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Hello all,

New to this site...have lurked for a while and have been inspred by the work here.

Built my fist CBG resonator..I have it set up on a 25-1/2" scale.

I'm to the point of putting strings on it. Not sure what to do here. Hoping some of your expereince will help.

Based on this set up, what strings would you use and what tunings would be best for what I've put together. I know there are options...I'll prolly add electronics later. Your opinions are highly valued considering my limited knowledge in building.

Thanks!

Fish-o

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Permalink Reply by Fish-O on July 10, 2013 at 10:29am

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Permalink Reply by Fish-O on August 23, 2013 at 5:49pm

Well, I've been learning some songs and its made me have to learn some things about guitar playing that I did not know...
Been fun....here is a tune.
http://youtu.be/YssaIZAXYwk

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Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on August 24, 2013 at 2:14am

Nice build. I'm interested in hearing your resonator design. I like Open G (Dgbd)

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Permalink Reply by Fish-O on August 24, 2013 at 8:42am

It's prolly not a true reso design in the technical sense really...just took the two soap dish parts drip part you see on top and tray below..inverted (flipped) the part with the drip holes...used a square u bolt to hold two pieces together...top of bolt is the bridge.
The metal box/reso is then attached to the top...it's suspended inside for a little better vibration.
It's got a tiney sound to it...but nothing like a true reso really.
I also attached a dual piezo pickup to the bottom of the metal box.
It sounds good plugged into a bass amp.
That's about it really.

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Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on August 24, 2013 at 2:18am

I use standard medium gauge, the 4 highest strings: Dgbe and tune the e down to d. / The high e is usually a .013 but I replace it with a .016. This is not necessary, especially if you want to tune back up to standard too, but the heavier string seems to improve the tone for the slide considering we are tuning down. Enjoy your new build.

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on August 28, 2013 at 2:40am

Cool looking guitar. I look for potential guitar parts no matter where I go! I am so glad to see Kenis' post cause I'm doing a 4 string, but in nylon, Dgbe, but plan on spending most of the time dropping that e to d for some open G slide work on the nylons!

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on August 28, 2013 at 2:49am

I may be worthwhile to put a hole in that steel dish to let more of the sound into the box? (acoustically) Although if it is going to be primarily electric, this may be better? I have the top half of one of those soap trays, just waiting for a box that inspires me.