Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Marty O on January 10, 2015 at 2:39pm

I would consider using the 5, 4 and 3rd strings (A, D & G) then only the A needs to be tuned down a tone to G.

Something else to consider: what scale length are you using? Classical guitars (which use nylon strings) can be around the 650 mm to 660 mm length....so if you have a shorter scale length than this then that might have a bearing on why your strings sound a little bit sloppy. So you might then need to tune up to A E A.

Hope this helps,

Marty

Permalink Reply by Greg Thompson on January 10, 2015 at 4:08pm

Ok, thanks for all the help! The scale length is 24 inches.
I'll give the 5,4,3 a shot and see how it goes. If I still have issues, I'll try high tension strings.
The 5 string has the most buzz to it. I might be having some issues with the string going throught the groove in the nut and bridge. I cut them a little wider than in the past... Although, I think the tension is the biggest culprit.
Thanks for the advice!!!

Permalink Reply by Greg Thompson on January 13, 2015 at 11:07am

Thanks for the suggestion. There is some buzz on a couple frets that I fixed, but the droning buzz is in the sound. It's a different kind of buzz. The pitch of the buzz actually changes after strumming the string. It happens most with the #5 string. Kind of a humming buzz that almost sounds like a reverb with a subtle wha, wha to it. I don't know if that description is making sense. I've built several CBG, but have never had a sound like this. I may try some steel strings on it and see if I get anything similar. Just another mystery with this art form...

Permalink Reply by Greg Thompson on January 20, 2015 at 2:57pm

Well, a quick update on my nylon strings. For now they are OK. The 5,4,3 tuned A E A works pretty well. The 5 string drones heavily, but I'm willing to live it. At some point a will probably switch to higher tension strings. Thanks Wayfinder and Marty O for your help. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.
Greg

Permalink Reply by Marty O on January 20, 2015 at 7:40pm

No problem at all...glad I could have been of help. loo forward to seeing the pics.

Cheers

Marty

Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on January 20, 2015 at 7:51pm

hey  ..  ps  .....   try   them with a slide  .   it  may  be  hard  to  wrap  your   head  around  ,    but  nylons   slide   pretty    well  , and sound real  smooth . better   with a  rod  than  piezo   or acoustic  tho  .    ;-)

lol..,   i  expect  you  to  come back and say  "wow  "  now  ;-)

Permalink Reply by BUGGY (C) on January 20, 2015 at 8:43pm

sounds like your bridge and nut.issue...  look up baritone uke tuning on youtube, here's a song i did using nylons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeUYzy_rN8U#t=13

Permalink Reply by gary sheldon on February 3, 2015 at 4:05am

Very nice song, Bug

Permalink Reply by BUGGY (C) on January 20, 2015 at 8:43pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKe97da8NGU

Permalink Reply by Greg Thompson on January 22, 2015 at 1:05pm

Very nice! Really enjoyed that, thanks!

Permalink Reply by Greg Thompson on January 27, 2015 at 9:43am

Last update. I got some help from one of my students who plays guitar. He pointed out that the nut groove was too deep and the string was buzzing on the first fret. His eyes are better than mine and his experience helped me out. I cut a small shim and super glued it into the groove... problem solved! I'm really liking this Gourtar. I had our music teacher play it through an amp and he had a blast. The music students really get a kick out of my builds. One student is always right there when I bring them in. He can't wait to get his hands on them. Love sharing! Thanks for all the help! Pics coming soon!

Permalink Reply by Greg Thompson on February 1, 2015 at 5:26am

I'm finally able to post some pics...

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