The Steel Guitar Forum

Hi All,

Just picked up this National D8.

I need an adaptor for the pickup (Amphenol, I believe?). I've search this site and been to their website and can't seem to find any, and those I do find there's no shipping to Canada. Any suggestions?

Also,

I'd like to start out with a C6/A7 tuning on the back and E13 on the front. Any suggestions for gauges?

I'm new at this so any and all advice cheerfully taken!

Nice National Steve!

For the jack adapter, Switchcraft makes these http://www.ebay.com/itm/301151151796

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And here is a flexible version http://www.ebay.com/itm/291142068309

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Hey thanks, Tom!

Which tuning do you plan to use the most? I play E13 and either C6, A6 or G6. I eventually decided to put the E13 closest to me. Many of the old-time players put the E13 on the near-neck and the C6 on the front neck. A typical D10 is opposite. Also, if one neck has a slightly higher output because the pickup is stronger, put the tuning with the smaller string gauges on it. My E13 and C6 are pretty close in gauges, but my A6 or G6 tunings are way heavier than the E13, so they are naturally louder. I put the thinner strings on the fatter pickup to help balance the output. Just my 2 cents.

Hey Rick, thanks for the advice! Well taken.

I plan on using the C6/A7 the most, as I've never touched an E13.

What tuning/gauges would you rec. for E13?

Thanks again!

steve

Here are some gauges you are looking for
http://www.steelguitarshopper.com/categ ... el-guitar/

Many thanks, Peter!

One thing I don't like about the adapters is that, when combined with a 1/4" plug, you've got this 4" appendage sticking out of your guitar just waiting to get snapped or bent. Using a guitar cable with a right angle plug will reduce this somewhat but it's still kind of awkward. A better option might be to purchase a cable that already has the screw-on connector attached. Harmonica players use these all the time with their old bullet mics. I know this guy, Greg Heumann, does good work:

http://www.blowsmeaway.com/micmods.html

Not cheap, $25 to build a cable + $1 per foot, but worth it in the long run. I make up my own cables that probably aren't as good as his so I carry an adapter like the top one shown above in case of emergencies.

I replaced the original jack on my National T8 with a standard 1/4" jack. After doing this, no special cables or adapters needed.

Thank you all...I just ordered Andy Volk's string book. Appreciate all your advice...

Larry, how involved of a process is the replacement. Im not handy and would have to pay someone to do it. Very involved?

Hi steve

you have what looks to be a very nice National.

My suggestion would be not to mess with a great original guitar and change the jack......You can source a brand new cable that will screw right on......I will search for the one I have and send you the name of manufacture

regards
mike

I have never played a National and don't know how they sound, but I sure love the looks. Like a piece of art deco sculpture. Congrats and enjoy!

Steve - I use C13 on my closest neck and B11 on my other one. Jerry Byrd's book of lessons (which you can buy at Scotty's - http://www.scottysmusic.com/) contains a table showing how you can select string gauges which are good for C, E, A, and B tunings. It's a great book which comes with 2 CD's.

Mike, Tim and Jack,

Thanks very much for your assistance and insight!

I went to an electronics supply store and the owner looked at the pickup and thankfully was not totally puzzled...he says he may have some left at his warehouse, awaiting a call from him.

Mike, I would be very interested in the make of your cable!

Not sure I have the guts yet to go switching pickups.

I strung it up last night with C6/A7 and E13...what a world of possibilities!

Cheers, All.

Search for "vintage microphone cable" and you'll find lots of resources.

Here's the product page on the Switchcraft website.

Sorry it took me so long to reply. I was having computer problems. As I remember changing the jacks was a relatively simple process. I may have had to remove some wood from under the plate to date accommodate the new jack. Other than that I just removed the original jack and soldered in the new one.

If you dig through the "links" up top, -> articles -> more articles you eventually get to this, a chart of strings gauges from a low Ab to a high A ~~~ 11 - 74.

http://www.b0b.com/infoedu/gauges.htm


You may have to adjust a bit for different scale lengths, but they're still all accurate relatively. Cut 'n' paste it into your word processing program, blow it up, print like a dozen and stick them all over the place. I ended up making a notebook for stuff, so I don't have to keep pulling it up. And I'm quite sure this is my most USED spec sheet, it works on seven-string underarm guitar, open tunings etc.

Thanks for your continued great advice, fellas!!!! I've got a connector on order and Andy Volk's gauge guide is soon on the way. Took a little help from my friends, but I should be playing wrong notes in no time!

Hi Steve,

Sounds like things are goin' your way!

My E13 is based on the pedal version of E9, so I have an F# on top (.014) and a D on the bottom (.o36).
D E G# B C# E G# F#

It might sound thin on some guitars. I use a Matchbox (7A) to fatten the tone a smidge.