What gauge strings to use if going between c6 and a6 on 8 string

[Larry Lenhart]

I havent picked up my latest steel yet, but plan to today.

I know on some of my older steels I used the same set strings to go from C6th to A6th.....but I dont recall what gauges of strings i used.

my steel is an 8 string stringmaster from the 60s, but i dont know the scale length at this point

thanks for any help and suggestions

[Mike Neer]

There is a set of SIT strings in the forum store that are labeled an A6 set but are perfect for C6. I bought a few sets recently.

You can see the gauges here: https://steelguitarshopper.com/sit-stri ... string-se/

[J D Sauser]

C6th is Am7th.

So, A6th has pretty close to the same notes, just with both, the minor 3rds raised half to Major 3rds and the b7ths flattened half to 6ths.
Playing wise all that changes is that the degrees are set back one string from C6th and your top string E now is the much desired 5th and if you had a high G on your C6th that one will become the 6th A6th when flattened to F#.


I don't remember the string gauges I used when I played A6th as a teen, but I would just start by raising your C's to C# (Maj. 3rd of A6th) and lower your G's half to FX (6th of A6th) and see what happens before throwing everything over board and juggling with new strings.
IF you used a high G on your C6th, it would be a great opportunity to fatten that string up a gauge or two now that it will be relaxed to F#... unless you prefer to retain the ability to tune back and forth between the two tunings, like Jerry Byrd was known to do even in the middle of a tune.



... J-D.