Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark on September 24, 2013 at 9:00am

Choice of string gauge is going to depend on the scale length (and also on exactly what notes you plan to tune to). If the scale length is like a standard guitar (eg. somewhere in the region of 24" to 25.5" ) then you'd need fairly heavy strings to get down to bass guitar tunings without the strings being so slack as to adversely affect the tone. Guitar strings just wouldn't do it. There are a few online calculators you can use to work out what string gauges you need for any given string length and tuning. (eg.http://wahiduddin.net/calc/calc_guitar_string.htm and http://www.daddario.com/DAstringtensionguide.Page?sid=4e8570df-045e...)

You don't say what notes you were tuning the D and G bass strings too. If you were tuning them to the same pitch as they would have had on a bass then I'd have thought they'd be rather slack. I'm guessing you might be more in the territory of a baritone guitar than a bass.

As long as you're careful you're probably safe experimenting. Just be sure to tension strings gradually, listen out for nasty creaking noises and keep checking the neck to see that it's not beginning to bend.

Permalink Reply by Steve Welsh on September 24, 2013 at 8:13pm

Hi Mark, thanks for that--yes scale length is probably too short at 25 ins--the Bass idea was more of an afterthought when I put it all together--big box so wondered if I could do it...Yes did tune to D and G --more as a try out than anything--did not seem too slack.  That was my other question of course regarding tuning--open tuning for Bass?  I saw a video Bez with a two string Bass tuned B and F# which sounded really nice  but that was on a 30in scale.  Thanks for the link regarding string gauges and scale length very useful.  May re-think the idea and maybe try a 30in scale next project..

Cheers

Permalink Reply by Clive Young on October 2, 2013 at 3:02am

Hi all ...I am going for a 30" scale  for my next  build and also need comment on   suitable strings....

Have a nice bit of  old hardwood  window frame that is all the  right dimensions .What box size do you  suggest??

Keep plucking folkes!

Permalink Reply by Tony Brown on October 18, 2013 at 3:52am

I am also just building my 1st Bass. I recon on a 34"  scale . I have  quite a collection of various gauge

bass strings, from the bin of my local Guitar Shop (who also sells my CBGs)

What I am not sure of is the tuning for a 3 string 34" Bass ???

Using a Tulipwood neck.

Permalink Reply by Mark on October 5, 2013 at 9:55am

An alternative thought. If you want to create a bass with a guitar-length scale then it could be possible with different string materials. An example is the Ashbory Bass (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashbory_bass) which uses silicon rubber strings. So you could try buying a set of spare Ashbory strings and putting them on your CBG. That might be an expensive thing to do for a CBG which is supposed to be a cheap and cheerful creation. Another option might be cord for what our American cousins call 'weed whackers' - basically heavy duty strimmers. I've seen it sold in big hardware places. I think it's probably nylon.

Obviously magnetic pickups won't work with nylon or rubber strings but piezos will.