The Steel Guitar Forum

Anyone ever convert a single ten to C6? Any concerns ?

I've never done it, but as long as you've got enough parts, I think you'd be fine. There aren't going any problems with the guitar "handling" it...as long as it is desinged to take all the mechanics you'll need to add. (ie: more pedals and pulls)

What brand/model is it?

If you have gauged nut rollers, you'll have to get a new set for the thicker strings.

Make sure that the guitar supports triple raises. Most C6th copedents these days raise the A to B on pedals 4 and 7, and to Bb on a knee lever.

You might need more pull rods and bell cranks. Count your parts carefully before you tear down the E9th.

Steve if the changer has the claw and not the pin you can not get your string,s for a C6th to fit the changer. You would have to drill some of them out. Like going from a 36-38 to a 70 guage.==Jim Harper

Some excellent points, thanks. As of this time , I`m not sure which brand. I have a student who is making great progress on A6 non-pedal , wants to play C6 pedal, not interested in E9. Contenders are mid70`s MSA, GFI, and others. Needs to be fairly modern as I`m likely doing the conversion.

Steve if the changer has the claw and not the pin you can not get your string,s for a C6th to fit the changer. You would have to drill some of them out. Like going from a 36-38 to a 70 guage.

I'm not entirely sure what Jim is referring to, but if he means what I call the notch type of string attachment at the changer, all I can say is that at least Sho-Bud changers with the notches aren't different on E9th and C6th necks. It's a little more trouble putting the low C6th strings on, but it can be easily done without modifying the changer finger notch. You just prepare the string by grabbing the ball end of the string with needlenose pliers and bend it 90 degrees, so that the round side of the "ball", NOT the flat side with the hole, will face the finger, then hook it under the notch.

I wanted to change my Zum from E9th to C6th and called Bruce and he told me i would have to drill the changer out to accept the larger string,s for E9th. That is all i know about that. I didn,t change them==Jim Harper

That should have said C6th==Jim Harper

This used to come up about every 6 months and some of the mechanical issues are well covered above, if your student is just getting started then perhaps you could do without the big low C string completely if the guitar won't handle it(I put a D, octave lower than the first string D, on mine and it also saved me from having to come up with more bell cranks). If you are talking about converting a standard 3+4 e9 then the main decision you have to make is whether to put the 6'th or the 7'th pedal on a knee lever. I used the 6'th when I tried it but I think most that have done this conversion use the 7'th.