Advice on string gauge pls

[NickW]

Hi, Am in a dilemma so some advice would be really appreciated.

I have an old six string Jedson lap steel. I recently found a note with the original tunings I’d been using a long time ago, one of which was to my ears ‘magic’. As I have a broken top string again by messing around with tunings I thought it was time to get the right gauge for what I’m trying to do.

First off, measuring the bridge to nut it’s a 10 1/2 inch length, this will have a bearing on the string gauges I’m sure.

The two tunings I’m hoping to try are as follows:
DFACEG and EGACEG

I’ve played these notes on a keyboard for each tuning but don’t think I’ll really know which is right until I can try it on the Lap Steel.

Is there a set of strings that will accommodate this tuning ?

Thanks in optimistic hope of some help, Nick

[Pop123]

Hello Nick
Have I misunderstood ?, 10 1/2 inches from bridge to nut seems on the small size . The Tunings , is that low to high ?

[NickW]

Hi, sorry if my post was unclear.

Low to High regarding tunings.

I’ll double check that measurement although I was careful first time round. The lap steel is an old Japanese “Jedson” which I believe is based on the Fender Champ. I measured from The very middle of bridge to the very middle of the nut.

Any advice would be really appreciated, I’ve obviously googled without any real luck as a I hate wasting people’s time with daft posts.

Nick

[Pop123]

Hello Nick

So Assuming a scale length of 22 1/2 your first set would be 013 016 020 024 030 036 and the second 013 016 020 024 026 032 . I don't know of any off the self set you could use , so you would need to make your own

[Tony Russell Davis]

Nick - most steel guitars have a scale length of 22-1/2in to 26in; the Fender Champ scale was 22-1/2 ins. Once we know the confirmed scale length we can advise on string gauges but meanwhile here's some thoughts on the assumption that the scale will turn out around the 22 to 24in mark. The second tuning you are considering (good in my opinion) is a C6th with a high G on top. Most string sets cater for the more usual E on top with a low C on the bottom (lo - hi CEGACE) so you would need to get a single to cover the top G. If you get strings gauged to suit your second tuning the bottom two should be able to accommodate tuning down for your other tuning.
Here's a web page to help and once you get the scale length sorted out it's pretty much all you need to answer your questions.
Don't hesitate to post if you need more help, we're all eager to assist anyone with steel guitar issues
https://www.hawaiiansteel.com/graphics/pdf/string_gauge_chart.pdf

[NickW]

Hi Tony,
Doh...I can’t even use a tape measure properly for crying out loud note to self, don’t measure upside down and don’t forget you’re working in feet and inches.

You’re spot on with your assumption of 22 1/2 having just checked again, so thank you for your advice. And a reason why I’ve been breaking the top string I expect.

I’ve been playing regular 6 string and bass for more years than I’d care to admit but in the case of the lap steel I’m an utter novice, hence my lack of experience. Is there a brand of string that is popular with players here for my type of lap steel?

Thanks for your input Tony, it’s very much appreciated, cheers Nick

[Pop123]

There is a link to string suppliers , posted a few postings down . I would suggest you try a C6 set tuned to CGG#BC#E and see how it sounds .

[NickW]

There is a link to string suppliers , posted a few postings down . I would suggest you try a C6 set tuned to CGG#BC#E and see how it sounds .

Hi, thank you for that info

[NickW]

I’d like to say a big thanks to those who’ve helped me out with that string gauge issue. The chart I found particularly helpful.

Am pleased to say my little cheapo Jedson is now back to its original tuning which I originally learnt to play with and seemed to work so well on the songs I write: tuning being from bottom to top DFACEG. This is probably an odd tuning to many but hey, it works for me

Again my gratitude, super website, Nick