Where do you lower your 2nd string?

[Tony Russell Davis]

This is an E9th thread.
Which kneelever do you use to lower the second string? Also, do you D/C# or just D? and do you couple it to another change, like the 9th to C#?
What's this about - well, I just got another guitar and the two right K/Ls are the opposite way round to my old Fender . I am used to lowering the second (to D only) and the 9th to C#, on RKL: while RKR raises 1st and 7th (both F#s) to G. I am flexible on which way to go but would prefer to join the majority - if there is one! T

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

R.kn.R....

[Donny Johnston]

L kn - R
Eb - D - C# 2nd string D - C# 9th string

[SteelieAJK]

RKR
Just a semitone lower on 2 eb->d
Also lowers 9 d->c#

[Tony Russell Davis]

Allan and John, did you choose RKR or was it on the guitar when you got it?
Donny, yours is on LKR, but same question applies, did you specify that or just take the setup "as was"? (I can't remember if you got the Williams from new )

[Zebedee]

Most steels lower the 2nd string a full tone and the 9th string a semi-tone on the RKR.

The reason for using the RKR is that it is easier to feel the half-stop with your knee moving to the right, rather than the left.

Presumably this knee lever is on the right knee because a lot of players use the Buddy Emmons setup, with the raises and lowers for strings 4 and 8 on the left knee.

As you only drop your 2nd string a semitone, the half-stop is not an issue, although it might be better to 'go with the flow' and put it on the RKR

[SteelieAJK]

No active choice on my part, Tony, I've only owned 2 steels, both acquired with Emmons style set up and the 2 lower (semi tone only) on RKR. I don't think I would change to a full tone lower with a feel stop for the D.

[Donny Johnston]

Tony, when I first got the Blanton D10 it only had 2 levers, both on the right knee. RKR raised the E strings to F, and RKL move the 2nd from Eb - D and both the Estrings to Eb. When I got involved with Springfield Guitars they fitted another 2 levers for my left knee, LKL raised both F# - G and, LKR 2nd Eb - D and 9th D - C#
When I got the Williams I took the opportunity to have the double lower on the 2nd string. That's why it's where it is.

[Jason Lynch]

RKR, with a half stop at D, then C# along with string 9.
Its how the guitar was setup when I bought it, and I've got so used to it I wouldn't change it if I bought a new one.