The Steel Guitar Forum

Okay...so I'm new to pedal steel but totally enjoying it with an old MSA SD-10 I got from a forum member. I'm thinking about getting a double neck to play C6 but don't have a ton of money.

Do you think I should get a double or get another single and tune it to C6? My SD is SO HEAVY, so I'm wondering if I'm better off getting a single instead.

Your thoughts and opinions would be much appreciated and if you have a lead on any deals or how much I really need to spend. I do need something that is mechanically sound as I know nothing about how to repair them and the nearest guy to me is quite a ways a way. Thanks in advance.

Some modern D10s weigh about the same or less, than the old MSA SD10 (Carter, GFI, etc.). Also, you might be a candidate for a single body 12-string universal to expand your learning into the 6th neck. One way or another, I highly recommend trying a 6th neck, but I wouldn't want to give up E9.

Keep in mind that standard E9 contains two 6th tunings:

1. B6 with the E lower lever
2. A6 with AB pedals down

You'll need to skip the 9th string with both and of course leave out the top 2 chromatic strings. It's not the same as having all those C6 pedals, but it's better than nothing! And its free!!

Right now I have C# on my ninth string and the A pedal drops the 10th string B to A instead of rising up to C#. With the AB pedals down this gives you:

3 - A
4 - E
5 - C#
6 - A
7 - F# (6th)
8 - E
9 - C#
10 - A

E flat lever gives you:

3 - G# (6th)
4 - D#
5 - B
6 - G# (6th)
7 - F#
8 - D#
9 - C# (9th)
10 - B