The Steel Guitar Forum

Hi,

So, I just got this beautiful Gibson BR-6 which is ònly 23" scale. Right now the strings on it are way too light (something like .011-.050) , and I was wondering what gauge would be the best fit for it? Maybe something like .017-.060?

*EDIT: And I'm playing in Open D tuning.

Also, picture:



Thanks,
Hans

Nice looking BR-6, Hans.

The gauge of string is dependent on the tuning(s) you want to play.

Most of the time, I play C6 tuning. After some experimentation, here are the gauges I have come to prefer on my Gibson lap steels, which are all approximately 22-1/2" scale:

E .017
C .020
A .024p
G .026w
E .032
C .038

The above gauges work fine for A6 and B11 as well.

Although some may be appropriate for low-bass G, A, D, or E tunings, as a rule, standard guitar sets are usually not the best for lap steel. It's better to purchase strings by the gauge, not the set.

Here is a link to a chart courtesy of John Ely that will get you started:

http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/graphics/p ... _chart.pdf

A degree of experimentation will probably be needed before you find out what works best for you on any particular instrument.

Oh, sorry, I forgot to write that I'm playing in Open D tuning - guess that makes my suggested gauge a bit more realistic

And I've played lap slide for several years - just never experienced such a short scale.

Thanks,
Hans

I'd for for a standard electric guitar set, as heavy as you can get.... the high string wants to be near .013. Heres a set that would work:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DRDDT13

Great looking steel! I have a BR-6 as well, though the black and white art deco like model. I love it.

For a D tuning, I would recommend something like this:
1st .018
2nd .022
3rd .026
4th .036
5th .040
6th .048

Thanks for the replies everyone!

@Joe Burke: Great to hear! What gauge are you using for Open D (if you ever play in that tuning)?

GeorgeBoards open D ship with

lo to hi

D=060 A= 046 D= 036 F#= 026w A= 022p D= 015p

Open E Ship with

E= 056 B= 042 E= 032w G#= 024p B=020p E=013p

We came to these gauges from both b0b's string gauge chart and John Ely's chart.

Our open 6 strings are also 23 scale.

Perfect George! I'll give those gauges a go.

Thanks for the help,
Hans