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Single U-Bass String on 4-String Git

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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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on October 2, 2019 at 1:26pm

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

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Permalink Reply by FoldedSoup on October 3, 2019 at 3:26am

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!

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Permalink Reply by John Mark Perchalski on November 10, 2019 at 2:26pm

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

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Permalink Reply by Moritz Voegeli on November 10, 2019 at 8:01pm

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.

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Permalink Reply by Timothy Hunter on November 11, 2019 at 2:37am

thanks , thats a nice cool CBG there...

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Permalink Reply by FoldedSoup on November 12, 2019 at 5:38am

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!

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on November 12, 2019 at 5:49am

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

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Permalink Reply by Jerry Jordan on November 12, 2019 at 10:13am

that is nice,,,

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Permalink Reply by Jerry Jordan on November 12, 2019 at 10:12am

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.,.,

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Permalink Reply by Kigar on November 12, 2019 at 2:21pm

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.

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Permalink Reply by FoldedSoup on November 13, 2019 at 3:26am

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...

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Permalink Reply by Moritz Voegeli on November 12, 2019 at 8:34pm

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...