Types of strings ?

Kristen Bruno · Post by **Kristen Bruno** » 20 Oct 2015 9:36 am

Some strings have a little letter next to the string gage. What is this designation for? Should I avoid certain types of strings for pedal steel? (or even lap steel for that matter).

Thanks
K

Michael Hummel · Post by **Michael Hummel** » 20 Oct 2015 9:47 am

If what you are seeing is "W" or "P", then it stands for "Wound" or "Plain". Every guitar is different, and certain pulls work better on certain guitars with wound or plain strings (different amounts of tension are necessary to change pitch on wound vs. plain [non-wound] strings).

Mike

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 20 Oct 2015 10:27 am

Best suggestion is to get strings that are for Pedal Steel Guitar. Most music stores do not stock them. Bondz Music in Wildwood does as the owner is a Steel player. Its a little drive from Orlando.

Other option is to order sets from the Forum, which helps to support the forum. Live Steel Strings seem to be the current favorite of many.

Come over to our Florida Steel Guitar club jams, in Lake Panasoffkee and you can talk to the various club members about strings.
www.floridasteelguitarclub.com

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 20 Oct 2015 12:14 pm

It looks like the forum stopped selling Live Steel Strings. I went to Live Steel Strings website to order some, and all I get is the home page and no links to other pages. I'm hoping it's just a temporary quirk on my end. I am about to need to order some strings. Live Steel Strings are the best in my opinion, with Jagwires a close second.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 20 Oct 2015 12:34 pm

I used to buy Ernie Ball strings by the gauge but since trying Live Steel Strings, they are my choice of strings.

Sid Hudson · Post by **Sid Hudson** » 20 Oct 2015 1:12 pm

Thank you Jack, Richard and Erv!

The margin is very small on our product which made it difficult for b0b to make an acceptable margin.

http://livesteelstrings.com/cart/index. ... t_list&c=1

Lee Dassow · Post by **Lee Dassow** » 20 Oct 2015 5:57 pm

Sid's strings are the best. T.L.

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 20 Oct 2015 11:02 pm

LSS for me. I purchase mine from Ray Thomas in North Carolina.

Jeff Harbour · Post by **Jeff Harbour** » 21 Oct 2015 4:10 am

Although the steel-specific string manufacturer's are of the highest quality (such as Jagwire or Live Steel Strings), there is obviously a cost for the quality.

If you want a less expensive alternative, Juststrings.com stocks several pre-packaged pedal steel string sets at fairly low prices, the biggest selection being with the SIT brand. http://www.juststrings.com/pedalsteelguitar.html

If you are new to the instrument, that would be a good way to try out several different gauges and metal types until you determine your personal preferences. Then you would be better equipped to invest in the higher quality strings later.

Jeff H.

Roy Carroll · Post by **Roy Carroll** » 21 Oct 2015 5:11 am

Another vote for Live Strings. I change strings every 2 weeks or 10 jobs, whichever comes first. I used to use Jagwires, but have found Live Strings to stay brighter longer and have no breakage. I use stainless because they seem to be a little brighter. Sid is a great guy to do business with as well. Some say a string is a string, but I don't believe that is true.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 21 Oct 2015 5:21 am

Not sure if this has anything to do with your question, but besides designation w & p printed beside the gauge to indicate wound & plain, there are also the letters R or PG to designate a string is reinforced for pedal guitar optimum.

These are found from some mfgs./vendors who package strings for pedal steel guitar use and generally are .011 for 3rd. string G# and .017 for 5th string B. JIC you weren't aware.

Jeff Harbour · Post by **Jeff Harbour** » 21 Oct 2015 5:25 am

I agree, a string is definitely Not 'just a string'. I've had some serious buzzing on low frets with one brand, then it disappeared when I switched to another brand (same gauges and metal).

With that being said, it is true that there are a very limited number of string factories (I've heard it's only about 14 or 15 of them). Many of the standard guitar string brands in fact come from the same source, much like oil refineries.

Teddy Lloyd · Post by **Teddy Lloyd** » 21 Oct 2015 8:29 am

Get the best LSS

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 21 Oct 2015 9:04 am

LSS ?

Jeff Harbour · Post by **Jeff Harbour** » 21 Oct 2015 9:17 am

Erv,

I believe he is referring to what you just called your "choice of strings". Funny how the brain tricks us sometimes...

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 21 Oct 2015 10:45 am

Jeff,
Now I get it!!

Allan Jirik · Post by **Allan Jirik** » 21 Oct 2015 1:07 pm

Is Live Steel Strings the only company that offers an extended E9th set? I'd rather get all 12 strings in one pack than have to mix and match.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 21 Oct 2015 2:04 pm

I believe Jagwire does custom sets.

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 22 Oct 2015 6:33 am

Every January I buy a bunch of sets of Strings from Fred Justice at the Feenix Steel guitar show...I think they are S.I.T.brand and work for me,Besides making a great guitar Fred has the Strings!

Jack Ritter · Post by **Jack Ritter** » 22 Oct 2015 7:24 am

LSS for me. Been trying to call
Ray Thomas to order some more but n o reply. May be on vacation. He has individual strings as well as sets and great to deal with.
Seldom ever break a string and super tone.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 22 Oct 2015 7:35 am

You can always buy direct...