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STRINGS FOR CBG- HELP

Posted by Michael Gabriel on August 29, 2010 at 9:26am

Does anyone have a recommendation for the types of strings for a 4 string electric CBG?

In open G tuning( GDgB)...would you go with wound G&D & plain g & B? If so, what gauge?

I just installed wound 4 ( .032)...Wound 3 ( .024), plain 2( .016) & plain 1 ( .115)...sounds very electric, but not twangy....

You're suggestions are welcome

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Comments

  • YeahDoIt September 5, 2010 at 7:02am
    Do you have a metal bridge? Metal parts can give a twangier sound. And play with a metal slide, it's twangy.
  • Keni Lee Burgess September 3, 2010 at 7:53am
    If you use a standard strung guitar for a reference: EADgbe
    it is possible to tune to the three basic tunings:
    Open D: DADf#ad or capo second fret to open E
    Open G: DGDgbd or capo second fret to open A
    Open C: CGCegc
    Regarding CBG with 4 strings, I like to use Open G Dgbd (standard strings Dgbe)
    I can then also tune Open D Df#ad using the same strings.
    Capo will bring you into keys of A and E
    Open C would be Cgce.
    See this video:
    http://www.cigarboxnation.com/video/a-cigar-box-guitar-builders
    I hope this explains it further. Enjoy, Ken
  • Michael Gabriel September 1, 2010 at 4:51pm
    Keni,

    Thanks for your reponse.However my question should have been more expansive: In addition to open G, I plan to use many different tunings, i.e., open A,C, D, & E.. I need your recommendation for the best all-around combination of strings to handkle those varied tunings.

    Thanks & regards,

    Mike
  • Keni Lee Burgess September 1, 2010 at 12:05pm
    For the soundboard to vibrate correctly the string tension needs to be correct. Too loose, not enough energy. Too tight, locks up the instrument. Usually with a standard scale length of 23 - 24 inches, medium gauge strings are good. You are tuning 1513. (This is actually the four highest stings in standard open C tuning CGCgce / 151513, but in the key of G) This is different than standard open G on a six string guitar DGDgbd / 515135 or on a 4 string 5135 Dgbd. If you want to use your tuning I would suggest:
    G (.045) D (.035) g (.026) b (.017) Strings A,D,g,b from a medium pack.
    I hope this helps. Enjoy, Keni Lee
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