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Tuning to D9 (Page 1)
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The Steel Guitar Forum
Pedal Steel Archive
Tuning to D9 (Page 1)
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| This topic is 2 pages long: 1 2 This topic was originally posted in this forum: Pedal Steel |
| Author | Topic: Tuning to D9 |
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Frank Parish Member Posts: 2327 |
posted 30 December 2001 10:07 AM
I'm going to put some new strings on this week and thought I'd tune the E9 neck to D9 before I did just to see what it would sound like. Not too many adjustments to make but I really like the depth and it wouldn't be a problem to learn the fret markers. Does anyone tune this way and what have you found to be the pros and cons? |
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Tommy M Member Posts: 914 |
posted 30 December 2001 11:26 AM
Frank, I've always played D9th. That is what the person who showed me my first licks used. Sho~Bud even used to make sets of D9th strings. I have switched to E9th a few times over the years as an act of conformity, but, always went back to D9th--always felt like I was "goin' home". Some on here have suggested that when tuning to D9th that you should increase the string guages by a couple thousandths. I never did, I always felt like that would defeat the purpose, as far as string breakage. I like the "lower timber" and have a lot less string breakage. I have discussed this with a couple top players and they told me that they liked D9th and really saw mostly pros and few cons to doing it. Jimmy Day recorded the classic:"Strings and Steel" lp, tuned in D9th. ------------------ |
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richard burton Member Posts: 1337 |
posted 30 December 2001 11:53 AM
By keeping to E9 string gauges, surely the strings would be too sloppy when tuned to D9? |
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kyle reid Member Posts: 468 |
posted 30 December 2001 01:09 PM
Dont Do It! Nothing to gain & a lot to loose! as i've said before, no known players tune to D9! |
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Frank Parish Member Posts: 2327 |
posted 30 December 2001 01:38 PM
OK I've been fooling with this D9 tuning all morning and it sounds and plays great to me. No sloppy strings and stays in tune. The string breakage has got to be minimal. So far I like it and may stick with it. If you've got a guitar you can make this change with without going through surgery like a P/P just try it out and see what you think. This isn't a bad way to go so far. I think playing with the band will tell the real story. |
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Nicholas Petti Member Posts: 5 |
posted 30 December 2001 02:14 PM
Actually, Sneaky Pete tunes to D9 Kyle. My father-in-law who learned much from Pete also tunes to D9. Doesn't seem there would be too much difference, except perhaps some more resonance to lower tones. ------------------ |
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Jim Bob Sedgwick Member Posts: 1234 |
posted 30 December 2001 04:25 PM
I have used D-9th for the last 15 years. I did guage the strings up a little, (the wound strings) I use 13,16,11,15,20,24w,30w,34w,38w,40w. This seems to balance very well for me. I lower the 9th string and I like the timbre to be equal to the 10th string. I love the D9th. The ONLY drawback is high A (for example) is on the 19th fret, not the 17th. There are no friends up there.  [This message was edited by Jim Bob Sedgwick on 30 December 2001 at 04:27 PM.] |
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Jerry Hayes Member Posts: 3306 |
posted 30 December 2001 05:55 PM
Hey Nicolas, Unless he's changed and I haven't heard about it Sneaky Pete's always used an 8 string B6th tuning. As for as D9th, there used to be a pretty good steel player in LA who worked for Rusty Draper at one time named Dave Ziegler. The last time I saw him he was playing a Rustler single 12 univeral tuned to D9/A6 instead of the usual E9/B6. I had a Fender 400 years ago which I tuned to D9 for string breakage reasons only. ------------------ |
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Tom Pickett Jr Member Posts: 84 |
posted 30 December 2001 07:01 PM
Dear frank, dale thomas plays d9 and has for more then? 45yrs? or so. hes a monster player never breaks a string. but then i've seen him pull apart two ply toilet paper to save a buck. its up to you buddy. and if you should read this, love ya dale. |
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Frank Parish Member Posts: 2327 |
posted 30 December 2001 07:23 PM
Pulls apart two ply toilet paper huh? Yep that's tight alright. He better wash good that's all I can say! I just like the sound of the lower tuning. It's after 9:00 and I've been playing this thing on and off all day and it still sounds good to me. |
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Jody Sanders Member Posts: 2889 |
posted 30 December 2001 09:18 PM
When THE BIG E switches to D9th, I will. Jody. [This message was edited by Jody Sanders on 30 December 2001 at 09:19 PM.] |
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GARY CARRIGER unregistered Posts: 2889 |
posted 30 December 2001 09:20 PM
I realize that I am opening myself up for some serious Forum contradictions here - but I play a D#9th. And with slightly heavier string guages that an E9th - to minimize string sloppiness. My reasoning - never liked to play on the "harmonic" frets - i.e. 5th, 7th, 12th, etc., and as I live and play in Texas with fiddlers most of the time (who love to play in key of D and A) and wound up playing on the very fret marker I disliked, I tried tuning down and liked it. You get used to different key locations. I change strings often enough that I'm not sure if the D#9th minimized string breakage or not. |
