Split Tuning On Two Strings Same Pedals

[Paul Hutzler]

The little chart below is what I'm trying to set up on my Carter S-10. Using a split tuning setup I want pedal 2 and 3 used together to drop the 6th and 3rd string from G# to G. I can get it working on one string, but getting them both to work together only KIND OF works. I've seen a single string changed using a split tuning. But does anyone ever have 2 strings activated by the same 2 pedals using two separate split tunings?

.........................6th string.....3rd string
Open...............G#....................G#
Pedal 2...........A.........................A
Pedal 3...........F#......................F#
Pedal 2+3......G.......................G

[Scott Swartz]

On all my steels over the last 30 years I have had the standard A pedal plus B-A# split for an in tune C note on strings 5 and 10, has always worked flawless on Sierra, MSA, Carter, Williams, and have played many other brands where it works also. This is very common combination working on lots of steels.

The G# - F# on string 3 is a very long pull but I am pretty sure there have been threads here discussing that this does work on Carters at least achieving the lower to F#.

That said the pull is so long you could have the "long pull where the raise is cancelling the lower" issue and mixing that with the 3rd rod for the split could possibly be an issue. The cancelling issue can sometimes be fixed by moving the rod to a higher (ie faster pull) lower hole at the changer, but you have to carefully watch for what is going on.

I am assuming you have the correct 3rd rod to do the split as needed on Carters since they do not have the allen screws for the changer finger as on Emmons, Williams and others.

[Paul Hutzler]

I understand what your saying. Thanks thats helpful. The G# to F# works fine on 6th and 3rd strings. And the split tuning setup works well on the 6th string. But when i add the 3rd string split tuning things get wonky. The tuning becomes very unstable. Have to adjust tuning every 2 minutes. Thanks for the response.

[Ian Worley]

As Scott said, it's a very long pull. With a long pull on a lower, the lower return spring tension increases through the range of the pull such that it's very tight by the time you've reached the full whole step lower. This is likely where the instability comes from on string 3, the lowering rod becomes a fulcrum, where the increased tension from the extended spring starts to overpower the opposing tension on the raise side that would normally keep the split in a stable position. In this situation it can be a tricky thing to balance. Loosening the lower return spring a little might be the solution, but they're not adjustable on a Carter so you'd probably have to replace it with something a little longer/looser. It needs to be just tight enough to hold the lowering scissor firmly against the stop when you engage the raise alone

[Paul Hutzler]

Ok thanks for the information. I appreciate it!