Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Constantine Caviris on May 18, 2010 at 6:13am

Hmmm...I'm by NO means an expert...but maybe I can help.

Some possible ideas to try:
It might be an issue with string tension. Perhaps the strings are too loose. I built a 6 string CBG Tele and tried putting medium gauge electric strings on it and the thing was buzzing like crazy at the bridge. I tried using acoustic strings and it fixed the problem. Maybe tuning the current strings a little higher or trying a heavier gauge might help a bit.

It could also be an issue with the fretting. If the 5th fret is off then you can't use that tuning method. Try tuning it to your 6-string guitar instead. Also if your computer has a microphone you can probably find a free computer application that can work as a tuner. Or if you don't have a mic you can tune it to this http://www.gieson.com/Library/projects/utilities/tuner/

Also it could be a matter of action. If the bridge on the neck it too low that may cause a buzz...but I doubt it's the action...

Good luck,
Constantine

Permalink Reply by Alan Roberts on May 18, 2010 at 6:27am

Have you tried one of the computer guitar tuners? Just download, unzip and plug in a microphone.

Permalink Reply by Alan Roberts on May 18, 2010 at 6:28am

oops. Contantine beat me to it by a few minutes. Sorry about the redundant post.

Permalink Reply by uncle Lou on May 18, 2010 at 6:43am

i would check the nut make sure it is positioned in the right place and that strings are seated at front of nut, then adjust bridge so strings are one octive higher then open at 12th fret. Next time print a fretboard scale off of computer mark in frets with it, it`ll get you much closer. Also if strings are to high off of fretboard your gonna stretch the strings sharp when you push them down. Hope this helps

Permalink Reply by Mark on May 18, 2010 at 6:45am

Sounds like you might mave an intonation problem - have you checked the 12th fret harmonics compared to the fretted note at the 12th? If they're audibly a long way different then you might need to see if you can move the bridge a little to compensate.
Also, as illustrated by Constantine's experience, having heavier strings can mitigate, to some extent, the intonation problem (ie. the way strings are bent a little upwards in pitch as you press them down to the fret). But that goes hand-in-hand with higher tension, and there are limits to what's sensible because of playability and the strength of the neck.
What's the action like? A higher action will make it more difficult to get a good intonation on all the strings all along the neck.
In any case, the "magic 5th" trick will only give you a tuning that's approximate - usually it's fine for practical purposes with a regular guitar with normal strings, but in some situations it can actually be far enough out to make a difference. Maybe your 4-string is such a situation. I can't be sure.
Also, (forgive me if I'm stating something you already know - just thought I'd mention it in case) if you're just tuning from the top string down, then by the time you reach the bottom string, the changed tension on the guitar from tuning the rest of the strings can alter the top string from where you left it. If your regular guitar has a very solid neck then this effect might not be apparent, but it's possible your CBG might flex a little more.

Really, a tuner would help you a lot in sorting out exactly what's going on.

Permalink Reply by Brady Scott on May 18, 2010 at 7:31am

Ok, guys thank you so much for the response. About the 12th fret octave thing. Can some one elaborate, I've heard of this before, but never put it into action. Basically, you check the hormonic of the 12th fret and move the bridge up and down accordingly?

I've had this done on my banjo, but not sure how to do it myself. I think I was also told a spacing method about the bridge should be half way the distance from some fret to the other. Something like that?

Thanks again for the response guys and any future help with placing the bridge would be great.

Peace,
-B

Permalink Reply by uncle Lou on May 18, 2010 at 1:37pm

unit of measure from nut to 12 fret=unit of measure from 12 frett to bridge


Brady Scott said:

Ok, guys thank you so much for the response. About the 12th fret octave thing. Can some one elaborate, I've heard of this before, but never put it into action. Basically, you check the hormonic of the 12th fret and move the bridge up and down accordingly?

I've had this done on my banjo, but not sure how to do it myself. I think I was also told a spacing method about the bridge should be half way the distance from some fret to the other. Something like that?

Thanks again for the response guys and any future help with placing the bridge would be great.

Peace,
-B

Permalink Reply by Brady Scott on May 19, 2010 at 2:16am

Ha, ha, so I checked it all out and when the intonation is set correctly the bridge is smack dab in the middle of the strumming area. Oh well, I guess I'll just chalk it up to a learning experience.

The guitar still sounds wicked in open slide tuning no matter where I put the bridge.

Thanks for all the advice. I'll get some video and pics up here soon.

Peace,
-B

Permalink Reply by uncle Lou on May 19, 2010 at 6:47am

Next time after marking in frets see where the bridge will land, sometimes you need a shorter fret scale,in that case you just don`t lay in the 1st fret or 2, or you may need to go with less fretts ; for instance 17 frets instead of 20, just what will make the bridge lay where you want it. Hope this helps

Brady Scott said:

Ha, ha, so I checked it all out and when the intonation is set correctly the bridge is smack dab in the middle of the strumming area. Oh well, I guess I'll just chalk it up to a learning experience.

The guitar still sounds wicked in open slide tuning no matter where I put the bridge.

Thanks for all the advice. I'll get some video and pics up here soon.

Peace,
-B

Permalink Reply by Jarmo Katajisto on May 26, 2010 at 9:38pm

If i use guitar tuner and all looks good , sound is not perfect still.

One player say to me at you can never tune guitar perfect, you must use your ears and tune CBG with your ears :)

If i assemple frett´s, nut and bridge, they might be are little wrong place, not much, but very very little ( maybe 0,1 -0,5 mm), and all those together, might be a reason why tunings are not perfect.