|
|
Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | Like me, if you own one of these it's probably not your only 6 string. Try stringing it up with high-octave strings. I think this little guitar has found it's best voice. I bought a set of GHS Nashville High Tuning strings along with my last order with JustStrings.com, but if you have singles lying around to experiment with that works too. The gauges are 11, 15, 9, 11, 15, 20(wound).
You can't use it for everything, but in the right moment the sound is magical. We do 6-7 songs on a Sunday and every so often there'll be a song where it fits. I switch from my 12 string to the high-strung guitar and you should see the heads turn in my direction!
John <>{ |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | I can't say as I've ever heard of that gauge combo. Sounds interesting. Is that like half of a twelve string set? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 4413
| Is that top to bottom (1st to 6th) or bottom to top (6th to 1st) John? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | OK, I'm making the assumption that it's still tuned e B G D A E, with the GDAE an octave higher?
Which songs 'fit'? Any we'd know?
And why do you only recommend it on a 97C? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | This is sometimes called "Nashville" tuning. It's the same as the octave strings from a 12-string set. It was discoverd by a hillybilly who figgered he could buy one pack of 12-string set and use it to string 2 guitars.
Toby |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | This became common in studios in Nashville when they wanted to get a 12 string sound. Apparently it's a pain to record with a regular 12, but if you layer a regular 6 over another 6 with high-octave strings you get the sound of a 12.
My gauge listing is from high-E to low-E. You can simply use the high-octave strings from a 12 string set. These gauges are what you get from GHS when you order their "Nashville" set.
Why the 97C? I've done this with my full-size 6 string guitars and, while it certainly works, I can't dedicate my big 6 string to this tuning. The smaller size of the 97 reacts uniquely to the use of these high strings; the sound is enchanting.
What songs? I don't know exactly. I play 2nd guitar on our worship team. The 1st guitar is a Taylor 814 playing the main guitar part. I'm over on the side with my Pacemaker, Sweetwater T and high-strung guitars in the rack. I mostly use the Pacemaker to add rhythm and extra body to the dynamics of the songs. When my hands get tired or the 12 goes out of tune with no hope at the moment of re-tuning, I switch to the Sweetwater T. But sometimes... we do a sweet song where tiny high notes or strums add to the tenderness of the moment. Several Brian Doerksen songs come to mind. If you're familiar with Gordon Lightfoot's work, listen to Terry Clements' playing (or Red Shea on the pre-1970 songs.
Just playing by myself in my livingroom sounds nice, too.
John <>{ |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | I might have to try this. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | I've had guitars strung to Nashville or "high string" tuning. It's very cool and lends itself, when playing in a group, to capoing at a high fret and getting a very high tinkling sound.
For solo play, it's interesting but limited. I once heard a championship fingerpicker play a guitar that was strung that way, solo, and it was wonderful (he would have sounded wonderful playing a breadbox strung up).
My old '78 Legend sounded great strung up Nashville because it had no bass to begin with. I've got a friend who will occassionally string his Taylor Big Baby this way and play it in a group. Also a good guitar for it..... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4026
Location: Utah | Ima going to give this a try on the old AA13. It's a 3/4 size Applause starter guitar. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Nashville tuning is great for recording 2nd guitars to layer the sound and make it fuller. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | FlySig...
I've tried it with that guitar; didn't sound very good maybe. I think the bowl is just too small.
This is the moment that gave me the inspiration:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkMKmR32FiA |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Ummmm, with a drop D... Might be nice. |
|
| |
97C owners: try this