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Jody Carver Member Posts: 7455 |
posted 30 December 2001 09:54 PM
Frank This is interesting. I have always tuned down to D9th and have found,,as you say a better bottom end,,,without sacrificing anything. Happy New Year WE DONT STOP PLAYING BECAUSE WE GET TOO OLD WE GET OLD BECAUSE WE STOP PLAYING [This message was edited by Jody Carver on 01 January 2002 at 08:54 PM.] |
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Jim Florence Member Posts: 761 |
posted 30 December 2001 10:25 PM
When you are tuned to D9th, what you can do with tunes in keys of E and A will amaze you. I have tuned to D since buying my first Fender 1000, in 1957. Jim ------------------ |
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Jim Smith Member Posts: 6399 |
posted 30 December 2001 10:39 PM
I've never tuned to D9 but for Univesal players, it would seem that the A6 side of the Universal would put those open string tunes like Remington Ride, Raisin' the Dickens, Hold It, etc. in easier to play keys than on E9/B6. Of course Steelin' The Blues would then be in B.  ------------------ |
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Charles Brumm Member Posts: 5 |
posted 30 December 2001 11:42 PM
I love D#9th. One day, about a year ago, I was changing the high G# and the new string would not come up to pitch. I didn't have any more strings and I was able to get it up to G, so I lowered all the other strings a half tone and ola---D#9. I have not since changed any of the string gages and it sounds great. |
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PAUL WARNIK Member Posts: 1417 |
posted 31 December 2001 05:40 AM
D9th tuning works better than the E9th particularly on older pedal steel guitars such as the Bigsby which have 24 1/2 inch or longer scale-also using E9th guages tuned to D9th will decrease string breakage on guitars without roller nuts |
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Brandin Member Posts: 444 |
posted 31 December 2001 10:31 AM
I have a very old Fender 400. I tune it to D9th. Works great! Maybe someday I'll be a "known player". =:^) |
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Jeff Evans Member Posts: 554 |
posted 01 January 2002 06:53 PM
Ted Solesky tunes to D#9. (Of course, Ted is weird, even by steel player standards.  ) |
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Bobby Lee Sysop Posts: 14849 |
posted 01 January 2002 07:35 PM
My back neck is a D6 - does that count? ------------------ |
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John Bresler Member Posts: 607 |
posted 02 January 2002 06:47 PM
Bobby, since its D, I'd say it counts. When I bought my Emmons P/P in 1970, I broke so many strings on the E9th neck that it made me "jumpy" just knowing that at any moment I was going to get bit. The late Danny Shields was actually playing a D9th at that time and suggested I tune mine to D9th, also. It was the best thing I ever did and my D-10 Emmons still has D9th on it. I have never noticed any string looseness and the key of F isn't on the first fret. I've switched to a Mullen U-12 and play it most of the time. |
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Jim Smith Member Posts: 6399 |
posted 02 January 2002 07:00 PM
John, coming from a D9 tuning, do you tune your Universal to D9/A6? I have another post about this up the page a ways. |
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Frank Parish Member Posts: 2327 |
posted 03 January 2002 06:36 AM
I nailed the guitar player about a week ago when the 3rd popped. The new strings are on now and after this weekend I'll tune it back down to see how it goes with the band. |
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Don Walters Member Posts: 1189 |
posted 04 January 2002 08:32 AM
How many of you who tune to D9 have it on a double-neck and how many also tune the other neck to D6 instead of C6? Anyone? |
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Lee Allen Member Posts: 50 |
posted 04 January 2002 09:11 AM
I have been playing D9th for many years. My 2 Miller Custom D-10's D-9th C-6th and on my 2 Sho~Buds D-10"s. Saved a lot of third strings .D-9th gives that extra fret when playing in E. D-9th. is A O.K. [2] Sho~Buds and a sore back"" Lee Allen |
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Jim Bob Sedgwick Member Posts: 1234 |
posted 05 January 2002 03:45 PM
Jerry Stevens, local steeler here in SoCal plays D9 & D6. He tried to get me to go to D-6, but I'm too used to C-6, and saw no reason to change. To each his own. Jerry's not on the forum because his wife won't let him touch HER computer. LOL |
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John Bresler Member Posts: 607 |
posted 05 January 2002 07:27 PM
Jim: I tune my Universal E9/B6. My Mullen doesn't break strings like the P/P Emmons. I've actually thought of going D9/A6 since my first real tuning was A6th (8 string)and I actually learned to read music thanks to the Ernie Ball series of books. Since I come from the old school of "If it works leave it alone", for now I think I'll stay with E9/B6 Universal. |
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gary darr Member Posts: 294 |
posted 06 January 2002 01:24 PM
Don Waters wrote..How many of you who tune to D9 have it on a double-neck and how many also tune the other neck to D6 instead of C6? Anyone? I have read over this topic several times in the last couple of days and has got me to thinking about all this. I went out to my studio and tune my E 9 neck on my sho bud to D 9 and I really like what I hear and the extended range below open E is great. I hardly ever use the C 6 neck on my steel (except for a arm rest) but I think I may attempt to change it over to D 9 and have E 9 on the top neck. If there are any words of wisdom or caution on doing this feel free to post your opinion. At one time I was considering setting up to double E 9 just to have a spare neck if I broke a pesky third string but never got around to it. ------------------ |
