String gauges for 24-1/2" scale

[Ian McLatchie]

I'm eagerly awaiting the delivery of a Melobar Supersteel (that Easter weekend sale is a great institution, Ted), with 24-1/2" scale. It's been a long time since I've owned a long-scale lap steel, and can't remember what string gauges I used to use for various tunings. I'll likely be tuning this instrument to either C6 or C9 (Leavitt tuning). On a 22-3/4" scale for use in these tunings I use the following gauges:

C9 C6 Gauge

D E .015
C C .017
Bb A .022
G G .024
E E .030
C# C# .034
C C .036
A A .042

Any suggested changes for the longer scale?
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Ian McLatchie on 30 April 2000 at 06:32 PM.]</p></FONT>

[Mike Fried]

Ian, I would just go one size smaller on each string from what you would use on your short-scale guitar. If any string is then out of balance, adjust its gauge accordingly.