Converting a three string CBG to four string

[Slowpaw Steve T]

More simple than it sounds, it really just involves adding an extra tuner, adding a new string anchor in the tail and adjusting the nut and bridge slots...

 

Rum Punch conversion

Rum Punch started life as a three string...had to cut extra slots in the bridge (fret wire mounted on hardwood strip) and nut but can be changed back to a three string easily enough.

 

 

New Tuner added (bottom left).

 

The Captain conversion.

 Same with The Captain, though the three hole brass hinge tail presented a problem - just threaded a new string in the centre hole, a little messy but worked!  If you're wondering where those four holes drilled into the body by the tail came from, i tried anchoring the strings to the body but was disappointed with the sound, so reverted back to the 3 hole brass hinge, it really made a big difference!

 

Luckily i made the scarfed headstock slot long enough to add another open gear tuner!

 

[Oscar Stern]

That's very cool, adding a 4th string gives you more versatility. How about we got a step further & convert a 4 string CBG into maybe more strings than that like 5 or 6 strings. What we'd need to do is change the neck.