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Author Topic:  New strings really make a difference
Paul Sutherland

 

From:
Placerville, California
Post  Posted 4 Sep 2022 4:30 pm    
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After a long series of gigs, some of which were in the dirt, I finally serviced my steel this afternoon: I wiped off most of the dirt, lubricated the roller nut and changer, and put on new strings. What an improvement! I particularly notice the upper register rings true and clear, and the notes seems to sustain longer. Plus the pedals and levers are smoother.

I guess changing strings is like exercising. I know I should do it, and I always feel better afterwards.
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Larry Dering


From:
Missouri, USA
Post  Posted 4 Sep 2022 6:43 pm    
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Paul you nailed it. I put it off and often just replace 3,5,and 6. Then after I do the full service it sounds so much better and plays smooth. I have several steels and play them at various times so when one needs it, they all are due. Bummer for sure.
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Lee Baucum


From:
McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier
Post  Posted 5 Sep 2022 3:48 am    
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I love the sound and feel of fresh, new strings.

There is also the peace of mind aspect for me.

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=2947797&sid=a8753ca5bb84fd874c4dc86ba58d7a3c
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Lee, from South Texas - Down On The Rio Grande

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Either I'm right, or there is a sinister conspiracy to conceal the fact that I'm right.


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Johnie King


From:
Tennessee, USA
Post  Posted 5 Sep 2022 8:35 am    
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Yes strings weaken an losses there strength too pull back to prober pitch.
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Ian Worley


From:
Sacramento, CA
Post  Posted 5 Sep 2022 9:39 am     Re: New strings really make a difference
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Paul Sutherland wrote:
...changing strings is like exercising. I know I should do it, and I always feel better afterwards.

Laughing Laughing Laughing
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Ian Rae


From:
Redditch, England
Post  Posted 5 Sep 2022 1:30 pm    
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The pedal steel is the only instrument that abuses its strings by continually tightening and slackening them. No wonder they get tired and fed up.
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Jack Stoner


From:
Kansas City, MO
Post  Posted 6 Sep 2022 2:21 am    
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When I was on the road, changed strings every 10 shows. Kept them "alive" and reduced the chance of a string fatigue breakage on a show.

Playing local and at least one 3 or 4 hour gig per week (sometimes more) I would change strings once a month.

Now retired, and only playing at home, fresh strings (tone) is still an issue, although it is months.
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Bobby D. Jones

 

From:
West Virginia, USA
Post  Posted 7 Sep 2022 7:55 pm    
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When we play long enough, The bending of the strings over the curve of the changer fingers, Work Hardens that small area where the string is leaving the finger. When it work hardens enough it will not bend and make solid contact with the finger, That is when the weird sound begins, Then the string will break. Sometimes both happen at the same time.

Before COVID I played a house band gig 3 to 4 hours every Friday night, Then practice at home and a 1 1/2 hour show once a month on Saturday night took its tole on strings. I put the date of change on a new set of strings and put them in my seat. Every 4 weeks I changed strings on Monday so they would be settled in and hold tuning by Friday Night gig.

Since COVID I just change strings when the ghost sounds appear.
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