The Steel Guitar Forum

The nuts and bolts of the problematic 3rd string breakage lies in its delicate .011 gauge make-up. Perhaps the average steel guitarist has not taken into account the inability of the string to sustain the unreasonable trauma inflicted upon it. To even imagine semi-looping the steel spring wire at a ninty degree angle, warrants intervention, and modifications. The third string has subjected many steel guitarists to countless hours of frustation. Where will it end? The solution is to recognize the third string for what it is. Then proceed to measure the stress points accurately, and relieve the tension by mechanical means. This would feature less angle at the changer, plus a carefully placed mini-compression spring in front of the string ball. The device would tend to reduce the over-kill of the steel picks. Raising the string's pitch at the opposite end of the steel guitar with a "Golo" will surprisingly reduce string trauma. The flimsy third string would be raised at both ends, 1/4 tone.
Larry S.

The air question is difficult.
1. This is a fireside chat subject. Many unanswered questions of the like would follow.

Bill H. <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 24 March 2002 at 11:34 AM.]</p></FONT>

"Why is there air?"

Bill Cosby posed this same question many, many years ago. He came to the conclusion that it was developed for the inflation of volley balls.

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Lee, from South Texas<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Lee Baucum on 24 March 2002 at 09:18 AM.]</p></FONT>

<SMALL>"Why is there air?"</SMALL>

I can't tell you why,... only where.

Hot Busty Broads

Jimbeaux, I don't tell no tales!

<SMALL>why is there air?</SMALL>

'cause it elps keep the sun off ya ead, mate.

Just take a little sand paper and W/D40 with you when the string get a little rusty it works.
Sam White<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Samuel E. White on 24 March 2002 at 12:09 PM.]</p></FONT>

I dunno, Larry. I'm a city boy, and I stay at home.

Jim, I want NO excuses, I just don't like to roam!

And I don't like being alone!
<font size=1>(are we done yet? )</font>

Aw Jim, I thought you might like to do a verse and a chorus of "Everybody's Wrong!"

I would have, but nowadays Clancy can't even sing...

I guess I'll just LEAVE!

Well, when you do, Larry, be sure to go and say goodbye, or you'll have to pay the price (for what it's worth).

OK Jim, you win!! I can't go through this AGAIN, so this is the LAST TIME AROUND! <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Larry Miller on 25 March 2002 at 03:57 AM.]</p></FONT>

For sale 12- .011 (not bent), MAKE OFFER.
Solved the 3rd string breakage problem. Removed the B pedal rod. Video instructions to follow.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Reggie Duncan on 25 March 2002 at 05:33 AM.]</p></FONT>

Earnest B.

More than likely, the excessive third string breakage will continue to try the patience of steel guitarists, unless.... at last.... someone who has taken the study of metals seriously, and has the knowledge to produce a break-resistant string. At this point, no further thoughts need to be wasted on a proven fact. The 3rd string's tenacity, simply does not begin to serve its purpose when it is subjected to the G# pitch. Great efforts should be made to explore an alternative metal, or alloy, which would resist breakage far beyond the common steel string as we know it. The E9th chromatic tuning would then be virtually free of the third string blight. The second option is turning to precise mechanical devices.

Bill H. <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 27 March 2002 at 06:45 AM.]</p></FONT>

I've heard of a '69 Emmons D-10 9/6 with the original strings still on it. Hey, you couldn't beat that with a drum stick. 33 years on a .010 !! That what they were using back in '69; weren't they ??

Regards, Paul

Some practical advice. When you see it starting stretch really quickly, move you hand quicker.

I feel like listening to some old Buffalo Springfield songs for some reason.

Don't go there, Rich. Flyin' on the ground is wrong.

Jim. Sit down. I think I love you. (anyway, I'd like to try)

Fuggedaboutit, Good Time Boy. You don't want me: I am a child, and besides, I'm hung upside down.

Yes, I know that about you. I too have been Burned, and with both feet on the ground.