How to tune my Dobro in open A ,like Bro Oswald
Same intervals as open G except up a step (two frets): AC#Eac#e.
Be sure to use lighter strings than the standard sets designed for open G.
Oswald used different string gauges in his career, but after a time he apparently settled on the gauges listed below.
It has been written that he tuned to Open A because Roy Acuff sang many songs in the key of A. For myself, unless I were in a situation like that, I don't have a good enough reason to take the G tuning set off the guitar and have to chase down the strings listed below. Do any of the string companies offer a dobro set with similar gauges, or would one have to put this together by purchasing individual strings?
.018 E
.018 C#
.022w A
.032w E
.042w C#
.042w A
quote:
Originally posted by MarkinSonomaOswald used different string gauges in his career, but after a time he apparently settled on the gauges listed below.
It has been written that he tuned to Open A because Roy Acuff sang many songs in the key of A. For myself, unless I were in a situation like that, I don't have a good enough reason to take the G tuning set off the guitar and have to chase down the strings listed below. Do any of the string companies offer a dobro set with similar gauges, or would one have to put this together by purchasing individual strings?
.018 E
.018 C#
.022w A
.032w E
.042w C#
.042w A
Thanks for the information, yes I got them from Reverb & Strings & Beyond
quote:
Originally posted by Iceman6937Same intervals as open G except up a step (two frets): AC#Eac#e.
Be sure to use lighter strings than the standard sets designed for open G.
Thanks for the Information, yes I got the strings from Reverb & Strings & Beyond. Two .018, One .022w, One .032w, & Two .O42w.
Is it just me, or are those gauges just weird? Two sets a minor third and a major third apart with the same gauges? Certainly not because he was bending a lot behind the bar.
Os used a plain .22 for his third string.
He used to use a .52 for his 6th string but later switched to a .42 because it was easier for him to play because of his arthritis.
Edited by - Chris Simpkins on 11/26/2022 09:38:42
quote:
Originally posted by Chris SimpkinsOs used a plain .22 for his third string.
He used to use a .52 for his 6th string but later switched to a .42 because it was easier for him to play because of his arthritis.
Good catch on the 3rd string. I copied and pasted the gauges from an old post that didn't have the w's where needed, and mistakenly added one for the third string. One of the things I don't like about Resohangout is one has only a short time period to edit posts before it becomes etched in "cyber granite."
As far as the 6th string I have also read in the past that he earlier used a .056w which literally seemed like a stretch since that gauge makes for a very tight string tuned to G, and tuned up a whole step to A seems like an accident waiting to happen. I dunno, maybe you can do that on a round neck Dobro like Oswald played and it might slightly warp the neck without ruining it.
quote:
Originally posted by darrell7491How to tune my Dobro in open A ,like Bro Oswald
Darrrell, I'm curious why you want to tune to A...the only reason I can figure is to be able to play fiddle tunes with open strings.
Another reason- I tune to E and A (low bass) because they suit my singing range and song selection better; but it's non-bluegrass, and on a tricone; the dobro's in high bass G
quote:
Originally posted by Oboe Cadobroquote:
Originally posted by darrell7491How to tune my Dobro in open A ,like Bro Oswald
Darrrell, I'm curious why you want to tune to A...the only reason I can figure is to be able to play fiddle tunes with open strings.
Search Bro Oswald and you will know. Thanks for asking
quote:
Originally posted by darrell7491Search Bro Oswald and you will know. Thanks for asking
quote:
Originally posted by MarkinSonomaIt has been written that he tuned to Open A because Roy Acuff sang many songs in the key of A.
I know about Oswald, not sure why you're being evasive. Are you saying that you play with a singer who sings in A?
Sorry about I just love to play like Bro Oswald. Have a blessed day
quote:
Originally posted by darrell7491... I just love to play like Bro Oswald...
You are not alone!
The playing like him is slow going, but getting the laugh down is coming along nicely.
quote:
Originally posted by darrell7491Sorry about I just love to play like Bro Oswald. Have a blessed day
Yeah buddy, Brother Oswald could sure pull tone out of that dobro! Love the music!
Yes he could I got a Model 27 just like Oswald. I just tune mine like his in key of open A ,changed strings 2 -18's uw, one 22 uw & 32 & 2-42's wound.Sounds just like Bro Oz. . Now if I could play like Oz. Thanks
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