Hi All,
just finished my second basic 3 string fretless slide CBG. The box is big and it struck me it might make a good 3 string Bass--any suggestions for types of string and tunings? I tried a couple of old bass strings on it - the D and G and the maple neck seems perfectly happy but don't want to overdo things-would just heavy gauge strings work rather than bass strings etc? Any suggestions appreciated....Cheers
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Choice of string gauge is going to depend on the scale length (and also on exactly what notes you plan to tune to). If the scale length is like a standard guitar (eg. somewhere in the region of 24" to 25.5" ) then you'd need fairly heavy strings to get down to bass guitar tunings without the strings being so slack as to adversely affect the tone. Guitar strings just wouldn't do it. There are a few online calculators you can use to work out what string gauges you need for any given string length and tuning. (eg.http://wahiduddin.net/calc/calc_guitar_string.htm and http://www.daddario.com/DAstringtensionguide.Page?sid=4e8570df-045e...)
You don't say what notes you were tuning the D and G bass strings too. If you were tuning them to the same pitch as they would have had on a bass then I'd have thought they'd be rather slack. I'm guessing you might be more in the territory of a baritone guitar than a bass.
As long as you're careful you're probably safe experimenting. Just be sure to tension strings gradually, listen out for nasty creaking noises and keep checking the neck to see that it's not beginning to bend.
Hi Mark, thanks for that--yes scale length is probably too short at 25 ins--the Bass idea was more of an afterthought when I put it all together--big box so wondered if I could do it...Yes did tune to D and G --more as a try out than anything--did not seem too slack. That was my other question of course regarding tuning--open tuning for Bass? I saw a video Bez with a two string Bass tuned B and F# which sounded really nice but that was on a 30in scale. Thanks for the link regarding string gauges and scale length very useful. May re-think the idea and maybe try a 30in scale next project..
Cheers
Hi all ...I am going for a 30" scale for my next build and also need comment on suitable strings....
Have a nice bit of old hardwood window frame that is all the right dimensions .What box size do you suggest??
Keep plucking folkes!
I am also just building my 1st Bass. I recon on a 34" scale . I have quite a collection of various gauge
bass strings, from the bin of my local Guitar Shop (who also sells my CBGs)
What I am not sure of is the tuning for a 3 string 34" Bass ???
Using a Tulipwood neck.
An alternative thought. If you want to create a bass with a guitar-length scale then it could be possible with different string materials. An example is the Ashbory Bass (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashbory_bass) which uses silicon rubber strings. So you could try buying a set of spare Ashbory strings and putting them on your CBG. That might be an expensive thing to do for a CBG which is supposed to be a cheap and cheerful creation. Another option might be cord for what our American cousins call 'weed whackers' - basically heavy duty strimmers. I've seen it sold in big hardware places. I think it's probably nylon.
Obviously magnetic pickups won't work with nylon or rubber strings but piezos will.
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