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Topic: Quality of notes above the 12th fret |
Bryan Martin
From:
Quebec, Canada
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Posted 29 Jan 2018 7:40 pm |
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I have not played that many steels, but I am finding that one of the hard to find and desirable attributes is the sustain and clarity of notes played above the 12th fret.
I would like to hear some opinions regarding any models that seem to consistently perform in this region, and also what effect scale length contributes to this.
Steely yours, Bryan |
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Stefan Robertson
From:
Hertfordshire, UK
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 30 Jan 2018 9:34 am
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The shorter the string length, the shorter the sustain. 
Erv |
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Nic Neufeld
From:
Kansas City, Missouri
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Posted 30 Jan 2018 10:16 am
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Notice that very effect strongly on my Morrell lap steel, which, despite liking it generally for noodling on acoustically, has a surprisingly short scale at 20.5". I'm looking to replace it in the "tinkering around the house" role with an inexpensive one with longer scale, like the SX 8-string lap steel. I also have D'Addario chromes (flatwounds) on the first two lower strings, and while I like them in general, once you get up past fret 12, it's basically a mudpit when combined with the extreme short scale. Reminds me of my ill-advised purchase of an Epiphone EB-0 bass as a teenager...short scale, neck humbucker, and then I defretted it and put on flats...mud city.
What model are you playing? Do you know its scale? And what type of strings do you have on it?
_________________
Waikīkī, at night when the shadows are falling
I hear the rolling surf calling
Calling and calling to me |
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James Kerr
From:
Scotland, UK
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Posted 30 Jan 2018 2:23 pm
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How does this Instrument compare, C6th with a high "G" on top, 23 inch scale length and a 3 octave Fret Board. This tune has half the time played above the 15th Fret never mind the 12th and I built it myself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAE76yLxEA4
James. |
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Bryan Martin
From:
Quebec, Canada
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Posted 30 Jan 2018 7:29 pm
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I think Erv probably has the answer: longer scale. Makes a lot of sense.
I am taking lessons with John Ely, and I am going to get his thoughts and get back to everyone with his take on this. I will also be trying out a 25-scale Goldtone to see how it performs up there.
Cheers, Bryan |
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Bryan Martin
From:
Quebec, Canada
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Posted 3 Feb 2018 7:47 pm
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I have done a bit of investigation on this issue and a few things came up:
Regarding the longer scale length, I found a thread on the forum on the subject:
https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=175231
Stephan Miller wrote:
LONGER SCALE LENGTHS
-- somewhat fuller tone; harmonics fatter & bolder
-- increased sustain, esp. noticeable above the 12th fret
-- bar slants more severe closer to the nut, but more playable high on the neck than on short scales
-- bigger "sweet spot"/greater margin of error (results in easier intonation, easier harmonics)
-- more bar travel between notes; faster bar motion and wider "sweep" needed to achieve desired vibrato
But I also discovered another option from discussions with John Ely and luthier Michael Greenfield of Greenfield guitars:
An option for improving the shorter scale steels is to increase the string gauge. John Ely suggests to increase the gauge ~.003 - .005.
I just did this on my National New Yorker (.018. .020. .022, .030, .034, .040) and it did improve the sustain and integrity of the notes played above the 12th fret. I will have to spend a bit more time to get a real handle on the increased gauge, but it looks like this is good and easy option to improve sustain and tone in short scale steels.
Would be great to hear what some of you who have gone this route have found.
Cheers, Bryan |
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