Bass Conversion 4 + 1

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loveofjazz

loveofjazz

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Years back, I recall there being some product (the manufacturer's name eludes me...) that allowed you to convert a 4 string bass to a 5 string bass with the existing neck, but you ended up adding a tuning machine assembly where the string tree might reside, and replacing the bridge entirely.

Other than string spacing or maybe added tension (which could be eased perhaps by using a lighter string), were there any other potential issues with this conversion? Does anyone know if this conversion package still exists?

Thanks,
jimbo
 
Don't rightly know...

Maybe 10 or more.
I can't recall...
 
Wouldn't you need a new nut too? I'd hate the string spacing, personally.
 
Yep

New nut wwould be needed as well.
I wouldn't mind the spacing, personally. I have small hands.
 
loveofjazz said:
Years back, I recall there being some product (the manufacturer's name eludes me...) that allowed you to convert a 4 string bass to a 5 string bass with the existing neck, but you ended up adding a tuning machine assembly where the string tree might reside, and replacing the bridge entirely.

Other than string spacing or maybe added tension (which could be eased perhaps by using a lighter string), were there any other potential issues with this conversion? Does anyone know if this conversion package still exists?

Thanks,
jimbo
Click to expand...

For a very short while I had a 5 string Tacoma ABG that the mfg'er had made that way, by adding a peg, cutting a new nut, and replacing the bridge. I couldn't play it because the strings were so close together at the bridge that I couldn't get my fingers between them. I sent it back.

It seems to me that you'd be better off shopping for an inexpensive 5 string, especially if you like your fourbanger, since you'd be making changes to it that would not be easily undoable.

My 2 cents, anyway.
 
Agreed

I was curious. Like I mentioned, I have small hands, and wouldn't have minded converting my 4 string over to a 5 string. It's a jap Squier with an EMG, but it's short scale so it's real comfortable to play.

My fretless is a 5 string, and I enjoy the versatiliy of having that low B. no biggie. Guess I'll start shopping around.

Thanks, y'all.
-jimbo
 
I love stuff like that. I play 5-string banjo, and I was trying to use a pin from a piano to rig up a single drone string on my homemade guitar so I could cop some banjo licks. Like I'm not good enough to play all over the neck, but I can invoke a little foggy mountain breakdown. I thought that there was almost enough room so I could span one string across the guitar top and tune it to G. It was heavily influenced by these kind of weird aftermarket contraptions.

I sort of got it to the prototype stage, but I realized that the stretch was pretty unnatural and I couldn't accurately do rolls and alternately hit and the D and middle G string with my thumb since the E and A were in the way. That and I kept htting the damned thing by accident all the time when trying to use it as a regular 6 string. Back to the drawing board.
 
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