What string gauge for 23" scale Gibson BR-6
Moderator: Brad Bechtel
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What string gauge for 23" scale Gibson BR-6
Hi,
So, I just got this beautiful Gibson BR-6 which is ònly 23" scale. Right now the strings on it are way too light (something like .011-.050) , and I was wondering what gauge would be the best fit for it? Maybe something like .017-.060?
*EDIT: And I'm playing in Open D tuning.
Also, picture:
Thanks,
Hans
So, I just got this beautiful Gibson BR-6 which is ònly 23" scale. Right now the strings on it are way too light (something like .011-.050) , and I was wondering what gauge would be the best fit for it? Maybe something like .017-.060?
*EDIT: And I'm playing in Open D tuning.
Also, picture:
Thanks,
Hans
Last edited by Hans Henrik Rasmussen on 26 Nov 2014 6:20 am, edited 2 times in total.
Tabs for songs by Kelly Joe Phelps and other artists at my website: www.hhrasmussen.dk/music
- Jack Hanson
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- Joined: 19 Jun 2012 3:42 pm
- Location: San Luis Valley, USA
Nice looking BR-6, Hans.
The gauge of string is dependent on the tuning(s) you want to play.
Most of the time, I play C6 tuning. After some experimentation, here are the gauges I have come to prefer on my Gibson lap steels, which are all approximately 22-1/2" scale:
E .017
C .020
A .024p
G .026w
E .032
C .038
The above gauges work fine for A6 and B11 as well.
Although some may be appropriate for low-bass G, A, D, or E tunings, as a rule, standard guitar sets are usually not the best for lap steel. It's better to purchase strings by the gauge, not the set.
Here is a link to a chart courtesy of John Ely that will get you started:
http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/graphics/p ... _chart.pdf
A degree of experimentation will probably be needed before you find out what works best for you on any particular instrument.
The gauge of string is dependent on the tuning(s) you want to play.
Most of the time, I play C6 tuning. After some experimentation, here are the gauges I have come to prefer on my Gibson lap steels, which are all approximately 22-1/2" scale:
E .017
C .020
A .024p
G .026w
E .032
C .038
The above gauges work fine for A6 and B11 as well.
Although some may be appropriate for low-bass G, A, D, or E tunings, as a rule, standard guitar sets are usually not the best for lap steel. It's better to purchase strings by the gauge, not the set.
Here is a link to a chart courtesy of John Ely that will get you started:
http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/graphics/p ... _chart.pdf
A degree of experimentation will probably be needed before you find out what works best for you on any particular instrument.
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- Posts: 99
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- Location: Denmark, Copenhagen
Oh, sorry, I forgot to write that I'm playing in Open D tuning - guess that makes my suggested gauge a bit more realistic
And I've played lap slide for several years - just never experienced such a short scale.
Thanks,
Hans
And I've played lap slide for several years - just never experienced such a short scale.
Thanks,
Hans
Tabs for songs by Kelly Joe Phelps and other artists at my website: www.hhrasmussen.dk/music
- Stephen Cowell
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I'd for for a standard electric guitar set, as heavy as you can get.... the high string wants to be near .013. Heres a set that would work:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DRDDT13
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DRDDT13
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- Erv Niehaus
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- Posts: 99
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- Location: Denmark, Copenhagen
Thanks for the replies everyone!
@Joe Burke: Great to hear! What gauge are you using for Open D (if you ever play in that tuning)?
@Joe Burke: Great to hear! What gauge are you using for Open D (if you ever play in that tuning)?
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- George Piburn
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Open D Gauges
GeorgeBoards open D ship with
lo to hi
D=060 A= 046 D= 036 F#= 026w A= 022p D= 015p
Open E Ship with
E= 056 B= 042 E= 032w G#= 024p B=020p E=013p
We came to these gauges from both b0b's string gauge chart and John Ely's chart.
Our open 6 strings are also 23 scale.
lo to hi
D=060 A= 046 D= 036 F#= 026w A= 022p D= 015p
Open E Ship with
E= 056 B= 042 E= 032w G#= 024p B=020p E=013p
We came to these gauges from both b0b's string gauge chart and John Ely's chart.
Our open 6 strings are also 23 scale.
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- Posts: 99
- Joined: 24 Jul 2007 7:48 pm
- Location: Denmark, Copenhagen
Perfect George! I'll give those gauges a go.
Thanks for the help,
Hans
Thanks for the help,
Hans
Tabs for songs by Kelly Joe Phelps and other artists at my website: www.hhrasmussen.dk/music