The Steel Guitar Forum

How many play the E9th/B6th Universal tuning,and what brand guitar do you play? I'd really like to have one someday soon. I've sat down to a couple U-12's,and there's a lot of fun to be had on this tuning.I'm one of the few who enjoy the double neck,and the U-12. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

I play a U-12 GFI keyless.Have had it for 4 or 5 years.
Recently have been going back to a 10 string tuning,though,with B and G# on strings 9 and 10. E-D and B-D changes on knee levers.

I play a Carter U-12. The setup is like the "Most requested E9/B6 Universal Tuning" on their website - with a few minor changes.

Even though I would like to very much I don`t seem to be able to get that C6 sound but I hope a visit to Jeff Newman`s can rectify that.

Hey Kenny,
I play a U-12 but a little different. I don't use the low B and have a C# note tuned in in the 9th string slot. Sort of like a C6th with a D in the middle of it like some players do. I have all the basic U-12 changes and it works very well like this. I played the regular E9/B6 for over 20 years but I like this set up much better. The only thing I miss is the low BooWah thing I used to do on Nightlife but I haven't played that tune with a band since the late eighties so I guess it really doesn't matter. Have a good 'un........JH Oh, I forgot, my guitar is a BMI S12 with 7 & 5....

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Livin' in the Past and the Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jerry Hayes on 13 January 2003 at 04:50 AM.]</p></FONT>

'98 Zumsteel U12 "Loafer" 8 & 6.

Played primarily E9 on D10 for 25 years then "switched".
Actually, I now "straddle the fence" since I got my vintage ZB D10. I feel comfortable going back and forth twixt Uni and D10... kinda like going twixt Macintosh and Wintel...
if you want to see my tuning go here

I play Emmons and Fessenden guitars these days.
Info is on my website. Click below.

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<small>Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2000 Fessenden S-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro

I play a U-12. I played a D-10 for over 30 yrs. But from day one, I felt that a U-12 WAS the better route. After, making the plunge, and purchasing a new U-12, and playing it for almost 3 yrs, I can say without any hesitation, it is the best for me. I absolutely love it. But there are several reasons for this.

No way would I feel this way about the standard tuning on most U-12's. To me they simply mean "Double neck thinking". It was NOT until I hit on a copedent, unlike any other, that caused me to go with a U-12. From the moment I sat down to it, I thanked My precious Jesus that I had done the right thing.

It has caused my already poor playing to be much better than it ever was on a D-10. The reason for this is simple. My hard learned musical theory training from years ago; fought me every step of the way with the way D-10's and U-12's are set-up. In other words, there were certain strings and/or changes that precluded my playing music the way my training dictated.

Thankfully, this is NO longer the case. And the greatest change I incorporated was moving pedal 6 (C6) to a second RKR. The standard lowering the 2nd string to a C# is my normal RKR.

By having the option of a D note on either the 8th or the 9th string at any given time, just makes the tuning wonderful. Also, having two knee levers (one on each knee), that lower the 2nd string to a D and C# respectively is the best thing I have ever done. NO way would I ever go back to a half-stop!!!

In a word, I am just thrilled with my U-12 because of its set-up. Not for all, of course. But since it fits me like a glove, I could NOT be happier. Praise God.

I only wish I had realized this 30 yrs ago, when my mind, fingers and dexterity was able to do those things which are impossible now. But that is life. And since I am blessed in so many other ways, it is little loss.

Praise Jesus; and give him praise and glory,

carl

After 21 years playing a D-10 (I was into both necks)I switched to a U-12 Sierra which I still play. Recently I got an Excel Superb U-12 which I also love. The tone of these 2 guitars are like night and day but both are world class instruments. My copedant is pretty much standard with the exception of my 2nd string which I tune to Db and pull up to D-D# with a half-stop knee lever and another lever that pulls my 9th and 10th strings up a step and a half(I highly recommend this lever as it restores the entire 10 string E9 copedant).And now,9 years after switching to a U-12,I'd have to say it's the single most important move I ever made in terms of musical growth on steel guitar. -MJ-

I started off on a universal. Never played anything else.

Zum U12 . The I-V chord connection makes it all happen. There's NO learning 2 necks.
Just as you make a V7 chord at 0 position
on E9 with E-Eb lever WA LA your at the 1 chord O position B6. This makes for quick orientation.

1976 MSA SS U-12 7+5 & 1983 Zum U-12 7+5
Jeff Newman setup, except I tune the 2nd string to C# and raise it to D/D# w/half stop. And the LKR lowers 6 and 10 (G#'s) to F#'s. Went from D-10 to U-12 in 1976.

Hi Kenny,

I am playing a Zum U-12 (7+4) which I bought from Jeff Newman about 13 years ago. Of course it has Jeff's set-up with foot pedals 3-2-1-8-5-6-7 (in the classical double necks numbering.
It still works perfect and I really love this guitar. THANKS BRUCE!
The universal tuning is great for its versatility because you can combine B6 and E9 licks and chords.

Ad

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Zumsteel S12U

Yo, Man! homepage

Zumsteel U-12 and Sierra U-12 and both guitars are just amazing although I favor the Zum for its lightness and crispness of tone..

Bronco Billy

I play a Mullen U-12. I also played an Emmons D-10 for over 30 years before switching and I have never looked back. It's the best thing I ever did. I recently purchased and installed a Mullen RKL lock which really helps with the extended B6 sessions.

You will never see Emmons LeGrande on this list.

FWIW, I've heard tell that Emmons will make a E9/B6 S10U LeGrande III on special order.

I play an U-12 Anapeg 7+6 with quite a few changes. Click here to see the setup.
I love the Anapeg and don't think I'll ever go back to D-10.



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Thanks Sveinung Lilleheier
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Kentucky Riders

Hello Kenny,

I play a DEVIS EU-10 extended version. I think DEVIS is the only manufacturer producing a single 10 universal setup. 7 pedals 7 kneelevers. The how and why of a 10-string universal can be found on the website of Promota Music Sales (http://www.promotamusic.com) and Pedal-Pro Universal (http://www.pedalprouniversal.com)
10 string universal works fine with me.

Alexander Zaalberg

Hi Kenny
I Love the U12, have three of the best, Carter, Zum, Mullins. Run them through my Peavey 400 & 1000 with a little RV3 and "WHAMMO" great sound with the best of both C6 & E9 worlds.

Kenny, I play a S-12 Fessenden and am 100% happy with it. I started on a S-10 Sho-Bud Pro-1 and when I decided it was time to move up I went to the S-12 and have not regretted it at all.

As much as I like my Fessy and refuse to part with it, I am really wanting a S-12 MSA Millinium and in due time I will have one!!

Used to play a Shobud double neck Pro. Sold it many years ago and bought a Kline Universal 12. Keyless, of course! Can't imagine playing anything else now.

Carter U-12 8+7

Extremely happy with it

Jeemy Williams
Barcelona Spain

Kenny, I play a U-12 Excel Superb. I like it real well plus its all i got< LOL
Gary. From around the BEND.

Check out my response on the thread "Why I Don't Play S12U". Don't worry I'm not being cynical, I DO play S12U. Read it, you'll get my drift. JR

I play a Carter U12. I also have a MSA U12. I started playing a U12. I can't imagine playing a double neck. I have tried but it is so uncomfortable. There is very little you can do with a double neck that can't be done with a universal. The Steve Palousek (sp) advanced video has a few examples of licks that can only be done with a double neck.

I enjoy the weight, 12 strings to change vs. 20, and my more limited 6th tuning need helps justify it's use.