| Visit Our Catalog at SteelGuitarShopper.com |

Post new topic Bright string
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  Bright string
Carey Hofer

 

From:
South Dakota, USA
Post  Posted 25 Jul 2023 7:03 pm    
Reply with quote

I play an 8 string lap steel (B11 tuning). The strings are B C# D# F# A C# E G# low to high. I used to have a low A on the bottom string but I never used it. I got rid of it and put a G# on top instead, which I use a lot more. Problem is, the G# is too bright.

My question is, it common to have a G# on the first string of any tunings? My scale is 23 1/4". The string gauge I use is .013, don't think I could use a bigger string without breaking it. Is G# just too high for this steel? Guess I could go back to the regular B11th tuning but I like this a lot better. Any suggestions anyone?


Last edited by Carey Hofer on 26 Jul 2023 4:12 pm; edited 1 time in total
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Tim Toberer


From:
Nebraska, USA
Post  Posted 26 Jul 2023 4:56 am    
Reply with quote

Just spitballing, but how about keeping the same intervals and going down to A11? High string F# maybe a little less bright. A tunings are great for guitar players cause you have same basic positions already familiarized. String gauges would have to go up slightly I suppose.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
David Knutson


From:
Cowichan Valley, Canada
Post  Posted 26 Jul 2023 9:49 am    
Reply with quote

I had a similar issue with an E13 tuning once. The high G# just didn’t fit in, tonally, so I dropped down to a thinner string and that worked. Maybe try a .012?
_________________
David K
View user's profile Send private message
Carey Hofer

 

From:
South Dakota, USA
Post  Posted 26 Jul 2023 4:11 pm    
Reply with quote

Tried the .012 but didn't seem to make much difference. I did try lowering tuning to G11th. Sounded little dead though. Think maybe I went too low. Tuning to A11th might work. I will try that. Thanks for the help guys.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Tim Toberer


From:
Nebraska, USA
Post  Posted 27 Jul 2023 4:34 am    
Reply with quote

Keep us posted on your progress!
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Carey Hofer

 

From:
South Dakota, USA
Post  Posted 18 Aug 2023 2:30 pm    
Reply with quote

I ended up dropping the first string down a step so that it formed a major sixth chord instead of a major seventh chord. Decided I had more use for that tuning anyway. Helped a little. But what finally solved it was, I had Jerry at Sentell build me another pickup. The new pickup is a balanced and full sounding humbucker. Tah dah.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  
Please review our Forum Rules and Policies
Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction, and steel guitar accessories
www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

The Steel Guitar Forum
148 S. Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425 USA

Click Here to Send a Donation

Email SteelGuitarForum@gmail.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for Band-in-a-Box
by Jim Baron