I'm still a newbie with the Cig Box building, and I'm puzzling over the issue of setup. I know from experience with six string guitars, that a guy who wants to play slide on it usually wants the action set up high. I like the idea of playing fingerstyle on a 4 string cig box, but if I set up a low action, it's not good for a slide play option - and if I set it up real high for slide playing, then it's too high for much fingerstyle.
I see a lot of slide players opting for a fretless approach, but so far I'm not enjoying that approach so much (also a newbie to slide playing).
Is there an optimal "in between" setup option that lends itself to both? Or do I just need to plan on setting them up for the intended playing style?
On the subject of getting the fretted version to cooperate, I know I can also opt to install the heaviest strings - but now I'm wondering if it might be a good plan to use small fret wire instead of the standard I work with on acoustic guitars ( that's what I've used so far on my CBGs )
Any help with this issue will be most appreciated! - Rob
Replies
What "Oily" said......
You don't need really heavy strings, but extra lights pose their own problems. If you use a medium set of strings (20~25 lbs of tension) then you can set the action down in the 0.030" range at the first and 0.070" at the 12th and be able to play both slide and fingered notes. You need a setup that allows you easy fretting (without every note going sharp). With reasonable string tension and practice on slide technique, you can use one guitar for both styles. It's not that difficult.
Decide how you want to tune the guitar (Open G, Open G, etc) then use the string Tension calculator to pick strings that give you tension in the range noted above. It will all work out.
I like the nickel and dime method. Use a dime at the 1st and a nickel at the 12th to set the string height.
A dime is 0.053", which is high, IMHO.. I prefer a medium pick gap...(0.030")
I measured a Dobro string height of .112" above the 12th fret. A friend of mine has a National Steel that I measured at .120". These both lend themselves to both slide and fret playing.
If you wanted just slide you would not even need frets. If you wanted just frets .070 - .090" at the twelfth fret would be good.
Of my two favorite fretted guitars, one is a 4 string set at .070" and the other is a 3 string set at .090". I play slide and frets with both of them though I do more slide on the 3 string and more fingering on the 4.
Bottom line, your technique and personal preference is what should determine your action.
Sounds like you need to setup for the intended playing style.
CBGs often have a bit of bow to them without a truss rod. This can be an advantage when talking about a hybrid setup.
My CBGs (fretted) are relatively low action near the nut which makes for easy fretting where you do it most. The natural tension pulls the neck up a bit and raises the string height to the slide range past the 5th fret or so. This works since most sliding is higher up the neck.
Specifically, around 1/16" clearance at 1st fret, 1/8" at the 12th fret.
If you use bolts for nuts, you can also setup your CBG with low action and a smaller bolt. Swap out a slightly thicker bolt as needed to raise your action into slide territory.
My approach to this for what its worth is to set the action to what would be fairly high for regular playing. You can then play notes with your fingers. This gives a little easier playing with a slide. As your slide technique improves you can lower the action a bit.
Stick with standard fret wire.
Playing slide is kinda like using a handsaw: let the tool do the work. Don't force it. Take yer time. Concentrate on a light touch.