I am buying a 4-string CBG and plan to try GDAE tuning one octave lower than a mandolin.  OK - full disclosure, I play mando but do not read music and do not even know what an octave is!  I guess it is the same notes just lower, so I am wondering what strings to buy to do this.

Thanks,

BB

Views: 617

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

You could try mandolin strings if they fit your scale, might as well try if you got some aroung.
Cheers Ron.
The scale is 25" - which is longer then a mando.

Mungo Park said:
You could try mandolin strings if they fit your scale, might as well try if you got some aroung.
Cheers Ron.
Looks like what you have, basically, is a 4 string bouzouki. You can search for bouzouki string sets to get an idea about the right gauges:

http://www.juststrings.com/dad-js81.html
http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-6411.html
Try from high to low, .011 / .016 / .028 / .040
Use this: http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.htm

Enter your string length and desired pitch for each string and voila -- no guesswork.

I generally go a few points lighter because I like lighter strings.
The page asks for an open tuning key. What do I put in if I want GDAE?

Thanks!

Diane in Chicago said:
Use this: http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.htm

Enter your string length and desired pitch for each string and voila -- no guesswork.

I generally go a few points lighter because I like lighter strings.
Barry Lampke said:
The page asks for an open tuning key. What do I put in if I want GDAE? Thanks!

Here is the item I am bidding on:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250676229256...


Diane in Chicago said:
Use this: http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.htm

Enter your string length and desired pitch for each string and voila -- no guesswork. I generally go a few points lighter because I like lighter strings.
You enter each string one at a time.

So first you put in G, and 24" for "length" and see what it says. Write that down and buy that string.

Then put in D, etc.

So I got .033, .022, .015, .010. That's your starting point. You can go up or down a few thousandths as you prefer.

You might find that the strings you need match a set sold by CB Gitty. He's got a pretty wide variety of sets.

Barry Lampke said:
The page asks for an open tuning key. What do I put in if I want GDAE?
Thanks!
Diane in Chicago said:
Use this: http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.htm

Enter your string length and desired pitch for each string and voila -- no guesswork. I generally go a few points lighter because I like lighter strings.
Thanks, Diane!

Diane in Chicago said:
You enter each string one at a time.

So first you put in G, and 24" for "length" and see what it says. Write that down and buy that string.

Then put in D, etc.

So I got .033, .022, .015, .010. That's your starting point. You can go up or down a few thousandths as you prefer.

You might find that the strings you need match a set sold by CB Gitty. He's got a pretty wide variety of sets.

Barry Lampke said:
The page asks for an open tuning key. What do I put in if I want GDAE?
Thanks!
Diane in Chicago said:
Use this: http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.htm

Enter your string length and desired pitch for each string and voila -- no guesswork. I generally go a few points lighter because I like lighter strings.
Here are the sizes for GHS OM strings: http://www.juststrings.com/ghs-pf285.html I'm building an OM now, have some pics posted on my page.

Go to a music store and buy individual strings.   You can buy G --.040,  D -- .026,  A -- .015 Plain,  E -- .011 plain.   OR  G -- .034,  D --.024,  A -- .014 plain,  E -- .010 plain

Just for your information an OCTAVE is 8 notes

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

How to Get Your Own Music on Spotify

Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 21. 2 Replies

Latest Activity

Dar Stellabotta commented on Dar Stellabotta's video
Thumbnail

Cigar Box Guitar 106 now for sale 🙌

"Thanks everyone! Yes it is inspiring to own other cigar box guitar builders creations. I have many…"
6 hours ago
A.D.EKER replied to Southern Ray's discussion AI Search Query - Curious Answer
"Nice one Korigan !  The Vinger Slascher ?"
8 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
8 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
Thumbnail

I Can Only Imagine: 2-String Chugger License Plate Cigar Box Guitar

"Head Slingers "The Steady Crew " Right On !"
8 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on Dar Stellabotta's video
Thumbnail

Cigar Box Guitar 106 now for sale 🙌

"crunch Rocking DAR ! nice kit ! jangling julery! Slash Dar Johnson!! now on stage !!"
8 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
8 hours ago
A.D.EKER posted a video

There i was Standing at the ..... BCB - A. D. Eker 2024

The Robert Johnson fight whit the devil, and there he was , standing on the Crossroads, waiting to meet the Guy that was going to change his way's, did he w...
9 hours ago
Southern Ray replied to Southern Ray's discussion AI Search Query - Curious Answer
" That's what I  thought!"
9 hours ago
Sam Beavers left a comment for BrianQ.
"Thanks Brian !!"
9 hours ago
AGP # liked David Hopkins's photo
16 hours ago
AGP # liked David Hopkins's photo
16 hours ago
AGP # liked David Hopkins's photo
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 -->