The Steel Guitar Forum Store 

Post new topic 8 String Dobro Strings
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  8 String Dobro Strings
Judson Adair

 

From:
Oklahoma, USA
Post  Posted 9 Jan 2017 8:21 am    
Reply with quote

So I bought an 8 string dobro this weekend but it is in G6 and I would really prefer C6. I have look on here and the only set of 8 string the have has a low G (low to high G A C E G A C E) on top and not the low A (low to high A C E G A C E G) which is what I am looking for.

So here are my questions:

1) Does anyone know where I can order a set like what I want?

2) Could I just buy a 10 string C6th pedal steel set and use those? I am not sure if they will be too heavy for the dobro neck or not.

Anyone have any ideas? This is my first dobro.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Jack Hanson


From:
San Luis Valley, USA
Post  Posted 9 Jan 2017 8:56 am     Re: 8 String Dobro Strings
Reply with quote

Judson Adair wrote:
1) Does anyone know where I can order a set like what I want?

2) Could I just buy a 10 string C6th pedal steel set and use those? I am not sure if they will be too heavy for the dobro neck or not.

1) You may have to order strings individually by the gauge. I get mine online from Just Strings:

http://www.juststrings.com/?s_kwcid=TC

2) You could, but your dobro will likely sound much better with bronze instead of nickel or stainless wound strings. Some experimentation may be necessary before you settle on the gauges that are comfortable for you. John Ely's string gauge chart is a good place to start:

http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/learning/gauges.php
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Judson Adair

 

From:
Oklahoma, USA
Post  Posted 9 Jan 2017 12:03 pm    
Reply with quote

I will give it a look. Thanks!
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 9 Jan 2017 12:14 pm    
Reply with quote

I've bought a lot of Ernie Ball strings through Musician's Friend by the gauge.
I have several different guitars and it works good for me. Very Happy
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Judson Adair

 

From:
Oklahoma, USA
Post  Posted 9 Jan 2017 12:33 pm    
Reply with quote

What kind of Ernie Ball do you suggest for dobro?
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Dave Thier


From:
Fairhope, Alabama, USA
Post  Posted 9 Jan 2017 1:09 pm     Re: 8 String Dobro Strings
Reply with quote

Jack Hanson wrote:
Judson Adair wrote:
1) Does anyone know where I can order a set like what I want?

2) Could I just buy a 10 string C6th pedal steel set and use those? I am not sure if they will be too heavy for the dobro neck or not.

1) You may have to order strings individually by the gauge. I get mine online from Just Strings:

http://www.juststrings.com/?s_kwcid=TC

2) You could, but your dobro will likely sound much better with bronze instead of nickel or stainless wound strings. Some experimentation may be necessary before you settle on the gauges that are comfortable for you. John Ely's string gauge chart is a good place to start:

http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/learning/gauges.php


Dobros are a different beast when it comes to strings. Steels rely on amplification for sound and use strings that will excite the pickups. Dobros, on the other hand, rely on mechanical amplification by driving the cone. Most dobro players use phosphor bronze for their wound strings. I also use Just Strings for bulk strings.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 9 Jan 2017 2:33 pm    
Reply with quote

Judson,
On a dobro, I would suggest bronze strings.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Jack Aldrich

 

From:
Washington, USA
Post  Posted 9 Jan 2017 3:15 pm    
Reply with quote

I have couple of 8 string resonator guitars: a Dobro and a custom made Sitka Spruce top and koa body. I keep them both in C6/High G tuning - From bottom, G(.042) Bb(.038) E(.030) G(.024) A(.020) C(.018) E(.014) G(.012). I use Ernie Ball and, if I can't get them, D'Addario's or whatever. I do not advise using brass strings because of the brightness of brass. btw, I play the koa one regularly with Hawaiian bands and for Western Swing sessions.
_________________
Jack Aldrich
Carter & ShoBud D10's
D8 & T8 Stringmaster
Rickenbacher B6
3 Resonator guitars
Asher Alan Akaka Special SN 6
Canopus D8
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Brian McGaughey


From:
Orcas Island, WA USA
Post  Posted 10 Jan 2017 6:01 am    
Reply with quote

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=264468 gets you a chart that's been floating around here for awhile. I 3rd the vote for phosphor bronze strings on dobro. Go to wrap at .028 and thicker.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Dave Thier


From:
Fairhope, Alabama, USA
Post  Posted 10 Jan 2017 7:11 am    
Reply with quote

Jack Aldrich wrote:
I have couple of 8 string resonator guitars: a Dobro and a custom made Sitka Spruce top and koa body. I keep them both in C6/High G tuning - From bottom, G(.042) Bb(.038) E(.030) G(.024) A(.020) C(.018) E(.014) G(.012). I use Ernie Ball and, if I can't get them, D'Addario's or whatever. I do not advise using brass strings because of the brightness of brass. btw, I play the koa one regularly with Hawaiian bands and for Western Swing sessions.


Who makes the brass strings you speak of?
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 10 Jan 2017 8:12 am    
Reply with quote

He's not using brass strings. Whoa!
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Brian McGaughey


From:
Orcas Island, WA USA
Post  Posted 10 Jan 2017 8:23 am    
Reply with quote

One other consideration I just thought of regarding string sizes is determining the total amount of tension the spider bridge wants to see to sound best. I'm not sure what that might be but it would seem to me that on a standard GBDGBD dobro the string gauges are higher (thicker) than the charts indicate.

One would have to do a little digging about on line but it could be figured out.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Dave Thier


From:
Fairhope, Alabama, USA
Post  Posted 10 Jan 2017 8:31 am    
Reply with quote

Erv Niehaus wrote:
He's not using brass strings. Whoa!


Nobody uses them.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Judson Adair

 

From:
Oklahoma, USA
Post  Posted 10 Jan 2017 9:12 am    
Reply with quote

I used the John Ely chart and ordered a strings from Just Strings. I had to order 3 separate full sets to get the smallest 3 gauges though. I couldn't find them as individual strings. Once they get here and I get it strung up I will let you guys know how it sounds. Maybe I can get my wife to take a video.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail


All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  

Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction,
steel guitars & accessories

www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

Please review our Forum Rules and Policies

Steel Guitar Forum LLC
PO Box 237
Mount Horeb, WI 53572 USA


Click Here to Send a Donation

Email admin@steelguitarforum.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for
Band-in-a-Box

by Jim Baron
HTTP