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Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on April 27, 2010 at 12:29pm

For the strings I hve used 654 on one guitar and 321 on the other, then I've broke some and mixed it up with good results so give it a try. I use tung oil on my necks, I tried a spar varnish and it looks nice but my hand does not slide well on it.

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Permalink Reply by Tracy Kennedy on April 27, 2010 at 1:36pm

The first rule of thumb to know about when it comes to building a CBG is that there are no rules. With that being said, it is just personal prference as to wich strings you use. 6 4 2 & 5 3 1 will certainly work. As will 6 5 4 & 3 2 1, point being, its entirely up to you.

The first 2 CBG I built I gave to my boys. Those I didnt bother clear coating, just stained. They are going to beat those necks up, so I didnt waste my time. Most everyone here will suggest you finish the neck to protect the wood from atmospheric conditions to keep the neck from warping and twisting and to protect it from discoloration from the natuaral oils in your palms and fingers. Some finish thier necks with spray on MinWax type clear coats in a spray can. Others go all out and use lacquer. And then there are those like Josh from Smokehouse Guitars who prefer shellac and rub on finishes like Tung Oil. So here again...its up to you...there are no rules!

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Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on April 28, 2010 at 7:56am

Form usually always follows function. What do you want the instrument to be able to do? What is your reason for wanting to use strings 6,4,2 (tuned?...E,D,b?...an E7th no 3rd?). Of course there are no rules, but you have to live with the consequence of your actions. LOL Although...it is good to experiment and proceed blindly sometimes. Enjoy the adventure.

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Call on April 28, 2010 at 8:33am

I like to use strings 2 4 5 from a medium gauge acoustic set. As far as the as neck, I like to use a stain or an oil on the neck!!!!!

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Permalink Reply by ken farmer on April 28, 2010 at 11:19am

> there are no rules

I'm not normally a nit-picker, but I think that's just short for "there are less rules than you'd think".

At least until I see more successful CBGs with fishing line, 8ga wiring, rubber bands, coat hangers, hemp rope, nylon rope, coated wire cable or yarn.

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Permalink Reply by stan bryars on April 30, 2010 at 9:17pm

I am stuck on using the 234 strings,
The downside is that it costs me a set of strings per CBG
I just tried splitting a pack with two guitars but it didn't sound right to me

I got a good deal on some Minwax Puritan Pine that was on the clearance rack at HD
It is so light that is barely noticeable over oil on an oak neck
Best part is that it was $1.50 a can and I still have 3 cans left and two of Providential Pine, that is a lot darker

the downside is that it always has a slightly oily feel to it, but no one has complained

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