Switching from 8 string lap steel to 8 string dobro/resophonic/

[Carey Hofer]

I play an 8 string lap steel in B11 tuning, B, C#, D#, F#, A, C#, E, F# low to high. 23 1/2" scale. Would it be possible to find an 8 string dobro/resonator/resophonic acoustic and use the same tuning?

[Jack Hanson]

Sure! Just be certain to use strings of the appropriate gauges, which you're unlikely to acquire in a full 8-string set. Use an online string gauge calculator, and purchase your strings individually by the gauge. Most resos that I'm aware of have a scale length longer than 23-1/2", so installing strings a few thousandths of an inch lighter than you use on your electric would likely be prudent.

[Howard Parker]

Tuning with appropriate strings won't be an issue.

You MAY have an issue with volume with those skinny strings. It takes mass/energy to get a resonator cone "excited" and project.

Only one was to find out. String it up and see how you like it!

h

[Carey Hofer]

Thanks guys.