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hemiola01
Aloha
1 Posts |
 Posted - 07/07/2010 : 10:35:06 AM
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Hi everyone, I am new to taropatch.net and am excited to have found such a great slack key site! My question is this:
I'm pretty new to slack key playing (and guitar also) so this might have an obvious answer.. Is there a different type of string that is better suited for slack key tuning? The reason I ask is that when I am tuned to a key like G taro patch, it's difficult to play the low D string without the string buzzing. I have to play it very soft and delicately just to get it to sound without buzzing. I have tried plucking it in different ways/directions as well, but still the buzz. Of course when I use traditional guitar tuning, the low E string plays just fine. Is there a type of string/setup better for slack key, or am I doing something wrong?
mahalo nui loa :)
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Allen M Cary
Lokahi
USA
158 Posts |
Posted - 07/07/2010 : 11:59:53 AM
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On some guitars it is a good idea to use a heavier string for the low tuned bass strings. This will allow you to have a bit more tension on them when they are tuned to the lower notes-C is even worse than D--for Leonards F, Keola's C or drop-C tunings. It's probably the lower tension that is causing the buzz. If you are using light gauge strings, get a medium gauge for the 5th and 6th strings. You may have to open the grooves in the nut a little so they seat. If this scares you, take the guitar to your guitar shop and have the luthier set it up for you.
Aloha,
Allen |
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wdf
Ha`aha`a
USA
1154 Posts |
Posted - 07/07/2010 : 12:14:05 PM
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Some string manufacturers offer strings with mixed gauges (high 3 strings light and low 3 strings medium). Elixir , for example uses the phrase "light tops, medium bottoms". While John Pearse uses the term "bluegrass". You shouldn't have to worry about the nut slots.
You didn't mention the type of guitar you are using.
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Dusty |
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vscotth
Aloha
USA
39 Posts |
Posted - 07/07/2010 : 3:32:38 PM
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When a string is tuned down, its tension is decreased, which in turn increases the amplitude of the string's vibration motion, causing the buzzing you experienced. A heavier gauge string will usually solve this problem.
The manufacturer/builder-recommended gauges (thickness/mass) of guitar string sets are based on the amount of tension produced when the guitar is tuned to standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). When retuning the guitar to a tuning that is different from standard, like Taro Patch for example, the general guideline is to use the next lighter or heavier gauge string for each full note change from standard tuning. This is based on the physics of a vibrating string, which, for those interested in the math, is discussed at:
http://www.noyceguitars.com/Technotes/Articles/T3.html
So, for example, tuning the sixth string down from an E to a D for Taro Patch would suggest replacing a medium gauge string with a heavy gauge string to maintain equivalent tension. More specifically, replacing the 0.056 (standard acoustic steel string "regular" or "medium") gauge string with a 0.062 (heavy) gauge string would create approximately the same tension, and therefor reduce the likelihood that the string will buzz against the frets.
Changing string gauges only makes sense, though, if you plan to stick mostly to one tuning, or a set of tunings that share similar string tension changes. So, for example, if you're going to play in Taro Patch and Drop C, say, it might make sense to use a heavy gauge 6th (and perhaps 5th) string. On the other hand, if you plan to also play in Bb Mauna Loa, where the bottom strings are tuned up from standard, a heavy gauge 6th string might not be the best idea, since it will create more tension on the saddle than the guitar might have been designed for. Instruments do vary, though, in their ability to accommodate a range of tensions, so it's a good idea to check with the manufacturer/builder for the recommended string specs.
Of course, the ideal situation would be to have a guitar for each tuning you wanted to play in. Then you could select the string gauges that worked best for that tuning, and be done with it. Unfortunately, this approach has some significant budget and storage space implications for many of us, and often involves sensitive negotiations with one's spouse/partner. So the typical compromise is to use medium or heavy gauge for those strings that are tuned down, and medium or light gauge strings for those strings that are tuned up. And since more of the popular slack key tunings use lowered bass strings, Dusty's suggestion about mixed gauge strings is worth considering. I use the Elixir medium/light set and find that they work well with tunings that use low bass notes.
Other factors, though, can also cause this buzzing effect. Adjusting the guitar's action can help eliminate buzzing, but this should be done with care, and by someone with the necessary experience, since it can affect the playability of the instrument and the intonation of fretted notes along the neck. Also, checking the neck for warping is probably the first thing that should be done and minor warping can, in most cases, be corrected with truss rod adjustments.
In deciding about string gauges, the total tension on the saddle, the sum of all the individual string tensions, should also be considered. Guitar makers design their instruments to accommodate a range of tension on the saddle, and usually have a recommendation for total string tension. A number of web sites, including those representing string manufacturers, provide information and guidelines for determining string gauges and calculating individual and total string tension. Some useful sites are:
www.tothestage.com/upload/StringTension_1949.pdf
www.bangzero.org/stringtension/
www.mcdonaldstrings.com/stringxxiii.html
Generally speaking, changes of -2 and +1 full note difference are not cause for concern. I would suggest that players using tuning changes beyond that range should consider using string gauges that accommodate the change in string tension.
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2010 : 02:37:57 AM
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Hemiola...hey, I just learned about that last year. Cool timing variation.
I tune all the way down to Bb (Bb F D F Bb D)without any problems using medium strings. For all other tunings I am using lights.
On occasion I use a .056 on top of a light set. For nylon I use high tension.
Providing that you do not have a neck issue or a or rogue fret, get your action raised a little. That should take care of it.
When you find the proper saddle height (sometimes nut too) everything works out. Keep in mind that you will not get close "electric guitar" action on an acoustic.
My guitars are set to 1.5-2.0mm (.060-.080in) at the 12th fret.
Having 2-3 guitars as mentioned is a good idea too. |
Bob |
Edited by - RWD on 07/08/2010 02:53:10 AM |
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beginner question about strings/setup