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Franklin Member Posts: 742 |
posted 07 January 2002 08:03 AM
Kyle, I believe Jimmy Day and Terry Bethel played E9ths tuned down to D9. I have a guitar on order that will have my present day setup only it will be tuned to D9th and Bb6th. If the strings are gauged correctly there is no problem with the D9th choice. Paul |
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Frank Parish Member Posts: 2327 |
posted 07 January 2002 02:42 PM
The D9 tuning has been a pleasant surprise to me. I do want to change the string gauges a little but I can't find anything wrong with it. I'm surprised there are as many D9 players out here as have responded here. |
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Al Udeen Member Posts: 1164 |
posted 07 January 2002 08:31 PM
Hi Paul! Would your main reason to tune down to D be for string breakage? Terry Bethel does have an old Domland that was originally mine when I lived in Denver, It had a 25inch scale, requiring tuning it to D, I will see Terry Sat, & will ask him about this. I remember the great jam, that you & Terry had at my house, when you were in Mpls with Tillis, Say Hi to your wonderful Mom & Dad! Your old Friend! Al Udeen |
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Franklin Member Posts: 742 |
posted 08 January 2002 05:23 AM
Hi Al, I am changing on this guitar for the difference in tone. I will be setting up two steels at sessions. The normal E9th and the D9th. I change strings every week for tone as well. Because of my habits I never worry about strings breaking. Paul |
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Frank Parish Member Posts: 2327 |
posted 10 January 2002 06:30 AM
OK, I got my S-10 Sho-Bud from Duane Marrs and am ready to make this the permanent D9 guitar. I've tried the tuning and will stick with it on this guitar. What string guages are you using on your D9 tuning? |
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Bobby Lee Sysop Posts: 14849 |
posted 10 January 2002 09:16 AM
Here's what I'd try: 1 E .014If you previously used a plain 6th string, you will probably have to get under your guitar to adjust the pedal for the wound string. It requires a lot more travel. ------------------ [This message was edited by Bobby Lee on 10 January 2002 at 09:17 AM.] |
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Dale Thomas Member Posts: 67 |
posted 10 January 2002 04:45 PM
As TP said in a previous entry, that's Tom Pickett not toilet paper, I've had D-9 on my top neck since my first pedal guitar in '59 or '60. String breakeage is a bonus, the big benefit to me is to be able to play in E and F and get those beautiful low unwound sounds. Dale Thomas cthomas@avalon.net ------------------ |
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Al Udeen Member Posts: 1164 |
posted 10 January 2002 04:47 PM
b0b! I would think that using a .013 on the 3rd & a .020 on the 5th & a .042 on the 10th, would present the same breakage problems, that most want to get away from by tuning down! I would try an .012 a .018 & a .038 or .040 on those 3 strings, Paul! whats your take on this? au |
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Al Udeen Member Posts: 1164 |
posted 10 January 2002 04:49 PM
Hey Dale! what guages do you use! au |
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Curt Olsen Member Posts: 148 |
posted 10 January 2002 05:04 PM
I have played D9 from day one, and like the deeper sound from it.I also find more open string uses from it.I play an lagrande II and have very good luck with it. The strings I use are as follows: .013 .015 .012 .014 .017 .022W .026W .030W .034W .036W ------------------ |
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Bobby Lee Sysop Posts: 14849 |
posted 10 January 2002 05:41 PM
If you're tuning down to avoid string breakage, you should use lighter gauges. The gauges I gave above will give you a deeper tone on a guitar that doesn't break strings. ------------------ |
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Frank Parish Member Posts: 2327 |
posted 10 January 2002 10:22 PM
I had to go and pick out some strings last evening and you might know that Sam Ash here in Nashville didn't have exactly what I wanted. B0b I went with someting close to your choice but need to make a change or two I think. I wanted a .040 for the 10th string but they didn't have that so I had to take a .042. Also I wanted a .024w for the 6th string and again I had to take a different one and took the .026w. Here are the gauges but I'll be messing with it a little until I get what works. Also for those of you here in Nashville, I had to pay what I would regard as retail for these strings. I don't have the receipt here in front of me but will find it in the van but this set was over $13. I wouldn't have bought them there but I didn't have any strings for it and didn't have time to order any. 1. .014 2. .017 3. .013 4. .016 5. .019 6. .026w .024w These sizes outside of the 7. .030w line would be my first 8. .034w choices. 9. .036w 10..042w .040 All in all these aren't working that bad so far but I have a PF 4th pedal on this guitar and will have to change the 6th string to get it to lower all the way. There may be something I can do underneath the guitar and will have to look at it this weekend. If at all possible I plan to take this one out and play it this weekend. I'm not tuning this guitar to D9 to eliminate string breakage but to get that deeper tone. For a second or third guitar I'll probably stick with it. [This message was edited by Frank Parish on 11 January 2002 at 03:56 AM.] |
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