String guage

ryan weatherston · Post by **ryan weatherston** » 4 Mar 2001 8:12 pm

What string guage is best for a 6 string steel tuned to E6th? Also does anyone know where i can get an 8 string lap steel at a reasonable price? Thanks
Ryan

Aaron Schiff · Post by **Aaron Schiff** » 4 Mar 2001 9:20 pm

Ted Smith @ Smith Family Music. Take a look at the Lap Steel TD-8, I have...often. Check the links at the top of the page to go to his web site.

Ian McLatchie · Post by **Ian McLatchie** » 5 Mar 2001 3:46 pm

Ryan: I don't think I've ever come across an E6 tuning, and am not quite sure what voicings it may contain. Is it (top to bottom) G#-E-C#-B-G#-E? If that's the case, I'd go for gauges in the range of .011, .015,
.017, .019, .022, .030.

As for a reasonably priced, high quality 8-string, definitely Melobar.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Ian McLatchie on 05 March 2001 at 03:48 PM.]</p></FONT>

ryan weatherston · Post by **ryan weatherston** » 5 Mar 2001 7:17 pm

Ian - you put the same tunig that i am using.

this is all pretty new to me, i ahve been playing guitar since i was in junior high but steel is definitly different and alot of fun. I tuned my guitar to the E6th today and figured out that Patsy Cline "i went walking after midnight" or what ever it is called. it was pretty easy to play in that tuning.

by the way i went to melobar's homepage today i believe at smith family music but could not find much info there. Where can i buy one at?
Thanks
ryan

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 5 Mar 2001 7:26 pm

Hi Ryan- A good way to figure it is use the same strings used on a E9 standard tuning.

It is awful close. All those notes mentioned are on a E9 set except the C#, and you can use the 2nd string D# string for that tuned down to C#. Remember for Non-pedal use, go for the slightly heavier gauge, for a more rounded tone. Bottom line use 6 strings of an E9 10 string set. OK?.....al