Stringing a 5 string bass with a high C

[peteswanson91]

I am looking at purchasing a 5 string electric (have only played upright) and was wondering if I can string it with a high C rather than a low B...would I have to have adjustments made on the instrument?
Thanks...also am looking or a small practice amp..ie. only for practicing in my small apartment...doesn't need to be loud, but would like a nice, clean sound

[bassjigga]

I do it on my Zon with no adjustments except saddle heights. However, on a wood neck you'll have to give the neck some relief so there will be adjustment to the truss rod. It also depends a little on the bass. If it has an angled back head design, you should be ok. If not, you might have to replace the nut and have it slotted properly for the lighter strings. If the bass is a keeper, I'd probably do that anyway, but if you might sell it eventually you're better off leaving it because most people use the B.

[Burg]

Originally Posted by peteswanson91

I am looking at purchasing a 5 string electric (have only played upright) and was wondering if I can string it with a high C rather than a low B...would I have to have adjustments made on the instrument?
Thanks...also am looking or a small practice amp..ie. only for practicing in my small apartment...doesn't need to be loud, but would like a nice, clean sound

You can get hold of 5-string sets with a high C rather than a low B and can pretty much just replace them as normal.

[SteveC]

I've done it with no modification - other than action, intonation, etc. - but you do that whenever you make a change like new guage strings, etc.

I'm looking at getting another 5er to do just this.