The 8-String Hipshot Trilogy will NOT take thick strings

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 5 Sep 2014 2:39 pm

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... 00#2284200

Check out my above thread. It's something that I hadn't even considered. I've had an 8-string Trilogy hanging around in my spares drawer for some time and intended to use it on a lap steel, but I tried it out on a regular guitar and found that it was impossible to fit strings larger than .46. The reason is that strings any thicker than that will not pass through the slot in the claw mechanism.

Given that the 8-string version of the Trilogy is made for lap steels this can be a big limitation. I think members should be aware of it.

Todd Clinesmith · Post by **Todd Clinesmith** » 6 Sep 2014 7:56 am

I do not think this is the case with the 8 string trilogy's that I have seen. You may want to research this a bit more before giving out this information.
I know I have seen Pete Grants 8 string Dobro tuned to D9 with some low gauged strings. The low D was in the .060 range. He used the trilogy system.

I had a trilogy 8 string set up, in my drawer as you. I never got around to using it and sold it here on the forum.
Todd

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 6 Sep 2014 8:02 am

It worked on mine.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 6 Sep 2014 9:51 am

On the unit I have the thicker strings will definitely not go into the slot. I can only imagine that the designers realised this after a while and enlarged the slot in later models. I'm not making it up.

Steven Cummings · Post by **Steven Cummings** » 6 Sep 2014 10:42 am

Maybe upon contacting the manufacturer and stating the concern they may possibly willing to assist.

Just a thought.
Good luck with it. $:\$

Dom Franco · Post by **Dom Franco** » 6 Sep 2014 11:14 am

can you just drill out the hole to a larger size?
Dom

Lev Liberman · Post by **Lev Liberman** » 6 Sep 2014 4:33 pm

The Hipshot folks in my experience tend to respond quickly to a personal query. I bet they'd be willing to swap a new unit for your old one.

Steve Cunningham · Post by **Steve Cunningham** » 7 Sep 2014 11:03 am

I bought one a couple of years ago...I use a .060 for my low string with no problem at all.

Todd Clinesmith · Post by **Todd Clinesmith** » 7 Sep 2014 8:14 pm

I'd check with the mfg. and get back to us with a report. With a topic title like you have, I would hate to see the company lose business over an old issue they have corrected. A lot of people curios of the trilogy system doing searches will find your topic and may be turned off to a good product.
Todd

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 8 Sep 2014 6:45 am

They also make a roller nut: