The Steel Guitar Forum

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get the best LSS

LSS ?

Erv,

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

Jeff,
Now I get it!!

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.

I believe Jagwire does custom sets.

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!

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.

You can always buy direct...