Help with split tuning on a Carter SD10

Lanny Carnley · Post by **Lanny Carnley** » 14 Jul 2023 8:52 am

Is there anyone in the deep east Texas or Dallas or Houston area that can help me retune my split tuning on my Carter SD10. I've followed the instructions in the owners manual but it doesn't seem to work. Thanks.

Steve Lipsey · Post by **Steve Lipsey** » 14 Jul 2023 12:37 pm

First, is this what you did? Is it the G on string 6 you are asking about?
1. Tune the raise G#-A normally
2. With the lower that (without the split) would tune G#->F#, instead use it to tune G#->G with both G#-F# lever and B pedal engaged
3. Use the split raise rod with just G#-F# engaged to fix the offset on the F#.

If it isn't clear which nylon tuners do what, you can look underneath and figure it out...the G#-F# lever will have both a lower (normal one) and a raise (split tuner)

Lanny Carnley · Post by **Lanny Carnley** » 14 Jul 2023 5:20 pm

Yeah, that's the way I did it but now after tuning the lower to G with B pedal and G# to F# lever both engaged my open G# is detuned and I can't figure out whats going on. It seems like I have to run my nylon nut for the lower in farther than before.

Steve Lipsey · Post by **Steve Lipsey** » 14 Jul 2023 5:37 pm

Sounds like an issue win not enough slack somewhere in the linkage…

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 14 Jul 2023 7:04 pm

Perhaps "overtuning" is the issue.

Carefully read Jon Light's post, which is a "sticky" up above.

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=326460

Del Hillier · Post by **Del Hillier** » 15 Aug 2023 12:22 am

I had the same problem with my Carter. My solution was simply to change the string to a different one! At the time I was experimenting with different strings and some of them threw off my split tuning...not sure why, but I would try to go with the strings recommended for your guitar or contact Steel Guitars of Canada with your question.

Del

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 15 Aug 2023 4:11 am

Del Hillier wrote:I had the same problem with my Carter. My solution was simply to change the string to a different one! At the time I was experimenting with different strings and some of them threw off my split tuning...not sure why, but I would try to go with the strings recommended for your guitar or contact Steel Guitars of Canada with your question.

Del

If I'm not mistaken, Al closed down and retired.

Paul Redmond · Post by **Paul Redmond** » 15 Aug 2023 12:58 pm

Call Michael Small in Austin TX at (714)717-7218.
PRR

Del Hillier · Post by **Del Hillier** » 16 Aug 2023 7:42 am

Thanks Richard, I did not realize Steel Guitars of Canada had shut town. I sure wish Al Brisco the best - he is a really great guy. When I purchased my first pedal steel guitar (I knew nothing about them) I actually emailed Al a couple links to pedal steels that were available on Craigslist in Vancouver. Turned out one of them was a guitar he likely sold himself (had the SGC sticker on it). Anyhow, I was lucky because I was also looking at another guitar that was (and now I can tell) obviously in need of repair and refurnishing (it was a home made steel). Thanks to Al, he helped me pick the right guitar. I bought a few things from his store over the years and he was always great to order from.

Just last month I bought my second Carter from someone who had purchased it from SGC back in 2001 - haha, I have become a loyal Carter player I guess!

Del

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 16 Aug 2023 10:50 am

Del Hillier wrote:Thanks Richard, I did not realize Steel Guitars of Canada had shut town. I sure wish Al Brisco the best - he is a really great guy. When I purchased my first pedal steel guitar (I knew nothing about them) I actually emailed Al a couple links to pedal steels that were available on Craigslist in Vancouver. Turned out one of them was a guitar he likely sold himself (had the SGC sticker on it). Anyhow, I was lucky because I was also looking at another guitar that was (and now I can tell) obviously in need of repair and refurnishing (it was a home made steel). Thanks to Al, he helped me pick the right guitar. I bought a few things from his store over the years and he was always great to order from.

Just last month I bought my second Carter from someone who had purchased it from SGC back in 2001 - haha, I have become a loyal Carter player I guess!

Del

Him closing down is a great loss to the steel guitar world. He was such a great source.