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What strings should I use on a CBG with a 20-3/4 scale length?

Posted by Jamie Kerns on September 12, 2010 at 11:24pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

Okay...I started my 3rd build a few days ago and had a much smaller cigar box then my previous builds that I wanted to use so I decided to scale down to make the neck and box more proportioned. But I read that when using a smaller scale length the strings may not tune right, Is this true?   it is a 3 string and I am about 90% finished with the build so its a bit to late to turn back now....HELP !!!

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Replies

  • Keni Lee Burgess September 13, 2010 at 10:06pm
    Technically Don what you are saying is correct. My suggestion was to make the instrument sound good and functional. As you go heavier you need more neck and a bigger body. This is why you don't see ukuleles with heavy strings and tuned down. Not enough box to vibrate. Short heavy strings? Regardless, you never know until you try. No Rules! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy.

    Don Thompson said:
    I have to disagree here. I would go with heavier strings not lighter. Shorter scale length means to get the same feel and tesion you want thicker diameter strings. Simple physics.
    Don
  • Don Thompson September 13, 2010 at 4:23pm
    I have to disagree here. I would go with heavier strings not lighter. Shorter scale length means to get the same feel and tesion you want thicker diameter strings. Simple physics.
    Don
  • Diane in Chicago September 13, 2010 at 8:01am
    If you use this: http://www.apsimplepsaltery.com/index.htm

    It tell you this:

    G - 038
    D - 025
    G - 019

    or to go an octave higher

    G - 019
    d - 013
    g - 010

    But like Keni Lee says, you can choose any tuning you like you find those sets of strings are too heavy or too light. You can tune it to D or C instead.
  • Keni Lee Burgess September 13, 2010 at 7:27am
    Here is a key chart:
    http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/13-keys?context=user

    I would suggest using lighter gauge strings and tune to the 1 5 1 tuning that gives you the correct tension. I am not sure even with a lighter gauge that you will be able to tune GDg. Regardless, because all the different keys are related to the 1 5 1 tuning relationship, the fingerboard will play the same, just the overall sound will change. It is nice to have instruments that sound in different keys. I hope this helps. Enjoy, Keni Lee
  • Jamie Kerns September 13, 2010 at 1:56am
    open G
  • Diane in Chicago September 13, 2010 at 12:02am
    what tuning do you want to have?
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