring finger to play same strings all 3 will sound evenly balanced. Am still working on getting that Index to play as loud as rest of fingers.

Get a 2nd opinion, have someone else play the guitar and both listen if there is a problem in loudness on certain strings.

The more stuff that can be ruled out will bring you closer to finding the cause and hopefully remedy it.

B.Erlandsen

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