Thinking of using some old 32 guitar strings as uke frets. Anyone ever tried? Or have any thoughts about it?

Views: 43

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Hi, a few thoughts came to mind to consider, although I have not tried it.
1, Gluing to the fingerboard could be messy.
2, If glued into a slot then the fret would be very low off the fingerboard
3, How do you stop the fret/string ends from ripping your fingers or hand, I can think of a way but it's very time intensive.
4. How do you stop the strings winding wrap from unwinding?
5, Flat wound strings would be better than round wound strings.
6, I would hate to have to level frets like that, Ha ha.

cheers Taff

when i used split pins for my frets i just used super glue . i used a gel type. only 1 has fallen off but it was down the dusty end so i never bothred glueing it back on... 

i dont think wound strings would make a good fret for the reasons Taffy said . If you tried to bend a note it would jump all over the place as it went up and down the windings.. step like its autotuned..lol

Not going to be doing much bending for a uke.
As far as leveling and hurting Ive thought about a thin coat epoxy over them once super glued on. Then can level the
thin resin coating.

I have tried what you’re going to attempt, the outer wraps will unravel despite the epoxy? The ridges of the string wraps will give an awful buzz & they can’t be leveled without weakening the wraps? Toothpicks are super cheap & work well, but fretwire really is the best option? Stewmac #764 Narrow/Low or CBGitty Narrow/Low  is the standard for ukes? Stewmac $5.89-2ft./ CBGitty $12.99-6ft. 
FYI: I have used everything from wood, weed whacker line, cotter pins, copper/brass,steel,aluminum wire, glass, string, fishing line, Etc. Fret wire will outlast & outperform any alternative material every time? 

Thank you! That's exactly what I was curious about. Appreciate your adventure fullness

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

Look what I picked up

Started by John B Treutlein in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by John B Treutlein yesterday. 9 Replies

Guitar string frets?

Started by Jeff Shewmake in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Jeff Shewmake on Friday. 5 Replies

Build this Wooden Kick Drum Pedal

Started by Rose Ericson in Feature Articles. Last reply by Rose Ericson Apr 15. 44 Replies

Guitar Pick-ups

Started by Benny - W5TYZ in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Benny - W5TYZ Apr 7. 7 Replies

Handy adhesive

Started by John B Treutlein in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by John B Treutlein Mar 31. 12 Replies

Latest Activity

Doug Thorsvik commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
Thumbnail

500 Miles: 2-String 3D Printed Saw Blade Guitar

"Thanks for noticing A.D.! The flourocarbon fishing line strings seem to be more musical and have…"
14 minutes ago
Fabian Blanco commented on Gary O'slide's video
1 hour ago
Taffy Evans commented on Taffy Evans's video
Thumbnail

Old Build Solid Body. Stormy Monday

"Hi everyone, thanks for the kind comments. For those interested in the guitar I've posted…"
1 hour ago
Taffy Evans posted a discussion

Evans solid body guitar.

Hi, The guitar that was played over in the video section is this one. Just to give those interested…See More
1 hour ago
Fabian Blanco commented on Gary O'slide's video
2 hours ago
Fabian Blanco liked Gary O'slide's video
2 hours ago
t-belly johnson commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

Cally Jane ( instrumental Remix) A. D. Eker 2023

"Really, really nice on the ear! "
2 hours ago
t-belly johnson liked A.D.EKER's video
2 hours ago
t-belly johnson liked Miku's video
2 hours ago
t-belly johnson commented on Poorness Studios's video
2 hours ago
t-belly johnson liked Poorness Studios's video
2 hours ago
Taffy Evans commented on Poorness Studios's video
Thumbnail

More About My Makeshift Monochord (DIY 12-string Instrument)

"Hi Poorness, Interesting stuff, reminds me of the hammered dulcimers I used to make. You are…"
2 hours ago

Music

© 2023   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 -->