Stringing a 5-string bass E to C

[analogfreak]

Sorry if this is a repeat question, but I couldn't find it in the archives.

I want to get a 5-string bass (Ibanez SR 405? Carvin B5?) and string it upwards from E (E-A-D-G-C). What will need to be done, other than to adjust the truss rod, and perhaps put a different nut if the grooves are too big for the strings? Will the bridge of stock 5-string basses like Carvin or Ibanez have enough maneuverability for correcting the intonation?

Also, besides Carvin and Ibanez, which 5 string basses have the narrowest neck (nut) width?

Thanks.
M. Y.

 

[VomitHatSteve]

I would guess that you don't need to do much more than changing the nut. I have my 4-string strung to B-E-A-D. All that I did to modify the bass was file the nut down, and it's seemed to work fine for a few years now.

 

[analogfreak]

Thanks for the reply. I talked to the people at Carvin and at Bass Northwest, and both said that one would have to alter the nut (widen the grooves) to go lower with thicker strings as you did, but fortunately, putting on thinner strings would not present any nut-related problems such as string rattling. They both told me that stringing a 5-string up from E- to- C is done all the time and there is no problem, either in terms of the nut nor the bridge's ability to be tweaked for intonation. The truss rod might need a tad of a tweak. This solo bass project is sounding more do-able all the time! I'm leaning toward the Ibanez SR505.

M. Y.
http://www.ambientjazzduo.8m.net