Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Converted Stratslinger on October 12, 2009 at 4:00pm

I'm just a noob myself, but I am planning to complete my first build this weekend, so I hope I don't have similar issues with my box. I am just guessing, but I think that your problem may be that you need to use the middle four strings (typically A, D, G, B) If you are tuning the bottom four up (E to G, A to D, D to G, and G to B) I would think that you would be putting way too much stress on the neck.

As I said, I am new to this, so I am just guessing, but this sounds like it could be the problem. I am sure that someone on here will have a way better answer for you.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ben on October 12, 2009 at 4:03pm

I second Stratslinger's Opinion. Another option if those are the strings you're using and it still doesn't work is to try tuning GDGB. Won't play the same but you'll have a fuller chord.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by surffrogg on October 12, 2009 at 4:09pm

yep use the middle four for that tuning or even better use an ADG and a high e

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Matt Philip on October 12, 2009 at 4:09pm

try the center 4 strings

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Roy Gerritsen on October 12, 2009 at 4:12pm

Thanks. I'll try the center four strings. That sounds like a logical choice.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tam Givens on October 12, 2009 at 7:41pm

I use the first 4 strings that is 1234 and tune to Df#Ad for open D, or DGBd open G like a banjo.

Tam

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by HENRY LOWMAN on October 14, 2009 at 4:05pm

You have to experiment to see what works best for you. I've used medium and light guage steel strings, as well as classical nylon string and fishing line, if you can believe that. My problem is with the highest strings (currently 9 guage). of course, if you look at my latest build (a 12 stringer), that might explain my difficulties with string breakage...HA!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on October 14, 2009 at 4:41pm

OK, The center four strings are good for "open G"

If you want to go for an "open D" use the top 4 strings (6-5-4-3) and tune D-A-D-F#...

If you need a good on line tuner that lets you play with different tunings try:

http://www.get-tuned.com/guitar_tuner.php

the best,

Wichita Sam

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike Willmouth on March 8, 2010 at 7:05am

I've learned the hard way on this too. If you want a deeper bass sound then tune it to open G (GDG) and use A D G on a 3 string. But if you want to tune it to open D (DAD) then you have to use your higher pitch stings of D G B or you will break your bottom "G" string every time. The same will be true with a 4 string. So you'll just have to build a CBG for "G" and one for "D" playing :)

I'm also thinking about trying electric guitar strings on my CBG's where I have a guitar pickup installed because the pickup picks up the nickel strings better. I think the reason why people use bronze strings is because it helps to tone down the piezo pickup better -- just my theory on what I have heard on my CBG's (from replacing a broken "G" string with "B" string until I could get another "G" string)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on March 8, 2010 at 8:09am

It seems you got to many response as it is but...
a regular pack of strings low to high is
EADGBE

Use medium gauge.

You are using strings EADG ?
and trying to tune GDGD with them?

If you want this tuning use strings: ADG(not B)E

Then tune GDGD.

This will work. Enjoy.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike Willmouth on March 8, 2010 at 9:54am

I guess it goes back to the fact that there are no rules when it comes to CBGs, so use what ever strings sound the best to you and don't break in the process :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dave Onastik on March 8, 2010 at 5:57pm

Somebody posted this link a couple of weeks ago, and it's been most helpful to me:

http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.htm

Once you decide on what tuning you want, plug in your scale length, and it will tell you which strings to get. I was able to purchase at a local guitar store who has every diameter string available and sells them individually. They charge $1 per wound string, and .60 for a non-wound.

I purchased strings for my second build, tuning GDGb, and the correct guages made a world of difference.

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page