I am a bit confused with the High, Low tuning compared to the string lengths of the CBG and the string gauge to use.
I realize that there are no rules for string lengths, but is there such a thing as "rule of thumb" for these things.
I am making my first CBG 3 string (I doubt 4 string as i have a useless middle finger). I would like one strung High in D and a second Low in D. (Steel strings)
Just to get me going what would you recommend as a string length for these guitars and what string gauge for each please.
My local shop sells the guitar string set in "medium" gauge (e=0.012); "Custom light" (e=0.011) and "light" (e=0.10)
Could i use the same gauge for both tunings? Would both string lengths be the same if I did that?
I am really not into physics or audio stuff... so just offer me some "rule/s" of thumb; then write learned paper on it for me to download so that i can read it 20 times in bed at night (yes... I am an old man and reading in bed is great! :) )
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I have always used what amounts to "light" acoustic guitar sets. For a three-string, you can just use the "top" three strings.
Sometimes folks get confused about "top" and "bottom". "Top" strings are the little skinny ones that produce the highest tones; "bottom" the thicker lower-sounding ones.
There are no rules with CBGs, but remember that in most cases these instruments are not all that strong; that's why I use the thinner strings. (less tension)
For my resonator guitar, I used the "middle" strings (5-4-3-2) to impart a bit more energy to the resonator; the top doesn't take any pressure in this design.
Most decent music shops will sell you single strings; just look online at what the gauges are for a light acoustic set..
Here, for a typical D'Addario light set:
Diameter Tension
Item# Note inches mm lbs kg
PL012 E 0.012 0.3 23.3 10.57
PL016 B 0.016 0.41 23.3 10.57
PB024 G 0.024 0.61 30.2 13.70
PB032 D 0.032 0.81 30.5 13.83
PB042 A 0.042 1.07 29.9 13.56
PB053 E 0.053 1.35 26.0 13.15
In general be prepared to experiment to get the correct string tension so your CBG rings correctly. Too tight is bad for the neck and harder to fret notes. Too loose will not cause the sound box to vibrate. If the scale length is a standard length of about 23 to 24 inch, you can use medium gauge strings (.13 to .56). Low: use strings 543 (ADg) tune GDg. High: use strings 321(gbe) tune gbd. Have you seen my video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX0LEMoFoJU&feature=PlayList&...
Please feel free to write if I can be of any assistance. Enjoy.
Using guitar strings, a good rule of thumb is to use a scale length around 24"-25". That way, guitar strings will act like guitar strings.
The light strings will make things easier for you - you won't have to deal with so much structural stress.
Strings 6-5-4 are good for a low DAd tuning. Strings 4-2-1 are good for a High DAd tuning. Or you could put your high guitar in in G - GBD - and use the 3-2-1 strings, so that between the two guitars you use a whole set of strings.
Using guitar strings, a good rule of thumb is to use a scale length around 24"-25". That way, guitar strings will act like guitar strings.
The light strings will make things easier for you - you won't have to deal with so much structural stress.
Strings 6-5-4 are good for a low DAd tuning. Strings 4-2-1 are good for a High DAd tuning. Or you could put your high guitar in in G - GBD - and use the 3-2-1 strings, so that between the two guitars you use a whole set of strings.
Replies
I seem to have got myself straight on that issue, made copious notes.
I will play the first one safe and go with the most straightforward. I have a set of medium strings... I will use them.
Over and out.
Sometimes folks get confused about "top" and "bottom". "Top" strings are the little skinny ones that produce the highest tones; "bottom" the thicker lower-sounding ones.
There are no rules with CBGs, but remember that in most cases these instruments are not all that strong; that's why I use the thinner strings. (less tension)
For my resonator guitar, I used the "middle" strings (5-4-3-2) to impart a bit more energy to the resonator; the top doesn't take any pressure in this design.
Most decent music shops will sell you single strings; just look online at what the gauges are for a light acoustic set..
Here, for a typical D'Addario light set:
Diameter Tension
Item# Note inches mm lbs kg
PL012 E 0.012 0.3 23.3 10.57
PL016 B 0.016 0.41 23.3 10.57
PB024 G 0.024 0.61 30.2 13.70
PB032 D 0.032 0.81 30.5 13.83
PB042 A 0.042 1.07 29.9 13.56
PB053 E 0.053 1.35 26.0 13.15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX0LEMoFoJU&feature=PlayList&...
Please feel free to write if I can be of any assistance. Enjoy.
Are there any other offers?
The light strings will make things easier for you - you won't have to deal with so much structural stress.
Strings 6-5-4 are good for a low DAd tuning. Strings 4-2-1 are good for a High DAd tuning. Or you could put your high guitar in in G - GBD - and use the 3-2-1 strings, so that between the two guitars you use a whole set of strings.