Setting tuning for 8 pedals and 5 levers on Fessenden Dbl 10

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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Donald Maresh
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Joined: 30 Mar 2022 6:42 pm
Location: Arizona, USA

Setting tuning for 8 pedals and 5 levers on Fessenden Dbl 10

Post by Donald Maresh »

I own a Fessenden Double 10
8 pedals / 5 levers.
I need to know what notes all pedals and levers should bend up or down to on both E9 and C6 necks.
Thank You! (New to the steel world)
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Bryan Crowley
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Joined: 30 Jun 2017 8:15 pm
Location: Crescent, Oklahoma

Fessenden Tuning

Post by Bryan Crowley »

Hi Donald. This is a standard copedent chart for C6 and E9
Image
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Ken Pippus
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Joined: 8 Feb 2007 7:55 am
Location: Langford, BC, Canada

Post by Ken Pippus »

Be aware that the setup on your guitar may be substantially different than that chart. It would be a good idea to have somebody give you a hand the first time you try to tune it, unless you spend some time figuring it out yourself.

The chart is a pretty typical set up, but certainly not universal, especially with respect to knee levers.

And C6 C-B on string 3 is way more common on RKL than RKR.
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Jerry Overstreet
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Joined: 11 Jul 2000 12:01 am
Location: Louisville Ky

Post by Jerry Overstreet »

Congratulations on entering this mad world of pedal steel.

I'm in agreement with Ken. There's gotta be someone in your area of Arizona that can evaluate your setup and help you along with it. That would be my recommendation versus piece mealing info here on the forum even though we are all willing to help where we can. Good Luck.
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Richard Sinkler
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Joined: 15 Aug 1998 12:01 am
Location: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Post by Richard Sinkler »

Ken is correct that your guitar may not be set up exactly like the chart, but most likely will have all or most of those changes. I would tune the open strings as the chart lists them (that is pretty standard). Then push each pedal and lever and note which strings change pitch, and if they raise or lower that pitch by one or two half steps (or lower 3 on P8 on C6 string 10). You'll probably find you have most or all the changes on the chart.
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, NV400, NV112 . Playing for 53 years and still counting.
Tom Gorr
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Joined: 12 Sep 2000 12:01 am
Location: Three Hills, Alberta

Post by Tom Gorr »

Might want to post a picture of the tuning endplate, and a few pics of the undercarriage so we can see what you have on your steel as there are many alternate ways to set up a steel guitar.

Most players of experience can tell you what your specific copedent (eg. Pitch changes for each lever) is by looking at such pictures, then you can tune accordingly and get on with playing.

BTW - congrats on your Fessy. I have one, and am very happy with it.
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