Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Old Lowe on September 10, 2009 at 4:28pm

I use the 17 24 and 34 gauges I like those the best

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Permalink Reply by J. Randel Dancing on September 10, 2009 at 4:36pm

wow. I'm thinking way too heavy. These would be more like the 4, 3, 2, strings from a regular pack, (sorry, I know nothing). I think I will re-think my re-thinking on this. Thanks.

Old Lowe said:

I use the 17 24 and 34 gauges I like those the best

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Permalink Reply by Josh Gayou (SmokehouseGuitars) on September 10, 2009 at 7:25pm

When I first started building guitars and was still primarily doing the piezo thing, I always favored Martin light acoustics. All around a fantastic string. I recently tried a set of John Pearce strings after reading a few rants by Shane and was impressed by their contribution to sound considering the puny cigar box body.

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Permalink Reply by bairfoot cajun on September 10, 2009 at 7:52pm

i use .042-.032-.024 on most of the 3 string cbg,s i build. kind of a medium set that works good fer me.they are all wound strings. on 4 string cbg,s i have built,most of them has an unwound 4th string and i usually tune it the same as the 3rd string, just cause i like that sound. but it don,t take long to raise the pitch of the 4th string to tune it to a different tuning,fer a different sound. i most always play slide or try to play slide cause i,m still learning how with these open tunings,on a 3string my favorite open tuning is G-D-G on a regular scale like 24.75,but i have some cbg,s i built with short scale necks like 21.0 and 23.0 scale length that are tuned D-G-D. hope this info helps you.

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Permalink Reply by David L. on September 11, 2009 at 12:00am

Hi,
I think you have asked a very good question. I play six strings but the principle is the same. Part of how strings feel is the string tension needed to get to the required tuned pitch. For a shorter scale length (nut to bridge) less tension is needed to reach the desired pitch. What this means is on a short scale instrument the strings may be too floppy to play so you either need thicker gauge strings or an alternate tuning (using greater string tension).
What that means is strings that sound great on one may sound bad on another CBG if the scale lengths differ. For example I usually use electric 8 gauge on any full size guitars (was good enough for Jimmy Page to use!) but for 3/4 size I use 12 gauge strings as the 8s are too floppy to hold a decent tune, or even tune in the first place. Best bet is to try a really cheap set of strings first until you find a set of gauges you like and then buy a better set afterwards - I would hold off the bulk buying until you have found your ideal set. Also try a few different string brands - I prefer Rotosound on my electrics and Martin bronze on my acoustics as the brands do have slight differences in how they feel and sound.
It might be helpful if you could add the scale length of your CBG then others with a similar scale could offer advice.
For a single set of strings in the UK I find ebay often comes up with the cheapest goods.
Good luck with your search,
David

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on September 11, 2009 at 12:39am

Answer is what sound do you want?... at first, experiment. If you can find a local guitar store selling "close outs"... I have a guitar store that sells closeout EBalls for $ 2 a pack... buy several and play around....

I generally go with the heavy end (6,5,4) of electric 9's or 10's for a "lowdown grindy bass heavy slide" bluesy sound. If I'm looking for something lighter/lyric, maybe for folk music, I go with the light end (4,3,2 or 3,2,1 in a dulci-box).

Nothing like experimenting and finding your own answer... everything else is just "opinion"

the best,

Wichtia Sam

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Permalink Reply by Pauly Bogdan on January 13, 2014 at 2:51pm

I just built my first CBG with a Humbucker PU. My question is......what does "electric 9's or 10's" mean?

I need a set of strings.

Pauly

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Permalink Reply by Scott aka Farmer Ted on January 13, 2014 at 4:11pm

The "9's" or "10's" refers to the smallest string in a set of strings. There are many combinations, but typically you would see a set of strings with big E string measuring .042 inch and the small E at .009 or .010 inch...

Since you have a magnetic pickup (humbucker) you need electric guitar strings, usually nickel wound, so the pickup will give proper output. Bronze/Phosphor strings will work in a pinch, but not well.

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Permalink Reply by Pauly Bogdan on January 14, 2014 at 4:19am

I just read about all the different tunings......I have only tuned in GDg. Can I use the same set of strings for DAd, fcf, DF#A,gbd?

OH! suggestions for inexpensive (ones i will sell) and quality (ones i will play myself)

Pauly

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on January 14, 2014 at 4:27am

With GDg, you can easily do the following alterantes:

ADa

ADf

ADf#

And similar.  Usually you can get away with one whole step up or whole step down from the nominal tuning, depending on your scale length.  With longer scales you can get a step to step and a half down, but maybe only a half step up.  Conversely, with shorter scales, you can probably do a whole step or maybe even two up, but maybe only a half step down.  Let the tension be your guide.

I would put the same strings on a guitar for sale or played yourself.  There isn't such a price gap between acceptable strings that it should influence you.

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Permalink Reply by Jkevn on September 11, 2009 at 1:33am

I'm using the 5,4,3 strings outta cheap acoustic 12's. I tune them G-D-g. Everyone finds their own favorite but, that is a simple answer to start. The cheapos at Wally-World are about 4 bucks.

oh yeah, nice flatty in your pic!Me likes a pogo seat...

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Permalink Reply by Diane in Chicago on September 11, 2009 at 1:46am

I build mostly Short Scale Acousitc, 15" or 17". But I think I am alone there, (or at least lonely.)

On tin instruments, I have been using .010/.016/.023, with the largest wound if I can find it. So that is the three lightest strings from a tenor guitar pack.

On wood instruments, either the combo above or .016/.023/.032. That is the three heaviest from a tenor guitar pack.

I buy by the dozen from juststrings.com, and get their house brand. That is about a buck a string.

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