F# to E drop

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 29 Nov 2002 8:28 pm

I'm trying to lower an F# string to E on my Williams. Seems that it won't go that far. I've tried different string gauges. No luck. Is this an inherent limitation of some steel guitars?

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<img align=right src="http://b0b.com/b0b.gif" width="64" height="64">Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (F Diatonic), Sierra Laptop 8 (D13), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6), Roland Handsonic

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 29 Nov 2002 8:57 pm

Which F#?

The middle F# (approx .026") should drop easily to E. I have that on all my E9 on many brands of steel guitar. And it should be very much like middle E -> D which is probably on every Williams universal tuning.

Have you tried eliminating any raise assist spring, and loosening the lower return spring?

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 30 Nov 2002 10:23 am

Yes, the middle F#. I'll try loosening the return spring. Thanks.

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 30 Nov 2002 12:22 pm

Earnest, your argument about the E string made perfect sense, since I also have E to D on this guitar. On closer examination, I discovered that the split-tuner screw was set, preventing the finger from traveling its full length. I backed out that screw, and now the change works fine.

Thanks for your help.

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<img align=right src="http://b0b.com/b0b.gif" width="64" height="64">Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (F Diatonic), Sierra Laptop 8 (D13), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6), Roland Handsonic

Jim Bob Sedgwick · Post by **Jim Bob Sedgwick** » 30 Nov 2002 3:25 pm

Bob: Ernest beat me to it. For some unknown reason, the splitter screws can work themselves in, preventing proper lowering. Or maybe you have a Gremlin in your house (or band) that owns a hex wrench. I play Williams also and had that happen to my low E on the 9th neck once. Oh by the way for you guys who don't know much about the Williams guitars. They come with 10 splitters per neck, standard, no extra charge for them. 12 if you play a single 12. Just a plug for Williams.

[This message was edited by Jim Bob Sedgwick on 30 November 2002 at 03:26 PM.]