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String confusion
Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 3:42 pm
by ossettjohn
i decided to restring my steel a the strings were getting old and sounding dull. I put on a set of Ernie Balls, noting that the 6th string was wound rather than plain. It sounded nice but I couldn't adjust the RKL to drop the string a whole tone no matter how far I moved the hex nut. In desperation I swapped it out for a plain string and everything is fine again. I presume this is due to the wound string but why does this set have a wound string in it if everyone is going to have the same problem?
Re: String confusion
Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 6:17 pm
by saddletramp
I have the opposite problem with the 6th. I can't get the plain to stay in tune, but the wound string works fine and sounds better.
Go figure.
Chris
Re: String confusion
Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 6:23 pm
by JohnDavisStringsHere
John, If you order the Buddy Emmons Signature series strings from my Daughter The E9th sets (at this time) are still £6 per set and the 6th string is a 22 plain and they are fresh from the factory in Akron Ohio........ and you will not find a better deal 
Re: String confusion
Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 8:11 pm
by James Crowbear
depending the model or the choice, either a wound or plain 6th string is used
some steels "have" to have a wound 6 such as student models : Zum Stage One - Carter Starter
usually pro steels adapt to both - it's a matter of choice & sound
what model steel do you have ?
the wound 6th string requires more " travel " on the rod than the plain string
that is why you could'nt tune it properly
changing the rod on the bellcrank can be required if tuning the nylon hex tuner does'nt tune properly
this is not the case since the plain string you put on got you back " In "
Knowing the gauges & sticking to them is best
PSG string sets are ALWAYS recommended w: spares of the ones that break most often
011, 014, 015, 017, 018
Re: String confusion
Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 5:39 am
by Zebedee
Some steels have more cabinet drop than others, and a plain sixth string can sound woefully out of tune, even on a steel with moderate cabinet drop.
For that reason, I use a wound sixth, which is much more tolerant of cabinet drop
Re: String confusion
Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:50 am
by JohnDavisStringsHere
What you say Richard I know to be 100% correct (as always) but when ever I listen to Emmons playing try as I might, I can never detect any cabinet drop 
, I think some of the older players learn to live with the imperfections of our beautiful instrument while others still strive for perfection ....
Re: String confusion
Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 12:45 pm
by ossettjohn
JohnDavisStringsHere wrote:John, If you order the Buddy Emmons Signature series strings from my Daughter The E9th sets (at this time) are still £6 per set and the 6th string is a 22 plain and they are fresh from the factory in Akron Ohio........ and you will not find a better deal
Many thanks, John, for the quick service. My strings arrived today! The cheque is in the post...
Re: String confusion
Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 12:47 pm
by ossettjohn
Zebedee wrote:Some steels have more cabinet drop than others, and a plain sixth string can sound woefully out of tune, even on a steel with moderate cabinet drop.
For that reason, I use a wound sixth, which is much more tolerant of cabinet drop
What the **** is cabinet drop?
Re: String confusion
Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 2:58 pm
by JohnDavisStringsHere
John if you want a fairly comprehensive answer to that one give me a ring 01480 393900 too much typing for me !
Re: String confusion
Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 5:57 pm
by Dave Nutt
John, Cabinet Drop? Simples- pedals are pushed down, anchorage points for pedals are midway (ish) along body, the body is wood or composite, body warps/bends slightly under the downward pressure- strings detune when pedals are pressed resulting in drop in pitch, sometimes strings dont return to pitch when pressure is taken of pedals.
Happens with all steels to a differing ammount (dont believe anyone who tells you different.
) we live with it, some of us play so far out of tune it doesnt effect.
Guess thats cabinet drop in a nutshell.