Which 3 strings to use?

Posted by Al Wenkebach on May 19, 2016 at 2:24pm

I have a 3 stringer that I am having trouble with. I keep breaking the 2 smaller strings but mostly the smallest. It is 24 inches from nut to bridge. Which 3 strings am I supposed to be using? The diameter? Wound or not wound? I am trying to tune G-D-G. If I go higher than A-E-A, PING!!...This is my first build. Thanks.

A finshed 3 string 2016.jpg

You need to be a member of Cigar Box Nation to add comments!

Join Cigar Box Nation

Email me when people reply –
Follow

Replies

  • Ron "Oily" Sprague July 6, 2016 at 3:50am
    Al,

    If you're using the 3-4-5 from a standard 6-string set, then ADG means you only need to tune the A one whole note down to achieve your objective.

    If you're using light strings, and you're trying to get to GDG, but as you say, "If I go higher than AEA, PING!!"...you do realize that you've over tensioned them, yes?

    A is above G on most scales (unless you're saying that your AEA tuning is an octave lower than concert pitch, in which case check for burrs and nicks in your nut and string guides, as others have suggested), so try tuning them directly to GDG, or tune them down from AEA to GDG. Any higher than one whole note above stated note value at concert tension and pitch, and all strings have a tendency to break, but especially the last two. Yes, nicks on nuts and string guides can make this problem worse, so checking for these is inevitable.
    • Al Wenkebach > Ron "Oily" Sprague July 6, 2016 at 5:56am

      Thanks for the reply, Oily. To be honest, I don't completely understand octaves, scales, pitch, etc. All I know is that I tune each string until the letter that I want shows up on the Snark. I did change out the nut and bridge and that seems to have solved the problem. I do use the 3-4-5 strings but it seems that GDG is a little high for my voice. On a regular guitar I start out many songs in D. But when I try to tune down it seems that the 5 string is too loose. Thanks again for the reply.

  • Wichita Sam May 19, 2016 at 3:01pm
    Try using the 5,4,3 (A,D,G) strings from a medium set. String breaking is often caused by a pinch point at nut or bridge.
    • Denis U > Wichita Sam May 19, 2016 at 5:15pm

      Al,

      Never mind it being your first build, that's a great looking instrument. Hope you get the string problem sorted and then you can be as proud as you deserve to be.

      Denis

    • Fomhorach > Denis U June 23, 2016 at 1:16pm

      I agree. Nice build you have

    • Al Wenkebach > Fomhorach June 30, 2016 at 4:48pm

      Thanks. It sure was fun. I'll try another as soon as the heat in my 'shop' goes down.

    • Al Wenkebach > Denis U May 20, 2016 at 5:54am

      Thanks, Denis. Those are nice words to hear. I'm going to post some close-up pics in 'Building Basics Discussion' to see if someone can help me out with the string problem. Thanks again.

    • Al Wenkebach > Wichita Sam May 19, 2016 at 3:21pm

      306557304?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024Wichita Sam, I did try those three strings and also the 6,5,4. But both times they were from a light set. Also, I believe you hit the nail on the head about the nut or bridge being the problem. I'll try the mediums as you suggested. I will not be able to get back to this thread until Monday. Thanks a bunch. 

    • Wichita Sam > Al Wenkebach May 20, 2016 at 11:09pm

      Check the string slots. They should be U shaped at the bottom, not V shaped.  The 5,4,3 strings should be fine for GDg tuning and the 6,5,4 should be fine for DAd tuning.

    • Al Wenkebach > Wichita Sam May 21, 2016 at 4:38am

      Thanks. That's good info there. At first I was using 3/8" set screws. Even after I filed a groove in the neck to accept the set screw the strings were way to high. So I cut groves in the set screws with a Dremel cut-off blade. That made the bottom of the slot to be flat and resulted in the strings moving back and forth sideways. BUZZ!!! So I changed to 1/4" set screws and that was too low. Buzz!!! Now I have a 1/4" set screw for the nut and a 5/16" set screw for the bridge, a lot better, but I might have to file down a couple of the frets closest to the bridge.

      Thanks for the reply. I can use all of the help that I can get.

This reply was deleted.