I get that if you are playing by yourself, you can just tune the strings with themselves. My question is the high string, should it be just 5 half steps above the middle string, or an octave above that? The reason I ask is because, at 5 half steps above the middle string, it feels pretty loose and the tone isn't as good as the other two strings. However, I'm not sure if it is loose enough to let me tune it a full octave higher without breaking.
The descriptions for these string sets on C.B.Gitty, here, makes me think that maybe I need to go the octave higher.
Low G, Middle D, Middle G
Low G, Middle D, High G -- the set I have
Low G, High D, High G
High G, High D, High G
(I'd just try to crank it up to the next octave, but I don't have any strings to replace it, if it does break... :-( )
I use an app on my phone (PitchLab) to help with tuning - and it's free. (I think matching the 5th fret on the middle (D) string should be the same as your high G open...)
Ditto what Pick said - I'd add on a fretboard (1/4" thick should bring it slightly over the sound board based on most boxes I've encountered). Then play with nut and bridge heights until you get something you like.
Nice looking first build, BTW! The first of many, I'm guessing!
Geez. I'm sitting at work (wishing I was home playing with my new CBG) and just had an epiphany.
I bought the recommended 'Southbound Strings Pack' with Low G, Middle D, High G. I tuned my high G to match the fifth fret on the middle D. So I am an octave low, which would explain why my string seems so loose.
If it is just a slider , and for you ,, there is no need to fix the step from the box . but if it is an eye sore for you .. add a fretboard ontop . boom .. done .
this picture does show more of a drastic height , i would try and lower the bridge with a smaller bolt and get the strings more close to level .. from nut to bridge . this will keep your markers in line better too.
As far as the neck height, I notched it under the soundboard, but left it full thickness under the edges. Should have stepped it down so the neck would fit flush with the soundboard and still have the space under it. All glued into place, so no fix for that.
The fix I need is for the high G string. The tension on it seems really loose, and its tone isn't great. I have a feeling it's rattling in the bridge bolt. I'm going to try smaller nut and bridge bolts and see if it makes a difference.
Easy to fix. Notch the neck from where it enters the box, all the way to the back end. Then fill the space under the neck at the box with a piece of wood. Keep on building.
Comments
Just found the answer to my question here. Yes, it is supposed to be an octave higher than I have it.
Thanks for all of your help guys.
Hmmm. Maybe I am over thinking things.
I get that if you are playing by yourself, you can just tune the strings with themselves. My question is the high string, should it be just 5 half steps above the middle string, or an octave above that? The reason I ask is because, at 5 half steps above the middle string, it feels pretty loose and the tone isn't as good as the other two strings. However, I'm not sure if it is loose enough to let me tune it a full octave higher without breaking.
The descriptions for these string sets on C.B.Gitty, here, makes me think that maybe I need to go the octave higher.
Low G, Middle D, Middle G
Low G, Middle D, High G -- the set I have
Low G, High D, High G
High G, High D, High G
(I'd just try to crank it up to the next octave, but I don't have any strings to replace it, if it does break... :-( )
tuning ? i'll refer you to the vid i refer everyone eho asks to . short , sweet easy , and funny .
Used the 1/4-20 that was the nut for the bridge and used an 8-32 bolt for the new nut. I like that a lot better.
Still unsure of the tuning for this string set. I bought the Low G, Middle D, High G set from C.B.Gitty. Should it be tuned to G2,D3,G4?
I may just add a fret board, yet.
I used the G-Strings app for Android
Got some smaller bolts to experiment with tonight.
I use an app on my phone (PitchLab) to help with tuning - and it's free. (I think matching the 5th fret on the middle (D) string should be the same as your high G open...)
Ditto what Pick said - I'd add on a fretboard (1/4" thick should bring it slightly over the sound board based on most boxes I've encountered). Then play with nut and bridge heights until you get something you like.
Nice looking first build, BTW! The first of many, I'm guessing!
Geez. I'm sitting at work (wishing I was home playing with my new CBG) and just had an epiphany.
I bought the recommended 'Southbound Strings Pack' with Low G, Middle D, High G. I tuned my high G to match the fifth fret on the middle D. So I am an octave low, which would explain why my string seems so loose.
Does that make sense?
If it is just a slider , and for you ,, there is no need to fix the step from the box . but if it is an eye sore for you .. add a fretboard ontop . boom .. done .
this picture does show more of a drastic height , i would try and lower the bridge with a smaller bolt and get the strings more close to level .. from nut to bridge . this will keep your markers in line better too.
As far as the neck height, I notched it under the soundboard, but left it full thickness under the edges. Should have stepped it down so the neck would fit flush with the soundboard and still have the space under it. All glued into place, so no fix for that.
The fix I need is for the high G string. The tension on it seems really loose, and its tone isn't great. I have a feeling it's rattling in the bridge bolt. I'm going to try smaller nut and bridge bolts and see if it makes a difference.
Easy to fix. Notch the neck from where it enters the box, all the way to the back end. Then fill the space under the neck at the box with a piece of wood. Keep on building.