Question: String Choices for Short-Scale Necks

[John Chadwick]

Hi steel guitar folks,

I was gifted with a Gretsch Electromatic lap steel back in 2020 and have been slowly learning how to play it in various tunings.

The instrument has a 22.5 inch neck, and from time to time I read or hear people say that given this length, I should be using string gauges geared for C6 or similar tunings.

So, physics is not my strong point. And I have no idea what those string charts that measure gauges in terms of pounds of pressure mean. It goes right over my head.

So, can someone out there kindly explain this in preferably non-mathematical language whether or not I should be using certain string gauges on this instrument?

I play mostly in C6, but sometimes I like to mix it up and try putting on a heavier set for Open E or G or low-bass A. I don't particularly hear any difference sound quality or feel much difference in string tension.

Most recently, I noticed a post on this forum in which the OP included a picture of a set of Asher strings geared for Open D or E or G. And there, plain as day on the string package, it said for 23 to 25 inch necks. viewtopic.php?t=409235

Thank you,
John Chadwick
Montclair, N.J.

[Noah Miller]

You can use any tuning on any scale length, within reason, as long as the string gauges are appropriate. Physics makes light strings floppier and heavier strings less so, but it says nothing about why you should or shouldn't use C6.

22.5" vs 23" will have a tiny impact on playability but there's no reason you can't use those strings on it.

[Glenn Wilde]

If you just use any string gauge chart, there's a couple floating around, it will tell you a recommend gauge for whatever note you want to hit. Or just buy premade sets, as you gain experience, you will learn what you prefer.

[Michael Kiese]

Hi steel guitar folks,

I was gifted with a Gretsch Electromatic lap steel back in 2020 and have been slowly learning how to play it in various tunings.

The instrument has a 22.5 inch neck, and from time to time I read or hear people say that given this length, I should be using string gauges geared for C6 or similar tunings.

So, physics is not my strong point. And I have no idea what those string charts that measure gauges in terms of pounds of pressure mean. It goes right over my head.

So, can someone out there kindly explain this in preferably non-mathematical language whether or not I should be using certain string gauges on this instrument?

I play mostly in C6, but sometimes I like to mix it up and try putting on a heavier set for Open E or G or low-bass A. I don't particularly hear any difference sound quality or feel much difference in string tension.

Most recently, I noticed a post on this forum in which the OP included a picture of a set of Asher strings geared for Open D or E or G. And there, plain as day on the string package, it said for 23 to 25 inch necks. viewtopic.php?t=409235

Thank you,
John Chadwick
Montclair, N.J.

Aloha John,

I'll do my very best to explain and demonstrate.

Asher Set you're referring to:
- 15p, 18p, 28w, 38w, 48w, 58w
- recommended scale length: 23" to 25"
- recommended tunings: Open E, Open D, Open G, G6

Your specific use case:
- 22.5" neck
- C6

Tools to use:
- any string tension calculator
- Here's one available online: https://tension.stringjoy.com

Methodology:
1) Identify your scale length. In your case 22.5"
2) Identify the tuning you want to play. In your case C6
3) Input scale length and tuning into string tension calculator.
4) Input the string gauges you would like to use.
5) The String Tension Calculator outputs the corresponding string tension.
6) Experiment. Find out what you like. Repeat.

I'll include 2 pictures.

The top picture is the Asher set tuned to G6 with a 23" scale.

The bottom picture is the Asher set tuned to G6 with a 25" scale.

Notice the string tension differences:
1) The string tensions range from very low to incredibly high. (43 ftlbs of string tension on a lap steel is incredibly high. Try it out for yourself.)
2) The string tension is incredibly inconsistent from string to string.

These 2 factors negatively affect your tone, feel, volume, and string response from string to string. Adjacent strings feel different from each other, one is very loose, and the other is tight.

It is far better to create your own custom balanced set, according to your tastes. For example, lets say that if you identify through experimentation that you like the feel and sound of 25 ftlbs of tension, then create a custom set to achieve every string having 25 ftlbs of tension. If you go through that effort, your sound and tone will automatically improve, and you'll enjoy playing your steel much more.

Just having uniform tension across all your strings alone, makes the steel feel so much more wonderful to play.

It's a deep dive of exploration and experimentation, but it's a fun and rewarding process.

All that said, there are no rules. Experiment and do what works for you. The key is that you have a measured approach and understand what's going on, so that you can make your choices purposefully in an informed manner.

I truly hope that helped. Enjoy!

[Michael Kiese]

So, can someone out there kindly explain this in preferably non-mathematical language whether or not I should be using certain string gauges on this instrument?

I play mostly in C6, but sometimes I like to mix it up and try putting on a heavier set for Open E or G or low-bass A.

If you require direct advice/instruction:

1) There is no getting around the fact that you must do your own experimentation with string gauges to figure out what works for you.

2) To help you get started, I'll share with you a good starting set of C6 strings for 22.5" scale. Use it as a starting point for experimentation.

E4 - 13.5 plain
C4 - 17 plain
A3 - 20 plain
G3 - 26w
E3 - 30w
C3 - 38w

Start there. If you want more tension, try higher gauge strings. Vice versa as well.

Try experimenting with different types of strings as well (flatwounds, roundwounds, semiflats), and different types of string metals. You'll eventually hone in on what you like best.

Enjoy!

[John Chadwick]

Thank you all for these helpful replies! I appreciate you.

[Tim Whitlock]

The easiest solution is to buy a set of pre-gauged C6 strings. You can order them directly from the Steel Guitar forum by clicking the "The Steel Guitar Forum Store" link at the top of this page. Then click "Strings" and then "Non-pedal steel guitar" and select your tuning.

I like the SIT Scotty's set of semi-flats. The semi-flats are much quieter and smoother under the bar.

https://steelguitarshopper.com/c6th-1/