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Author Topic:  String gauge and tuning Question
Billy Murdoch

 

From:
Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
Post  Posted 29 Jul 2009 8:47 am    
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Hi All,
I have just taken delivery of an Allen Melbert 8 string lap steel,I am the second owner and already I can see it is a very good instrument and I am very pleased with it.
As We speak I have only finished unwrapping and trying it accoustically.
The guitar was two weeks in transit so the tuning is a little out,it would appear to be a G on the 8th string and also on the first string.
I have(with a micrometer)measured the strings and this is what I find.
12-15-18-22-26-30-34-46. it has a 23.25" scale.
Can anyone help Me with the what the tuning should be and perhaps tell me the string gauges for C6 tuning.
Many thanks
Billy
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Lynn Oliver


From:
Redmond, Washington USA * R.I.P.
Post  Posted 29 Jul 2009 8:53 am    
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John Ely's web site should answer your questions.
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Billy Murdoch

 

From:
Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
Post  Posted 29 Jul 2009 9:32 am    
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Thanks Lynn,
That is a very useful site.
best regards
Billy
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Andy Volk


From:
Boston, MA
Post  Posted 29 Jul 2009 9:50 am    
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And, at the risk of being self-serving ..... http://www.volkmedia.com/Volkmedia.com/Slide_Rules_Book.html

It includes John's string gauge charts and info.
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Jerry Overstreet


From:
Louisville Ky
Post  Posted 29 Jul 2009 1:27 pm    
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Those string gauges you listed should do fine for C6 tuning... G E C A G E C A ... hi to lo. The 46 is maybe a bit heavy for the low A, but you may want to experiment with other notes on the low strings.
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Lynn Oliver


From:
Redmond, Washington USA * R.I.P.
Post  Posted 29 Jul 2009 6:30 pm    
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Jerry Overstreet wrote:
...The 46 is maybe a bit heavy for the low A, but you may want to experiment with other notes on the low strings.

I thought the 46 was too light for the A; I use the John Pearse C6 set (#7650) and it has a .056 there.
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basilh


From:
United Kingdom
Post  Posted 30 Jul 2009 12:06 am    
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Billy, Those gauges are for the C6th on that scale length. Fractionally light on the bottom end but optimum on the plain ones. You COULD go up 2-4 thou' on the wound strings.
(The C6th I refer to is the one with the G on top, the Country one NOT the Jerry Byrd one which has an 'E' on top)
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Steelies do it without fretting

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