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New member with a new build nearly done

New member with a new build here,I posted this in my introduction,but I have some questions,I don’t play guitar,owned on years ago in the Marines,but never learned any thing and sold it, building this has been a learning experience,it became my teacher,my musical experience being choir at church and singing country while driving truck before I retired.I like Country,southern rock,bluegrass and blues and any combination thereof .

First, what is the process for tuning a new guitar and new strings,open G GDE , I’m using Southbound string,.o44,.034 and I think .021 if my memory serves me, Im putting the final touches on today which is basically stringing and tuning it ,while building I paid close attention to many builders and informational forums online,two guys I pay close attention to are Michael at Southern fire Guitars,and Del Puckett,they were a ton of help also our own Shane speal and CB Gitty.there seemed to be a glitch in my joining here during the build but I did lurk about and learned a bit from the Nation.It originally was planned as just self powered but then I decided to add a disc inside under the bridge as my son has a couple amps in case I WANT to be heard(!?) well see about that! Lol.

What started me down this road was being gifted several cigar boxes by my brother in law,originally intended for small parts and tool storage,(I build and shoot muzzleloaders and other guns) the former hobby having also left me with many hardwood scraps,and woodworking and metal working skills and tools,I suddenly became desirous of learning a musical skill before I get around to leaving this earthly realm which is still far in the future yet,Hopefully folks here can help with that.

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on February 4, 2023 at 11:03am

Welcome john, nice looking first build
When first putting the strings on, if you have not done it already, is to set the intonation by finding the correct bridge position. Part of that is to get the string height you want before you start both at the bridge and the nut and with the guitar tuned up to pitch.

Then I check for any buzzing strings by playing notes all over the neck. just to make sure my fret leveling was on the ball.

If all is well, start picking. I'm sure somebody will chime in with tuning info.
Enjoy... Taff

PS, I noticed one of your posts did not show up, you better check the how-to post note at the top of the Home page. I always post and check that imine has appeared every time.

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Permalink Reply by John B Treutlein on February 4, 2023 at 3:03pm

Thank you Taffy,appreciate the help,I just finished grounding for the strings and the next step is string install, the bridge is probably too tall (on purpose)so I could adjust it’s height with the belt sander ,I adjusted the nut with a straight edge so it’s close but I figured to leave just a little extra till I had the strings on so I didn’t go too far and have to make a new nut ! I made several bridges of wood and bone in case one was too low,This has been a musical education for me and a good excuse to use my wood tools.I can’t wait to start playing .