5-string conversion: B-G to E-C

alexssandro · #1 11-07-2001, 07:09 PM

I was thinking of stringing my five-string from a E to a high C. I currently string the standard B-G method. If I were to convert, would that pose any serious setup issuses? I imagine I would have to adjust the action, but would there be any truss rod issues?

neptoon · #2 11-07-2001, 09:42 PM

you may have to make a minor truss rod adjustment, seeing as you will stress your neck a little more with the lighter guage strings (i know...sounds weird, don't it?). you'll also have to adjust your intonation.

Oysterman · #3 11-07-2001, 10:00 PM

I think the slots on your nut would be too deep, forcing you to buy and file a second one (the string should only rest in the slot, not drown in it

). Or have a tech file the slots for you, it shouldn't cost too much. Keep the old nut, though, in case you want to change back to the BEADG tuning someday.

Chasarms · #4 11-08-2001, 12:19 PM

We have been through this one a few times here at TB.

I think it is a given that a truss adjustment and new setup will be needed. The new nut seems to be the source of debate.

Personally, I agree with Oysterman that a new nut would be needed, although many here claim they converted with the old nut and there were no problems.

I have raised a nut slot that was too deep by placing a drop of superglue in the slot and allowing it to dry, placing another and building up the slot with superglue. But I am not so sure that was the best way to do it. Please don't put paper or anything in the slot to raise it.

bassmonkeee · #5 11-08-2001, 12:38 PM

I'm one of the guys who didn't need to change my nut when I went to a high C on my Curbow. I didn't even have to tweak the truss rod. Granted, it's made of Rockwood, and has two graphite bars, and two truss rods, so I guess you could say it was stable.

I currently have a set of TI Jazz flats strung E-C, and it sounds absolutely amazing.

When I took it to Curbow to have the electronics overhauled about six months ago, I asked him about changing out the nut. He said if it was playing okay, and intonating okay, then it didn't need a new nut. So, I would try it with the current nut, and if it works, leave it alone. But, if you are getting nuttiness, or buzzing, swap the nut out.