The Steel Guitar Forum

I’ve been digging my weissenborns in D, G, C (baritone) and E (short scale)

But... I’m thinking I should try a 6th tuning (prob C6) to delve deeper.

Question: I have a short scale Lazy River and a standard scale that I could mount appropriate gauge strings for C6 on... would one scale length be better than the other for this venture?

Thanks for the input
MARK IN THE driftless area of Wisconsin

I would go with the longer scale. Here's luthier Bill Asher's String Gauge Advice:

For new Master builds C6:

C E G A C E
.039, .032, .026, .022, .018, .013

For vintage acoustic Weissenborn type guitars use this lighter adjusted set.

C E G A C E
.036, .029, .024, .019, .016, .011

*NOTE always use a wound third string for slide guitar sets.

I was on the forum getting ready to list a baritone. Saw your post and it reminded me of your email. I'll email you tonight.

Thanks Rance
I was using your post regarding string gauges
It’s that sweet short scale I’m *thinking* of setting up in C6
I owe you a sound clip
ME

I have an Anderwood hollowneck "Weissie" 24.75" scale and I use the Scotty's C6 nonpedal string set
C# E G A C E
.038-.030-.024.022P-.018-.015

You can hear it in action here:
https://vimeo.com/223060136

Yes, I should have said shorter scale for C6th. Anyone see my brain, I know I left it around here somewhere?

Does bronze 80/20 strings vs. phospohor bronze make much difference in C6 tuning? It certainly does for lower weiss tunings like taropatch/low G

Andy Volk wrote:Yes, I should have said shorter scale for C6th. Anyone see my brain, I know I left it around here somewhere?

Andy
Thanks for the advice - regardless of where the brain is haha
C6 sounds great on the short scale. Now the learning curve.

I have a ‘spare’ standard scale Weiss that I may mount C6 gauge strings on as well.
Then I’ll have one for the road.

Mark E