Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Stu Crane AKA aboynamedstu on February 15, 2013 at 5:40am

Not built one myself John but the one I tend to gig with is a 6 string that I only use four strings on.  I just string it only using the 6th, 5th, 3rd and 2nd string tuning pegs giving it a 2 sets of 2 strings  feel thats great if you like me tune to 2 sets of 4ths and 5ths. 

I find the seperation is also great for sliding on the top strings and leaving the bass end for drone.  You also then have the option of converting it to a 6 string if you ever  want to,

 

Probably not much use but thought I'd throw me tupence in,

Stu

Permalink Reply by David L. on February 15, 2013 at 7:04am

Hi John,

Is it to sell or keep?

If it is to keep for now I'd leave it as it is so you still have the option of returning it to 6 (you could double up on two of the courses egDGBBee) or 8strings (dDgGBBee).  Also if you miss out positions A & B strings the string spacings would still look equal. 

I have chopped strat heads to give 3x3 for example

but I'm not sure if a 2x2 would look a bit too stubby?

The other options (3x1 or 4x0) are personal preference - there are various free headstock templates free from here http://www.scalelength.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cP... including a strat which you can print out and play around with until you find something you like (easier than trying to trace around the head on the back of a cornflakes packet).

 

Regards,

David

Permalink Reply by Sleepy John on February 16, 2013 at 6:03am

Thanks to both for your comments.

This is to keep (I don't make guitars to sell...yet!!) so I'm minded to cut down the head to a 3+1.

As to tuning, my current thought is to use the 6th as a bass string, and then the 4,3 & 2 as a standard CBG, using the 6 string nut and leaving the gaps. If the gap isn't wide enough, it won't be too much trouble to change to 6 + 3,2,1.

To David L, thanks for those pics, I haven't cut down a headstock before, and was a bit worried it might look odd, but I like the look of yours, especially the second one...might do that anyway, so it doesn't look so much like a strat.

Permalink Reply by Sleepy John on March 5, 2013 at 6:34am

I think this is the way to go...