Hiya -

 Has anyone tried making a git with a single U-bass string as the low string? Meaning, one U-Bass string along with 3 other nylon strings (on a 4-string git)? This would involve placing that odd tuner and accounting for the extra width of the U-Bass string - things I could do in a build but wouldn't try on a standard ukulele (for example).

  When I play, I end up thumping that low string as the bass line for whatever chord I'm playing. Thought I might as well get some extra oomph behind it.

  Any thoughts? I'm sure I'll end up making one sometime just to see how awkward it is to play. But, I'm curious if anyone's actually tried it before...

Cheers!

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Have you heard of the Lowebow? It’s basically what you’re describing? Made by Johnny Lowebow: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q4VaUxCpvgY#fauxfullscreen

Awesome video, thanks. I'll never be that coordinated.

It's the general idea - he has a double neck CBG, 1-string bass on one and 3-string on the other, although both necks are close enough together that he can play them simultaneously (which may be a way to go, now that I think of it...) I was thinking more of a single neck, 4-string, probably strung DGBE, with a U-Bass low D string instead of the typical D string. I'd have to make the neck a bit fatter than usual - along with other accommodations to get it playable, and before I start the planning I was thinking someone has probably tried this before and could talk me out of it.

Thanks again for the link- I'll probably be watching more of his videos later today!

Cheers!

This sounds interesting and I'd love to know how your build turns out!

Check https://dbguitars.ch/amplification-reparations-et-modifications/mod... on Daniel Borel's site https://dbguitars.ch: he's a luthier who builds CBGs too.

thanks , thats a nice cool CBG there... 

That's pretty much what I was thinking of - except I thought I'd use nylon strings and a U-Bass string instead of the traditional Bass string. Then use a piezo of some sort.

Looks do-able... mine won't be as pretty as that one, but it's a great design idea to riff on.

Thanks, Moritz!

I recommend using a piezo rod, you’ll get way better sound through direct contact of the strings? 

that is nice,,,

Somewhere here I saw a "King Bow" .,., 1 bass string, 3 guitar strings.,., but not nylon .,.,the U-bass string sounds like something to try.,.,

It might need a crazy bridge and nut!  I made a cbu bass and the low string really vibrates, it needs a ton of action to not hit the frets when you pluck it.  Then the other three will be normal height which would make things interesting, strumming might be a challenge too now that I think about it. Hope you try it, love to see how it comes out. 

I hadn't considered the vibratory action needed for the bass string.... more planning. Thanks for the new wrinkle!

Vibratory Action would be a good funk band name...

You remember the foto of Daniel Borel's four-stringer I posted? His box is designed to drive the pickups through a guitar and a bass amp separately... With piezos you could have the problem that the bass string mutes the other ones...

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