Posted by Roy Gerritsen on October 12, 2009 at 10:45pm
My first CBG is completed and it looks mighty fine! But, I'm having a problem with the strings. I tried tuning the strings to GDGD, but the top D keeps breaking before I can get it tuned up to the D. I've been using the lower four strings from a six string acoustic set. Are these the correct ones to use? Help!
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I always use the middle 4 strings from a set for my 4 stringers. I like to tune them to their standard pitch - ADGB - that way I can play any of the standard chords (just minus the low and high E strings) - also makes it easy to go back and forth to an open G by just dropping the low A string down a full step. I usually use light gauge acoustic or medium gauge electric string sets. I also found (by accident) that a standard mandolin capo works perfect on your average 4 (or 3) stringer for a quick pitch change. Hope this helps! - T
Once you decide on what tuning you want, plug in your scale length, and it will tell you which strings to get. I was able to purchase at a local guitar store who has every diameter string available and sells them individually. They charge $1 per wound string, and .60 for a non-wound.
I purchased strings for my second build, tuning GDGb, and the correct guages made a world of difference.
I guess it goes back to the fact that there are no rules when it comes to CBGs, so use what ever strings sound the best to you and don't break in the process :)
I've learned the hard way on this too. If you want a deeper bass sound then tune it to open G (GDG) and use A D G on a 3 string. But if you want to tune it to open D (DAD) then you have to use your higher pitch stings of D G B or you will break your bottom "G" string every time. The same will be true with a 4 string. So you'll just have to build a CBG for "G" and one for "D" playing :)
I'm also thinking about trying electric guitar strings on my CBG's where I have a guitar pickup installed because the pickup picks up the nickel strings better. I think the reason why people use bronze strings is because it helps to tone down the piezo pickup better -- just my theory on what I have heard on my CBG's (from replacing a broken "G" string with "B" string until I could get another "G" string)
You have to experiment to see what works best for you. I've used medium and light guage steel strings, as well as classical nylon string and fishing line, if you can believe that. My problem is with the highest strings (currently 9 guage). of course, if you look at my latest build (a 12 stringer), that might explain my difficulties with string breakage...HA!
Replies
http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.htm
Once you decide on what tuning you want, plug in your scale length, and it will tell you which strings to get. I was able to purchase at a local guitar store who has every diameter string available and sells them individually. They charge $1 per wound string, and .60 for a non-wound.
I purchased strings for my second build, tuning GDGb, and the correct guages made a world of difference.
a regular pack of strings low to high is
EADGBE
Use medium gauge.
You are using strings EADG ?
and trying to tune GDGD with them?
If you want this tuning use strings: ADG(not B)E
Then tune GDGD.
This will work. Enjoy.
I'm also thinking about trying electric guitar strings on my CBG's where I have a guitar pickup installed because the pickup picks up the nickel strings better. I think the reason why people use bronze strings is because it helps to tone down the piezo pickup better -- just my theory on what I have heard on my CBG's (from replacing a broken "G" string with "B" string until I could get another "G" string)
If you want to go for an "open D" use the top 4 strings (6-5-4-3) and tune D-A-D-F#...
If you need a good on line tuner that lets you play with different tunings try:
http://www.get-tuned.com/guitar_tuner.php
the best,
Wichita Sam
Tam
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