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First Build 3-string Fretless. Strings muted/damped when fretted.

Hello folks.

I just today completed assembly of my first CBG. It is a 3-string fret less acoustic. I tuned it to low open G with a digital tuner. It has a sweet sound and I think I will really enjoy it.

Using a slide, it sounds bright up and down the neck, but when I attempt to finger fret a string, it generally comes out muted or damped. If I use the slide to fret a single string, it produces a bright tone as you would expect.

So, what am I doing wrong? Do I need to raise the bridge so the strings cleanly clear the fret board?

I've only had the unit up and playing for a few hours, so I figure I still have some adjusting to do. Just don't know where to start with this problem.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on October 10, 2014 at 11:00pm

Thanks Wayfinder. I appreciate your quick response so I didn't dwell on the problem all night. I'll post some photos later today after I wake up.I'll also look into the tiny slide idea.

Tom T

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Permalink Reply by Jim Woods on October 13, 2014 at 10:22am

As Wayfinder pointed out , fretless CB guitars play much better with a slide. If you don't have a slide, try a socket . Also , you now have a reason to make 2nd ( fretted) guitar.

Play on!!

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on October 13, 2014 at 11:26am

Hi Jim.

I sort of saw this coming. First a fret-less 3-string acoustic, then a fretted 3-string. Then maybe an electric conversion. Then, of course, there are the 4-stringers. I foresee a number of CBGs in my future. Based on the first build, I think I will enjoy perfecting my building and playing skills.

Thanks for taking the time to provide your response. I'm currently a sponge relative to CBG information.

Tom T

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on October 13, 2014 at 12:30pm

I can see where a guy could make a lot of cash here.........

At a buck per question, I might have to mortgage my house.

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Permalink Reply by Sharecropper on October 13, 2014 at 3:46pm

Hi, Tom . I play fret less 3 string and note frets with my fingers, as do many others . Wound strings are easier to note than unwound strings. Hold the string down using the very tip of your finger. You should get a clean note. Not as bright of tone as when using a slide , but only a little less bright than a fretted instrument. Give it a try . I have a fretted CBG .but 90% of the time I play my fret less CBG. And yes , you should build more CBGs !!

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on October 14, 2014 at 8:01am

Thanks for sharing your experience. I find that I can get a clean note if I'm very careful. Since this is my first build, I figure I will need to tinker with it. From what I've read action height is usually pretty high on a fret-less guitar used for slide. How high is the action on your 3-string at the nut and 12th fret position? Maybe I have the action too high for easy fretting.

Any set up suggestions would be useful.

Regards.

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Permalink Reply by Sharecropper on October 14, 2014 at 12:04pm

My string action at the 12th fret is a 1/8 of an inch and a little more than a 1/16 of an inch at the nut .

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on October 14, 2014 at 1:33pm

Thanks Joe! I need to hear what people are using so I can give it a

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Permalink Reply by JL on October 14, 2014 at 6:02am

Fingering a fretless - think violin/viola/Cello - REALLY LOW ACTION, and press HARD with the finger tip.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on October 14, 2014 at 8:04am

Hi JL1. Your violin analogy makes sense. I can get clean notes pressing hard, but that doesn't work well for smooth movement. Practice practice.......

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Bufo Bill on October 15, 2014 at 10:49am

Hi, keep playing it and extra strength will develop in your fingers and you will soon be speedy as they come. Two tips; firstly grow your nails just a little so that you can use the nail to help put pressure on the string, this makes for powerful slides that sound so cool, essentially you don't need frets because your fret is on your finger tip. Secondly if you have a piezo pickup, try using classical guitar strings which are nylon, making a much more mellow sounding instrument but much easier to get a consistent sound whether you are playing an open string or pressing down on the fingerboard. You can buy nylon classical strings on the net if you web search for single nylon guitar strings.
All the best from Bill. :D

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on October 15, 2014 at 11:02pm

Thanks for the encouragement Bill.

I am really enjoying playing the CBG that I built. I work on smooth slide work every day and seem to slowly progressing. I'll try the fingernail thing, but my nails tend to split and break if they get longer.

I am currently acoustic, but have a piezo on the way. I'll try the classical strings when I get it all set up.

Regards