New guy on forum - absolute beginner

[Doug Stone]

I have found a lot of information on the forum but I am looking for an experienced non-pedal lap steel person in the Dallas area to help me get started. I bought a Rogue Lap Steel and it is ok for a beginner but I am confused about tunings and string gauges. I replaced the strings with new heavier strings but it is not sounding like the C6 tunings I hear on the net.

[Bill Hatcher]

here you go. keep you busy for an evening.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwOFQ7rGS44

[Doug Stone]

The strings I have on the guitar for C6 tuning may be too heavy. They are .016,.018,.028W, .038W, .49W, and .059W. On Troy's video, he recommends .015, 017, .022,.026, .030, and .036. The sound is kind of subdued and not at all like Troy's video. I know the scale is shorter on the Rogue. Does that change the string choice?

[Ron Whitfield]

The strings I have on the guitar for C6 tuning may be too heavy. They are .016,.018,.028W, .038W, .49W, and .059W.

the scale is shorter on the Rogue. Does that change the string choice?

Look's OK for the strings tho the bottom's can be lighter. I've used a 17 for my high E, short scale, and I like it better usually than a 16. But you'll find your perfect set eventually.
Yes, unless it's just slightly shorter.
You'll need lighter strings to make the longer scales, and long's often have a darker tone overall, but that can be a benefit.

Not hearing Troy's video, are you wanting a higher treble tone than currently?

[Bill Hatcher]

if you are using those gauges, there is no way you are in the same octave as standard 6 string C6 tuning. you could never pull a 59 up to C where it is with a 36. well maybe you could, but it would be so taut!!

you sure you are not tuning those big strings on the bottom an octave down??

btw..the sound on that video is very nice and great quality.

[Andy Volk]

First, welcome to the forum! You'll find a wealth of useful info if you search the archives as many new players have similar questions. I use try to stay low key in hyping my own stuff but this little book could be helpful: www.volkmedia.com/Volkmedia.com/Slide_Rules_Book.html

You can also find a string gauge chart and much great info here:
http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/learning/gauges.php

[Rob Munn]

HI DOUG,

Welcome to the pickup and a board life. Good luck finding a steel guitar teacher in Texas. I doubt you'll have any problem with that! Must be an arroyo full of 'em!
I would get Andy's little guide to string gauges and personal choices. Great book with lots of personalities giving up their secrets.
Hey Andy, I tried to use the URL you posted and i get diverted to Yahoo.
Yeah Doug, "Slide Rules" by Andy Volk is my little bible for lap steel keys and gauges.

[Andy Volk]

Thanks, Rob. URL fixed above.

[Jim Williams]

Welcome to the forum. The strings you mention are way too heavy for c6. Use a c6 set or the gauges troy recommended. If that is the rogue that sells for less than $100 and has legs, it is a shorter than normal scale (around 20 inches from nut to bridge). It will play better with strings a gauge or two larger across the board based on the set Troy mentioned, however the gauges he recommend will work, just a little limp for my taste. If you tune the big strings on the bass side that you have on there now to true c6 pitch, something is gonna give.

[Jim Williams]

Doug, forgot to mention this, but George Boards has a deal on his beginner videos that allows you to have access to all 6 of his beginner DVDs online on a three month subscription basis. I have the DVDs and they are good. I also have several of Troys lessons and they are very good as well.