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Extremely tight strings on my builds.

I am new to building these amazing CBGs. I really like building them, but I want them functional too. Most all of my builds, I have built abut 5 so far, have very tight strings when tuned to GDg. The strings are very very tight making it hard to cord and uncomfortable to play. I also break several strings getting to the tuning. My builds are most all built on 24 or 24.5 inch scale length. I bought a bulk 12 pack of medium acoustics open G standard strings from C B Gitty. I also use the narrow/low nickel silver frets. What am I doing wrong? Should I be using a shorter scale? I am lost please help,

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on November 5, 2013 at 6:01am

I got turned on to PitchLab for my Android phone. It's free and has tons of options. Even custom tuned instruments, chord finder, etc.

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Permalink Reply by catfish slim on November 4, 2013 at 1:27pm

I think u have the ones meant for GBD tuning . I use the blues blaster ones they have 44, 34, 24 or if u want a plain high string 36, 26 , 17 or close to that will work with your scale for GDG tuning or AEA .I've used these two guages on many builds in 23.5-25" scale length

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Permalink Reply by Gibby Fiddy Five on November 4, 2013 at 3:13pm

The best tuner I've ever had is on my iphone it's called guitar tool kit it's $9.99 you will be able to get G2 ect.I've got .042 .032 & 0.24 on my first build and got it tuned to E2 B3 E3

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Permalink Reply by darryl kernaghan on November 4, 2013 at 4:52pm

i think the gitty open g packs are of guages that suit,gbd/gbe by memory

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Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on November 4, 2013 at 7:48pm

here's a simple way to do it, on 25.5" scale length use the middle four strings from a set of Ernie Ball slinkys "9's" electric guitar strings (acoustic strings are too thick for CBG's) and you won't go wrong, you must have the right string for the right position - for three string lose the thin (highest) string - shimples! (-;

or strings can be ordered singly from most sellers.

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Permalink Reply by jawbone on November 5, 2013 at 6:12am

I bought the Open D acoustic set which are .36, .26, .17 (or close) which I think should be A, D, and G. I then tune the A down to G. I like the bottom (thinnest) to be non wound, just to get rid of the "zing" but I think the .36 goes a little "dead" by tuning down. I'm wondering if I would be better with a .40 or .45 and tune it up??

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Permalink Reply by Charlie Boston on November 5, 2013 at 3:14pm

I think all you guys are right, I tuned our last guitar to DAD and it works.
I have ordered strings twice from Gitty and got two different groups. It helps to know what to order, I just assumed they were for all CBGs. My next order will be for some of the strings you guys have suggested.
I will be back to this forum with future questions, I am amazed at the great responses I got.
I thank everyone for taking the time and for being willing to share your knowledge. I hope I can pay it forward someday.

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Permalink Reply by Reeds Taylor on November 9, 2013 at 4:19am

On my tuner doesn't show the low G pitch...so I started tuning from the high g to the low G...and that seemed to work fine...so when you check on the fret board for matching notes....instead starting on the 5th fret like with standard tuning...with open G tuning on a cbg you start matching notes at the 7th fret....then the 5th...same same for the last.(in 3 stringer terms)

Hope this helps, for the matter even makes sense too you.