Can anyone make suggestions about the gauges of strings that I should use on a cigar box uke? I've read posts in other parts of CBG Nation to the effect that nylon strings aren't great on cigar boxes so I'm thinking about using strings from a guitar set (I'm also thinking this would give me the option of using a magnetic pickup - although I haven't decided yet and I may well use a piezo).

I haven't made a final decision on scale length, but it will either be a concert or tenor (in terms of scale length), so I'm looking for stringing suggestions for both of these (ie. gCEA for a concert or dGBE for a tenor).

Views: 247

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Generally a uke uses nylon strings, and they'll be fine with a piezo. I've not tried a uke with steel strings, but I'd been inclined to think that that they will change your playing, and might be a bit cheesewirey when doing your George Formby style split strumming. I think Risa make a steel strung electric uke.
I'm not a uke guy but look in the members for tinyguitars hes a member on here he uses metal strings a lot on his ukes he would be a good one to ask.
I put nylon on mine, and I love the sound, BUT, I've only finished one and have nothing to compare it with. I just bought a set for the size Ukulele I built. Got soprano for my soprano, bought a set of tenor for the tenor I am working on. I wait for the man, tinyguitars to respond. He is my go to if I have a question.
I used a standard set of nylon uke strings on mine, and it sounds fine. I used a rather lightly-constructed plywood box.

Volume is not great; I agree that a pickup would be a good idea.
I definitely recommend Aquila Nylguts. But for basic CBU use, I just paid $3 at Guitar Center for a set of black GHS strings. They're good enough for setting action height and basic plinking until I get around to buying the good stuff.

RSS

The Essential Pages

New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources


Forum

crossover guitar.

Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies

Tune up songs

Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies

Duel output jacks

Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies

Latest Activity

Bassdude updated their profile
44 minutes ago
RON NORTHCUTT commented on Uncle John's photo
Thumbnail

Chugger Review 2nd from left

"Nice looking collection, I just finished 2 with the padron boxes, they are among my faves. I have…"
47 minutes ago
RON NORTHCUTT commented on Rich's photo
Thumbnail

Retro Tin tail piece view

"That is a super nice build. Everything about it looks great."
52 minutes ago
Cigar Box Nation posted an event
Thumbnail

Cigar Box Nation: York PA - A CBG Builder's Meet-Up at York Town Craft Guild

May 11, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm
1 hour ago
Profile IconAiram, James C Bailey and Clydr joined Cigar Box Nation
1 hour ago
Uncle John commented on Uncle John's photo
Thumbnail

Chugger Review 2nd from left

"Thanks Glenn and Andries.  Andries, those cactus rock!"
2 hours ago
Southern Ray commented on Dogleg Steve's video
Thumbnail

Fiddly Rag from the book Cigar Box Picking by Dogleg Steve

" Sitting here with a silly grin... Thanks, that was well played and fun!"
10 hours ago
Rich commented on Rich's photo
Thumbnail

Retro Radio Tin Whole view

"Thanks, Brian. UJ - appreciate the good review. Doug, this one sat for a while partly done, and…"
14 hours ago
AGP # commented on AGP #'s photo
Thumbnail

AGP #530 - ''Pink Floyd''

""Thanx A.D." Yep!, Messrs Waters & Gilmore don't seem to be friends anymore :-D"
15 hours ago
AGP # commented on AGP #'s photo
15 hours ago
AGP # commented on AGP #'s photo
Thumbnail

AGP #532 - '' Black Sabbath''

""Thanks Doug", One more to go, a bit smaller Sign 6" x 12", and not Band…"
15 hours ago
AGP # commented on AGP #'s photo
Thumbnail

AGP 8 Stand Carousels

""Thanks  'UJ' & Doug", now have Eleven 8 Stand Carousels, all on…"
16 hours ago

Music

© 2024   Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

\uastyle>\ud/** Scrollup **/\ud.scrollup {\ud background: url("https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963882636?profile=original") no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;\ud bottom: 25px;\ud display: inline !important;\ud height: 40px;\ud opacity: 0.3 !important;\ud position: fixed;\ud right: 30px;\ud text-indent: -9999px;\ud width: 40px;\ud z-index: 999;\ud}\ud.scrollup:hover {\ud opacity:0.99!important;\ud}\ud \uascript type="text/javascript">\ud x$(document).ready(function(){\ud x$(window).scroll(function(){\ud if (x$(this).scrollTop() > 100) {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeIn();\ud } else {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeOut();\ud }\ud });\ud x$('.scrollup').click(function(){\ud x$("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: 0 }, 600);\ud return false;\ud });\ud });\ud \ua!-- End Scroll Up -->