If I understood correctly, cuatro has low 1st and 4th strings, and the middle ones are from the next higher octave. The intervals are the same, but the technique and sound and individual notes are different from those of ukes.
Do you mean that the chord voicing is so open that it gets too boomy? Does it depend on the inversion that is used? That is it the I, III or V that's the lowest or something.
Has anyone tried Sliding on their TGs? I am, and I’m really enjoyin’ it. I’m pretty comfortable with my glass slide on my finger now, and I’m doin’ pretty well on the slidin’. I’ve gotta work on G scales up the neck and find some tunes that’ll work with DGBD.
So far I’ve had some very interesting and valuable sessions. Now I’ve gotta keep improving.ld:
Here's my story...
I dreamed for more than a few months about getting a BR40T. On my way to vacation in Gatlinburg,TN, I planned on stopping by Music Outlet as they have them there, on display. I was also underwhelmed due to the lack of "body" in the tone. It was strung DGBE. The neck was going to be too much a reach for 5ths tuning, which was my ultimate plan.
So, I walked around the store awhile (it is huge) and found my wife gazing at a Gold Tone Banjola. I picked it up and tuned it to my liking, CGBE, with the drone string an octave higher, as a "g". I immediately fell in love with its lush harmonics and very long sustain. Like a banjo, it has a narrow neck with an added 5th string. Like the BR40T, it is diminutive in volume. I bought it, though. It really sounds wonderful.
Depending on what gauge string you use for the drone, it can be tuned for several keys: A D'Addario .011" gets you c thru g, which seem the most versatile for me.
I have purchased the replacement bridge with a pickup, but haven't installed it yet. Here's why. The Gold Tone planetary tuners feel like they are falling apart, making it "less than enjoyable" to play. I certainly didn't stress them, but I'm looking at $100-125 to upgrade them with unknown results. I love this thing, but the tuners have stopped me from playing it.
Hopefully, this will have a happy ending.