I am wanting to build a couple of Shorter Scale CBG's for my 5 yr old twin boys.  I am thinking 20"- 21", however I am concerned about string gauge selection and string tension at this scale.  Just wondering if anyone has any experience with a shorter scale and if what I want to build is reasonably feasible.

Thanks,

Norman

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  • I have made a few 18" to 20" three stringers.  They tune pretty well to Aea 

  • Thanks for the info. I certainly wanted to be sure it could be done before I started. I'll go ahead with the builds and sort out the strings when I get there. I'll post pics when I'm done. Likely a few weeks as my garage is not heated and we are still very cool/cold here in Alberta.

    Norman
  • go for it.

    if the strings are too slack then you tune it a key or two higher, and next time you buy heavier strings, its not particularly difficult :)

    • I have a 21 inch scale 5 string banjo CBG, which uses 10,13,16,W20, & another 10 for the short string. They are probably a bit heavy for a little kid, as they are tuned e4, c#4, a3, e3, a4. You could lower the tuning to open G or buy lighter strings.
      All the best from Bill. :D
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