Tuning

If it has Pedals...
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jcbartee
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:15 pm

Tuning

Post by jcbartee »

When I use my a b pedal, the sixth string lowers about 4 cents on my tuner.
Anyone have any ideas why?
bluesteel
Posts: 127
Joined: Thu Jun 28, 2012 5:58 am

Re: Tuning

Post by bluesteel »

JC, not to be picky, but if you press your B pedal, 3 & 6 should raise, not lower.

Are you thinking of your 5 string lowering when you press the B pedal? If so, I think you will find everyone has the same experience. It's called cabinet drop. When you pull down on the bellcrank with the pedal rod, it exerts a bending force on the guitar body (cabinet). It isn't infinitely rigid, so it deflects - and the other strings all go minutely flat as a result. That's why tuning a pedal steel is such a fiddly compromise.

Your tuner will see it, but I doubt anyone's ear will hear a 4 cent change! Crack on regardless, don't worry.

Regards, Will
jcbartee
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:15 pm

Re: Tuning

Post by jcbartee »

thanks for the reply. I finally decided the same thing.
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