The Steel Guitar Forum

Perhaps I know some of you already from Reso-Nation. I'm Will Andrew. I'm a guitarist and square neck resonator musician from Southern Ca. I play locally in the San Diego area.
I'm getting more and more obsessed with steel. I've played a 57 New Yorker for a while, now I've just picked up a Fender Dual 8 Pro. I'm loving it and can't put it down. It's got that sound I've been after for years. So I'll be wood shedding this baby for a bit.

I've tuned the front neck to G6 (same as C6 down a 4th) and the back neck to E13.

Seems I may have to learn much of the sound direct from recordings. And figuring it out for myself. Theory has helped me before. I'm looking for any information regarding 8 string technique, music, repair, etc. Looking forward to getting to know you all.

Run now, while you still can.

Welcome aboard. I know a guy who plays in G6 tuning and it sounds great. I realize it's probably out of your familiarity with the dobro tuning that you want to stay in G tonality, but you might find A6 to be a little more learner friendly. Another thing, A6 can easily be tweaked to C6 tuning or B11 by changing only a few notes. Think about it.

Thanks, I appreciate that. I've given it alot of thought. I'm using from the bottom E G B D E G B D.

I play alot of dobro in G tuning. G6 gives me instant gratification. I've already know the G6 fretboard and lots of music in G tuning, so that makes switching off with dobro easier. The time I spend on one reinforces the other, regarding note placement. The lower register of the G6 has a deeper sound that I think sounds great.

On the other hand, the higher register of the C6 may cut better in a band situation? And much of the available music appears to be in C6. I may have to use the other neck for C6 for learning purposes. Perhaps I'm missing something?

I'm also really digging the E13 tuning for western swing and blues, wow.

Of course I've also given thought to going to pedal steel, but that's another story altogether ... This Dual 8 has great tone, is light, I can play it standing and is simple.

Another thing, A6 can easily be tweaked to C6 tuning or B11 by changing only a few notes.

I imagine I can also retune G6 in a similar way. Which notes are you referring to?

Welcome to the forum Will, with questions like those you will get pages of answers, everyone has their comfort zone and you appear to be in yours, but if you have two necks, why not experiment.

James.

Will, A6 is usually tuned just like your G6 but one whole step higher. Hi-Lo: E-C#-A-F#-E-C#-A-F#. Now "High C6th" is tuned the same way except it's another 1-1/2 steps higher, but Jerry Byrd's C6th is tuned (Hi-Lo): E-C-A-G-E-C-A-G. You could do a similar thing from G6 to Bb6.

--Jamie

Thanks for the welcome guys.

That Jerry Byrd tuning looks interesting. Same chords available. I like the idea of having 1-3-5-6-1 on higher strings. But...

For now I'll be sticking with G6, C6 and E13. Thanks for the suggestions.

BTW, I was surprised to get my magazines so fast. Thanks!

Does anyone know the type of finish and stain was original on the dark colored 53" Fender dual 8 pro?

Also, what about replacement tuners? I'll bet that's been a sore subject around here.

We know each other. Welcome aboard, Will.

My Fender is a few years newer than yours

http://www.joeyace.com/59sm.htm

so do we call you will andrew or will jaffe?

chris ivey wrote:so do we call you will andrew or will jaffe?

Hi Will! I've wondered that myself.

ha ha ... hey guys. Andrew is my middle name, thus Will Andrew on Resonation. Just call me Will or what ever suits the moment.

My square neck is getting a little less attention this week due to this old Fender Dual 8. It's keeping me up late ha.

Hey Chris and Greg! What non-pedal's are you guys playing and what tuning's are you using?

Joey that String Master is one sweeeeeet looker. I was considering one, but my local steel shop had none to test drive. Freddy was with me. I have the good fortune to live near North County Steel Guitars.

I wonder if we could get Cindy to give a steel class at the Summit next year???

Nice to run into you guys!

I'm sure Cindy wouldn't mind.
Rob and Betty are another story.
We could try to lure her away....

If you're ever looking one, send me a PM.
It's just sitting under my bed lookin for love, and gaining value.

Do you know you can tell the scale length by counting the fret markers? Sometimes we see Stingmaster pix and someones asks "What's the scale?".

The cool dudes just look at the picture and tell.