Jagwire Strings - Again

[Michael Barone]

On this thread,
http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum5/HTML/012013.html
Ricky Davis and others convinced me to use a .012 string for E9 string 3 (Jagwire, of course). Nice full tone, stays in tune, and the string lasts. There's no going back now.

On the same thread, Paul Franklin shows his E9 gauges which include a .015 for string 4. I realize that his guitar is far different than mine. But anyway, I tried it on my Carter. Super tone and durability! When tuning it up, at first I was afraid to hit the 'C' pedal. but man, this has a nice tone and feel. Using this for a few weeks (instead of .014) now with no problems. While I can only speak for my 24" scale, these Jagwires are (again) fantastic! Consistent Quality.

Sometimes I wonder if the additional tension may cause a problem later at the changer, but the Carter fingers seem durable enough.

So I have 2 questions.

Has anyone else ever tried a .015 for E9 4th string, and stayed with it?

Even though I change strings after about 30 hours of use, am I asking for trouble later on, like a string popping at the worst time?

Thanks for your comments.

------------------
Mike Barone
2006 Carter S10 5&5, Sho-Bud Pro-1 5&5, BJS 15/16" Bar, Nashville 112
Assorted Guitars & Keyboards

[Ricky Davis]

Hey Michael; I actually have not tried a .015 for the high E string on a pedal steel; as I usually use that on my non-pedal steels; but that is something to really consider...and I will put one on next time...as I really want a shorter pull and the tone to ring and not zing(mostly it does not)on a 24" sho-bud...
Thanks for the suggestion; from you and Paul Franklin....it is certainly worth a try if that is something someone wants to hear that is not hearing.
Ricky

[Jody Cameron]

I've often thought about trying a .015 on the fourth string E9, but had some reservations about a few possible issues. I might give it a try now as well...
Thanks for the info.

JC

[Bobby Lee]

It would make me nervous. Maybe with a shorter scale (mine is 24½").

[Billy Carr]

I've been using .012 on the high G# for about the last six months and hadn't broke one yet. I hadn't tried the .015 on the #4 E string but may try it on a guitar in the very near future. I use Cobra Coils on a 06' D-10 Rains.

[Walter Haynes]

I have the same set on one of my pratice guitars for six months playing everyday and haven't broken a string on E9th. and C 6th. Try a set of Jagwire Strings, you won't be
disspointed!!

Walter Haynes

[Jim Bob Sedgwick]

Jagwire strings are the absolute best in my book. I've tried about every brand out there. Jagwires are consistent and top quality. JMO

[Michael Barone]

Thanks to everyone for your responses.

I tried a general comparison using the string tension calculator at
http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum5/HTML/008435.html
This is a cool applet. Even though it’s based on another string brand, and some other variables perhaps, I edited down the results and rounded off, just to show an approximate comparison:

<font face="monospace" size="3"><pre>
24” Scale
Note Gauge Tension
F# .014 35.5 lb
F# .015 40.7 lb

24.5” Scale
Note Gauge Tension
F# .014 37.0 lb
F# .015 42.4 lb
</pre></font>

How accurate is this applet? I don’t know but this is just for the sake of comparison. I’ve learned that ~40lbs is a lot more than the other E9 strings. Pushing it to over ~42lbs on a 24.5” scale is a considerable difference yet. I can see why some would be apprehensive about trying this. I don’t know how close this is to the breaking point.

I’m sticking with a .015 (4th) until a string breaks. Then, I’ll decide if the longevity (and the pain) was worth it, or go back to a .014. I haven’t experienced a string breakage since last winter, so I forget what it feels like.

Gee, I wonder if Jagwire could produce a .0145, but the demand would have to be there.

Mike