Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by The Phrygian Kid on August 22, 2013 at 3:20pm

The string choice and the scale length and the tuning are three pieces of the same puzzle. Certainly you can change the strings on one of your existing ones to target a different register. Equally you could pop a capo on (changing the scale length..) so yes, yes and yes :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on August 22, 2013 at 7:51pm

Scale length is designed to conveniently allow the player to find an instrument they can physically play more comfortably, if you sing you will tune your guitar to a key in which you can sing comfortably, though different tunings offer different voices and a different feel to the music, low keys thicker strings, high keys thinner strings - decide on one scale length (very commonly 25.5", same as a Strat). (-:

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Yankee Dog on August 23, 2013 at 1:02am

consider restringing one of your current CBGs with a different string set. See if you can achive your desired tuning. If not then consider your next build with a different scale length.

 

Scale lenght and string selection both matter. And as the Kid says the two fit together best when combined with an optimum tuning. I have built several with different scale lenghts and string sets. Sometime you have to play around with strings and tunings until you find the combination that "works" with a particular CBG.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on August 24, 2013 at 2:26am

I prefer a 22" scale. I find that it makes the stretches between frets easier, especially using open tunings. Here is a suggestion. String using ADg strings and tune Open D: ADf#

I use a "movable chord method", so it possible to play in all 12 keys on 1 CBG.

See CD 6

Feel free to email me directly at kenileeburgess@aol.com

 http://www.ebay.com/sch/njmikeb/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from...   Enjoy. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Diane in Chicago on August 24, 2013 at 12:39pm

So once you pick the scale length that you like to play (me, I like 17")  you then decide on the tuning you want to have.   Let's say Gdg.  Then you go here:  http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.htm

You plug in your string length (in my case, 17) and then enter G.  It tells me I need a .017.  Then I put in d, and it tells me to use a .016, and so on for the little g string.

That gizmo lets you choose the best string for the scale and tuning you want, instead of guessing, or hoping or trial-and-erroring.  And it is just a starting place, you can loosen them up for a lower tuning if you like to play all floppy and buzzy.  But at least you are starting from the optimal.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by jojo mcelroy on August 24, 2013 at 4:36pm

thanks heaps!! man you guys really know your stuff on this site!!! haha I'll check into everything and make my decisions from there. thanks for pointing me in the right direction!! muchly appreciated!

• ▶ Reply