The British Steelies Society

Hi Folks, need some help ..... Just aquired a Hofner Artist 115 lap steel (1963) It needs a new set of strings. My question (1) What is the most popular tuning for a 6 string lap steel. (2) What are the gauges? Im a pedal steel player, so this is all new to me. Can anyone give me a valuation on this model?
Appreciate any help.

I’ve just made a lap steel

I couldn’t really find info on string gauges so I have fitted Dunlop electro nickel 13/56 and tuned to open G (gbdgbd). A bit terrifying with the very over tuned 5 and 6 string but it seems to work OK.

I’m a newbie with lapsteel so any additional advice would be more than welcome

Hi all, from what I gather it's all about getting the same tension on each string, so they feel correct (balanced) when you apply the bar. This site has a calculator to work out just that:
https://www.stringtensioncalculator.com/

I would suggest starting with the tuning you require (e.g. CEGACE for 6 string C6th), then picking one string with known size, e.g. .010" for the top E, and noting the tension. Then put in the notes of your other strings and adjust the string gauge until it shows approximately the same tension. I recall doing this from first principles some years ago, but as there is a handy calculator available I would recommend giving it a try.

Hope that's a help

Hi Ted,

Good information available via John Ely’s website : https://www.hawaiiansteel.com/tunings/my_tunings.php

As Sid said, sixth tunings give you Major and their relative Minor chords with straight bar.

C6 are A6 being most popular tunings, as lots of learning instruction, video and tab available.

Blues players use mostly open Major chord tunings, simply two stacked major triads. Often open E
Similarly Open G or D for bluegrass. they also avoid the “sixth bomb”

Hope this is useful.

John Stafford