Open G to Open C6

Paul Handley · Post by **Paul Handley** » 24 Mar 2021 2:08 am

Hi!
The strings that came with my SX 3 LS were for Open G. Can I retune to Open C6 without fear of breakage?
Thanks,
Paul

Jack Hanson · Post by **Jack Hanson** » 24 Mar 2021 3:06 am

Possible, but unlikely. Spring for a new set of strings and the Georgeboards conversion kit.

Nic Neufeld · Post by **Nic Neufeld** » 24 Mar 2021 9:34 am

I thought the Georgeboards conversion kit was for the Rogue lap steel, that is 21" scale length? Looks like the SX 3 model is already 22.75" scale...

But yeah, if they are actual open G tuning strings (or standard EADGBE even) you want to get a new set to go to C6, the intervals are much closer so the string gauges are not terribly interchangeable. You're unlikely to find those strings in a local guitar shop (unless you assemble a set custom from loose strings) but you can find them pretty readily online (make sure not to buy the -pedal- C6 strings or you'll be getting more than you need).

Paul Handley · Post by **Paul Handley** » 25 Mar 2021 12:49 pm

Nic are you saying that I CAN retune the Open G strings that came with my SX 3 to C6?

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 25 Mar 2021 1:02 pm

The string gauges for C6 tuning are pitched much higher in the bass notes than those for open G tuning.

Code: Select all

C6  G
=====
E    D
C    B
A    G
G    D
E    B
C    G

You could tune the top string down from E to D, the second string down from C to B, the third string down from A to G, no problem. Tuning the fourth string from G to D, the fifth string from E to B, and the sixth string from C to G will not give you good results.

Either tune your open G strings to A6 or buy two sets of strings.

Stephen Cowell · Post by **Stephen Cowell** » 25 Mar 2021 1:11 pm

Paul Handley wrote:Nic are you saying that I CAN retune the Open G strings that came with my SX 3 to C6?

No. GBDGBD cannot go to CEGACE... the lowest three strings are problematic... G is a fourth below C, B is a fourth below E, D is a fourth below G. You might be able to squeeze A6... A C# E G# A C... the low strings go up a step at most. Or G6... G B D E G B... take off the top three and put a .022 plain on for the E, move the other two up. Of course you couldn't do the same with the lower course for C6, since the strings get shorter with 3-on-a-side.

Best is just to buy some strings and try it... you might not like it... it takes you from Dobro-land to lapsteel-land in a hurry.

Nic Neufeld · Post by **Nic Neufeld** » 25 Mar 2021 1:31 pm

Yes, sorry if I was unclear, but as others state you should not try to tune open G strings up to C6...tension would be way too high for those gauges.

Paul Handley · Post by **Paul Handley** » 25 Mar 2021 2:12 pm

OK Gotcha! Thanks. I was intending to order a C6 set from Amazon anyway, just wanted to try it out first. Don't want to ruin my LS though. I've never changed strings in a guitar before, I'm just a little nervous.

Do you think my local store would be able to change the strings on a lap steel? I know they don't carry them.

Nic Neufeld · Post by **Nic Neufeld** » 25 Mar 2021 2:29 pm

Paul Handley wrote: Do you think my local store would be able to change the strings on a lap steel? I know they don't carry them.

Easiest way there, if you don't want to wait for ordering strings, would be to patch together a set either from spares they have on hand, or from a combination of an existing conventional guitar set plus some spares to fill in the gaps.

Using a commercially available C6 set as a reference...SIT C6:
.015, .018, .022, .024, .030, .036
Or John Pearse C6:
.015, .017, .020, .024, .030, .034

Then picking a set of regular guitar strings that match up to at least several of those gauges and see if the shop has a bin of loose strings that you could find the missing ones in. You've got some leeway there so you don't have to be spot on.

Allan Revich · Post by **Allan Revich** » 25 Mar 2021 3:42 pm

Paul Handley wrote:OK Gotcha! Thanks. I was intending to order a C6 set from Amazon anyway, just wanted to try it out first. Don't want to ruin my LS though. I've never changed strings in a guitar before, I'm just a little nervous.

Do you think my local store would be able to change the strings on a lap steel? I know they don't carry them.

Paul, youâ€™re going to want to change your own strings. Get either a clip-on tuner or a tuner pedal though. And a wire clipper to clip off the long string ends. It also helps to do one string at a time instead of all six at once. This will also make it easier to avoid tuning an octave too high. Lap steels are pretty sturdy. Youâ€™re more likely to break strings than to damage the guitar.

Here is what it should sound like:
https://youtu.be/Y-wg4NzMFm4

Basic string changes
https://youtu.be/uqWyiIQr1e4