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3 string or 4? Trying to make a decision

My very first cbg was a 3 string fretless. It really enjoy playing it, and it turned out to be the gateway for this new hobby (obsession). Since that build, I've made a couple electric, acoustic, and ukuleles. All of which have been fretted four stringers. I'm really not great at playing slide (mostly I need to practice) and I find I have a better time rocking out on the four strings.

Saying that, I do want to improve my abilities with the slide and my next cbg I plan to build will be a resonator. I've noticed that a substantial number of guitars here are 3 strings and played with a slide. Is there an advantage to have 3 instead of 4?

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Permalink Reply by Oscar Stern on August 16, 2023 at 1:48am

I'm converting my 4 string Cigar Box Guitar into a 6 string Cigar Box Guitar, more specifically a 6 string Cigar Box Guitar in B Flat.

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Permalink Reply by Carl Floyd on August 17, 2023 at 4:08am

Depends. Stripped down & basic - 3 string. Want easy access to 3rds & minor 3rds - 4 string.

Maybe this will help (bottom of page):

https://www.jagshouse.com/cbg/threestrings.html#:~:text=If%20your%2....

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