The Steel Guitar Forum

I'm experimenting with C6, E7 and E6 tunings. I'm finding string sets available for the first two, but what gauge strings would you recommend for E6 on a Chandler Studio 6 lap steel? Also, his guitar measures 23 1/2 from nut to bridge, so is that it's scale?

Thanks in advance,
Paul

Determine what notes you want to use for E6 and the order. Then check this chart for gauge.
http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/learning/gauges.html

Paul, the distance from nut to bridge is the "scale".
For E6 tuning, here are some recommended gauges:
[tab]G# - .012
E - .015
C# - .018
B - .022
G# - .024
E - .028
C# - .030
A - .042[/tab]
I get my strings from b0b right here on the forum - nickel Jagwires.
He'll make up sets in your desired gauges at no extra charge - and shipping is free.
Just click on "Strings" at the top left.

I always suggest starting with a 16 on the top string (up to G#) and staying as light as tonefully possible thruout, especially at the higher end above the 12th fret. Let your ears be the guide. What sounds good at one end of the guitar doesn't always sound best at the other.

For a studio 6 you can just use the top six strings of Mr. Alexander's suggestions above. A Chandler is an excellent choice of guitars. My favorite electric. But I'm sure Mr. Chandler told me that the scale was 23 even. It doesn't matter very much in the scheme of things until you think you might want to try another guitar. You'd be amazed in the difference of feel between a 23 and either a 22 1/2 or a 24 1/2. One of the reasons I love the Chandler so much is that combination of the 23 inch scale and the string spacing (5/16 at the nut and 7/16 at the bridge). Absolutely perfect.

Edward, I'm glad you cleared that up.
I figured it would be 23" even - like the old Nationals.
23" is a nice comfortable scale length . .

Thanks to all for your replies, they really help this old guy re-learn this beautiful instrument.

Edward,
I couldn't agree with you more about this Chandler Studio 6. I just re-measured from nut to bridge and the ruler says 23 1/2 inches.

Sorry for the multiple posts, don't know what happened. Moderator please go ahead and delete the first two.

Thanks again,
Paul

I think I would probably start out with the following guages:
G# .013p
E .015p
C# .018p
B .020p
G# .022w
E .030w
and then adjust from there. Perhaps a .020w for the (B), if available.