I'm building my 2nd CBG now and I have some questions about strings.
First, a few details about the guitar. It is 24" scale, fretless, 4 string, with a standard single coil pickup from a strat. It is made from a smaller red Punch cigar box (Magnums) so I don't think it will have a lot of volume acoustic... thus I'm thinking about forgoing the sound holes altogether.
First question is should I use electric strings? And second, what 4 strings should i use?
The first guitar I built is a 3 string and uses the A, D, and G strings. I sort of miss the next high string (B) while playing so I'm thinking about adding the B in to this one.
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I recently built a cbg with a mini humbucker and used medium light phosphor bronze acoustic strings. they sound great through the pick-up and sound much better acousticly than electric strings. there also exist a style of string called that are bronze and nickle wound at the same time that would probably sound great on a hollow body cbg with a pick-up.
I just want to clarify one thing Sam said.
If you are using a strat pickup, you really need to use electric strings. Acoustic strings will sound when used with an electric pickup because of the steel core, it won't sound very good on the wound strings because of the bronze wraps.
The plain strings will be MUCH louder if you use acoustic strings. Also the guage of electric strings is less likely to stress your neck.
electric strings are fine.... that's what I mostly use... which you use depends a lot one the music you're playing and the singer you're backing.... I tend toward the bass side of the set, but many guys are using the middle 4 for a four stringer... try it... like it good... if not, just swap them out... (oh, start with the lowest (heaviest first) that why if you "move up" you have plenty of string to work with (assuming you've trimmed the strings and assuming an inline tuner setup)...
Replies
I just want to clarify one thing Sam said.
If you are using a strat pickup, you really need to use electric strings. Acoustic strings will sound when used with an electric pickup because of the steel core, it won't sound very good on the wound strings because of the bronze wraps.
The plain strings will be MUCH louder if you use acoustic strings. Also the guage of electric strings is less likely to stress your neck.
fun, isn't it?
the best,
Sam