Question on RKR string lower

Jason Putnam · Post by **Jason Putnam** » 27 Dec 2012 8:34 am

I have a Stage One. As has been discussed on here previously it is an either or option for the 2nd string lower. Half tone or whole tone. So my question is, which of these changes would be more useful to me as a beginner? Several of Mickey Adams videos use this change to get a unison effect. But I really haven't found much use for the half lower yet. Your input would be greatly appreciated! Happy Holidays!!!

richard burton · Post by **richard burton** » 27 Dec 2012 8:37 am

Full tone lower.

Can the 9th string be rigged up to lower a semitone on a Stage One?

If so, you might be able to use that as a half-stop for the 2nd string

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 27 Dec 2012 9:11 am

you'll want the half step lower Eb to D on string 2
that's a very important change Jason
it gives you the Dominant ( or minor) 7th tone
it's also very useful in scales
the whole tone lower on string 2 w: pedal A on string 5 gives you that unison
you won't use that as much as the half step lower believe me
string 9 does not lower on the Stage One

John Scanlon · Post by **John Scanlon** » 27 Dec 2012 9:11 am

Can't truly compare, as I have only the half-tone lower on my steel, but I love it. Adding that flatted seventh to the "open" chord at any fret makes it all worth it to me. I personally wouldn't want to lose that. It also makes a full major scale from the "AB" chord possible, as Mickey Adams notes in one of his vids.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 27 Dec 2012 9:12 am

Richard, a pull-release guitar will not easily be able to time those pulls correctly.
I bet it would be possible to rig up a proper mechanical half stop on the underside to get both a half step lower and a full step lower

Jason Putnam · Post by **Jason Putnam** » 27 Dec 2012 9:52 am

I have thought about trying to figure out a way to make a half stop. I've been thinking of some different ways to do it just haven't quite figured it all out yet. There has to be a way to do it. Thats really the only thing I'm missing out on with out the changeable copedent. I don't have the funds to purchase a different steel just for one change!!

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 27 Dec 2012 9:57 am

I bet one of Michael Yahl's (or Jim Palenscar or Tom Bradshaw's) half-stop would work, or could be made to.
Michael Yahl is at psgparts.com and both Jim and Tom are easy to find

Paul Sutherland · Post by **Paul Sutherland** » 27 Dec 2012 9:57 am

In my opinion the half tone lower is far more useful than the whole tone lower. I have a couple videos on YouTube describing uses for the half tone lower. You might want to give them a listen to hear some of what the half tone lower is used for.