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Post new topic Keeping the low C/B in tune ?
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Author Topic:  Keeping the low C/B in tune ?
Olli Haavisto


From:
Jarvenpaa,Finland
Post  Posted 9 Jul 2006 2:31 am    
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I`ve gone through about 10 pedal steels over the years and all of them have had the same problem: the low C (or B on the uni) is hard to keep in tune . Any tips or suggestions that might help ?

Thanks !

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Olli Haavisto,
Finland



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Hook Moore


From:
South Charleston,West Virginia
Post  Posted 9 Jul 2006 4:26 am    
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Olli, I`ve never had a problem keeping any string in tune. If your speaking of the low C or B going out of tune from bar pressure, go with a heavier gauge string. I believe the Big E uses a .079 on the low C mainly because of that. If I misunderstood your question, just disregard
Hook

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www.HookMoore.com
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Donny Hinson

 

From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
Post  Posted 9 Jul 2006 4:48 am    
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When you put a string on, make sure you take your finger and press down firmly on the string on both sides of the nut. Heavy strings have a tendency to "arch" where they go over the roller, and will take quite a while to "settle down" if you don't do this.
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Jim Sliff


From:
Lawndale California, USA
Post  Posted 9 Jul 2006 6:00 am    
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Exactly what Donny said.

One other thing - ensure that there is no gap between string and tuning post. Make sure to push it down tight - it's another area that needs to settle down. This and what Donny talks about is true of all heavier strings on ALL guitars - pedal steel, 6-string, and especially bass.
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Bobby Lee


From:
Cloverdale, California, USA
Post  Posted 9 Jul 2006 6:26 am    
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Mine has a lot of hysteresis detuning between pedal 5 and pedal 8.
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Olli Haavisto


From:
Jarvenpaa,Finland
Post  Posted 9 Jul 2006 6:36 am    
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Thanks for the replies !
The main problem is the C returning sharp especially after engaging the 8th pedal.

------------------
Olli Haavisto,
Finland



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Jack Stoner


From:
Kansas City, MO
Post  Posted 9 Jul 2006 6:40 am    
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The returning sharp or "hysterisis" is a common problem. I had it on my 71 PP Emmons and it drove me crazy. My Franklin has a "compensator" for the hysterisis and the main selling point when I bought it new in 81.
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Don McClellan

 

From:
California/Thailand
Post  Posted 9 Jul 2006 1:37 pm    
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Hi fellas, Buddy Emmons uses a .079? Holy cow! Do you also know what he uses for his 9th and 8th strings? That tip about pushing the strings down sounds good. Thanks. Don
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Larry Bell


From:
Englewood, Florida
Post  Posted 9 Jul 2006 2:46 pm    
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I've been using a 079 for years -- the GeorgeL compound wound

Much beefier sound, lasts longer, and it seems to return and stay in tune much better than the smaller strings.

YMMV

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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
My CD's: 'I've Got Friends in COLD Places' - 'Pedal Steel Guitar'
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S/D-12 6x6, 1984 Sho-Bud S/D-12 7x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps
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Bobby Lee


From:
Cloverdale, California, USA
Post  Posted 9 Jul 2006 2:49 pm    
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Buddy uses: .016 .015 .017 .020 .026 .030 .036 .042 .058 .079

These gauges are available as #J-C6-HS Heavy C6th Stainless from the Forum catalog.
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Don McClellan

 

From:
California/Thailand
Post  Posted 9 Jul 2006 4:59 pm    
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Would it be necessary to use any other guages if you're playing B6th? Thanks, Don

[This message was edited by Don McClellan on 09 July 2006 at 05:59 PM.]

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Bobby Lee


From:
Cloverdale, California, USA
Post  Posted 9 Jul 2006 7:20 pm    
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Not if you're using a longer scale length.
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Larry Bell


From:
Englewood, Florida
Post  Posted 9 Jul 2006 8:50 pm    
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I use the same gauges as the lowest 6 in Buddy's set for E9/B6 and they work great. 1/2 step doesn't really make that much difference.

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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
My CD's: 'I've Got Friends in COLD Places' - 'Pedal Steel Guitar'
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S/D-12 6x6, 1984 Sho-Bud S/D-12 7x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps
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