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Changed Tuning From DADF# to GDAE - Now Strings Bend Notes and Change Pitch

So I bought a 4 string CBG and it was tuned DADF#. It played beautifully. I could play chords, mostly up on the first four frets and press the strings normally and the pitch was perfect. Then I changed the tuning to GDAE, using the following strings: .042, .034, .018, .016. Now the strings bend very easily if fretted too hard or in the center of the fret instead of closer to the fret wire. Obviously I notice this more on the A and E strings.

I brought it to a guitar shop and the guy said the nut should be filed down more to bring the action down. Why would it work fine in the first tuning but not the second? I actually noticed the same problem with my other CBG and changing to DADF# solved it.

Seems higher string tension solves it, but I was really hoping to tune this 22" scale CBG like an octave mandolin, GDAE one octave down from a mandolin. Any suggestions? Would different strings make a difference?

Thanks,

BB

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on February 2, 2017 at 11:57am

You may have better results using Tenor Guitar Strings.

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Permalink Reply by JL on February 3, 2017 at 4:09am

or just order a set of tenor/octave mandolin strings online for a little less than $10

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on February 4, 2017 at 8:18pm

Hi, due to the short scale the strings have less tension, so a heavier gauge should not cause a problem to a properly made neck, as they will also have less tension.
Taff

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Changed Tuning From DADF# to GDAE - Now Strings Bend Notes and Change Pitch

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