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Post subject: Converting Squier Telecaster To 4 String . . .
Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 4:10 pm
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From the title I realize that you might reasonably think, who is this idiot? and why is he not in an institution, without access to the web?

Many years ago I played drums. So having been around guitarists, I've always been aware of their talents, and in awe of their finger dexterity to play chords, and to make it seem effortless.

I came across a Cigar Box Guitar site by accident, they suggested that even ungifted folk like myself could get some fun and entertainment from a 3 or 4 string CBG. I studied their music tabs and thought it was something even I could attempt. You can buy kits or buy ready made, and their pretty cheap.

But I've always wanted a Telecaster, it's a design thing I guess, perfectly formed.
My concern is if I buy one and instruct a technician to convert it to 4 strings, I want the 4 strings strung out wide apart like a tenor guitar, the Warren Ellis Tenor (but I don't want that tenor sound) is a good example of string spacing on the fretboard, the Ellis is 34mm at the nut and 46mm at the 12 fret. The Affinity is 40.89mm or so.

But my REAL concern is will the strings be out of alignment with the pickups?

I'd post a pic of the tenor to show how wide the distance between the strings are but I don't see anywhere on here that I can upload. Hoping that someone can advise me about the pickup alignment and how I might be able to fix it.

Many thanks, Velocette


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Post subject: Re: Converting Squier Telecaster To 4 String . . .
Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2018 5:21 pm
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Location: SoCal, US
The cigar box is a bit unique in that it is primarily intended to be used for slide. Some kits and builds only have the "frets" drawn onto the neck, simply to provide a reference for the player.
Those that are fretted are still intended to be used for slide, with only one string being pressed, not unlike using a B-bender on a steel guitar.

Baritone and bass guitars have wider string spacing because the strings need more space to vibrate without interfering with each other. I really don't think that increasing the spacing on a regular guitar is going to make it easier to form chords, and even if you use standard tuning for the D, G, B, and E strings, many chords from instructional books are not going to sound correct, since the E and A strings establish the "root" for most chords and scales.

Having someone convert a Tele to a 4-string configuration would likely cost you more than the cost of the Tele itself. The nut is not a huge problem... maybe $70 to have someone cut a custom nut for you, but the bridge is going to be a problem. Commercial bridges are designed for 6-string spacing. A bass bridge would maybe work, but it will be spaced wider than what you want. CBGs usually just use a home-made bridge from hardware store items.
You are correct, the strings will not line up over the pickup pole pieces.

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Post subject: Re: Converting Squier Telecaster To 4 String . . .
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 3:59 am
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Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:53 am
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Everyone of those guitar players you admire, has started from zero…

If you want a Tele, get one. The investment (Squiers or second hand MIM's) isn't big - you may even have a band friend who could lend you one for a longer period. Leave out the top strings, or just don't play them.
Really, you don't need the tenor string spacing - if you get anywhere with the cigarboxinstruments, getting adjusted to guitar strings is just a matter of time.

Of course there is the possibility of buying the 4-string tenor guitar and starting to search a sound you want. Or using some top-loading bass bridge for a 4-string Tele. Etc.

But IMHO your biggest obstacle with a regular guitar is in your mind. Practice with a Tele for a year, get back then if you still want a fourstringer. :wink:


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Post subject: Re: Converting Squier Telecaster To 4 String . . .
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2018 10:09 am
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Joined: Sat Aug 25, 2018 11:11 am
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Thank you both for your practical advise, although not what I wanted to hear!
Having considered long and hard, perhaps there is a compromise for me, which would be to use the open G tuning, and like Keith R drop the the bottom string.

I'm in my mid 70's so maybe not a lot of time left, if I could just play a few bar chords and stagger through a 12 bar, and play some VERY slow blues licks, I'd get my satisfaction !

Thanks again,

Steve


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Post subject: Re: Converting Squier Telecaster To 4 String . . .
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2018 2:41 am
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Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:53 am
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Velocette wrote:
I'm in my mid 70's

Age is nothing but experience.


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