Changing 5 string bass into 4 string

[pj1]

This may be crazy but -

I have had a 5 string Tobias Growler 5 (1996) for a year now and just cannot get on with the 5th string but the asymmetric neck is the best I have ever played (as is the bass). I can't afford to buy a similar 4 string and can't get a reasonable selling price on this one.

So enough preamble, can I put a new nut and bridge on to convert it to a 4 string? The spacing and distance of the strings from the edge of the neck are not a problem to me. Additionally, would the neck suffer from the tension of 4 as opposed to the 5 strings it was built for?

Any suggestions would be really welcomed - thanks

PJ

[JeffTheBig]

you would have to adjust the trus-rod but i dont see a really big problum with this. but the same 4 strings are there now y not just leave it and some and play the E.A.D.G some day you might need a D#.D.C#.C or B??.

[pj1]

Thanks for the reply - the spacing of the strings are just too close even if I only play the top 4 strings on the bass

PJ

[JeffTheBig]

its the spacing thats giving you problums on the 5er eh? like i said i dont see anything wrong with just changing the bridge and nut and adjusting the trus-rod it should work out you ya. but you might have to get a nut and bridge made to fit the 5 string neck. but good luck man ....post before and after pic's

[pj1]

Thanks for your help Jeff

[JeffTheBig]

no prob. us TBers only here to help