Converting a 4 string to a 5er...

[namtrab101]

Has anyone ever converted a 4 string bass to a 'bottom of the 4' 5 string. I have an older 4 string bass that I don't wanna get rid of, but I'd like to try out the low B. So, I thought I'd use a BEAD tuning. I'm mainly concerned with the nut. Does anyone manufacture a part for this conversion, or should I just make the grooves a little larger. If I should just make the grooves larger, any recommendation on how to do this? Thanx!

[Even]

never tried it, but I bet it pretty much screws the future of your bass. Between gouging out the groves (making it impossible to undo without replacing) you put all new tensions on the neck sending it to warpland.

[Treeline]

There's an interesting idea. You need to find out what the tension presently is for each string and then compare the highest string tension with the low B. Then you'll know if the neck can handle it. You'll need another nut; if you want to go back, you might want the present nut unscathed.

Frank Ford and Rick Turner are likely to have done string gauge / tension testing.

http://www.gryphonstrings.com

http://www.rickturnerguitars.com


Two membership sites with lots of folks who do this:

http://www.guitarmaker.org

http://www.luth.org

And one of my personal favorite sites on the net - the MIMF forum. Check this thread out.

http://207.173.159.211/cgi-bin/WebX?...N^2@.ee730ac/0










Any bass string links on Harmony Central?

[namtrab101]

Thanx for the info. The only reason that I don't wanna get rid of this bass is because I won't get anything out of it if I tried to sell it. It was my first. I'd rather try some interesting modifications to it. As long as trying this conversion doesn't render the bass virtually useless, for one reason or another, I think I may try it. The conversion doesn't have to end up being a perfect bass, just something playable. Even if I screw it up, it's (somewhat) ok. I never play the thing anyway. I have my other bass for real recording. Just wanting to see if I like recording some low B stuff. *grin*

[Wallycleaver]

Tree line,
I was a member ot mmif for quite a while and didn't like it there. If you don't build instrument for a living you get treated like poo. They do have lots of info, it's just not a plesent place to visit IMHO.
If you want to change your bass you are either going to have to file the grooves in the nut to accomidate the thicker strings or purchase a new nut. Make sure the saddle will fit as well. Then all you need to do have it set up. Pretty easy.

[Treeline]

Wally-

I was quite active there for a couple of years and did a short stint as a staff member. I learned the hard way what hours those guys put in to manage the threads. Pretty serious time involved, and constant attention. I found myself promising more than I could deliver, and so bowed out. MIMF is a very different board from most others, in that they focus on developing an archive like a lutherie encyclopedia. So they trim and prune threads like rosebushes.

The clientele tends to be independent luthiers, with occasional appearances by the Bob Taylors of the world. (Not many of them, I'll admit...) They're just working on a different plane than most of the rest of us. People like me are luthier wannabes, not luthiers. I've built a couple of stringed instruments, and maybe understand the theory, but I get separated from the field whenever I pick up a chisel!

I still find it an amazing place to visit. Like getting a builder's knowledge I.V. line...