Conversion from a Low B to a High C

danstefl · #1 10-14-2009, 10:34 AM

HI Guys, I own a 5 string ESP LTD and find myself not as angry as I use to be so I don't really have a need to drop tune so to speak or utilize that low B for other then accenting. I want to remove the low B and shift everything down and add a high C. My question is, can this be done or does that bass have to be made that way? Other then strings and a slight truss rod adjustment what else do you think I will be facing to make this happen? Are there any downsides to this that any one has ever experienced?

any and all feedback is apprecaited!

CapnSev · #2 10-14-2009, 10:41 AM

Besides a setup, all you should need to do is get a new nut made.

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #3 10-14-2009, 10:42 AM

And you may not even need a new nut, depending on the gauges you use.

danstefl · #4 10-14-2009, 10:50 AM

yeah it looks like the E string I have will fit nicely into the B slot without alot of play so I might be able to get away without getting a new nut (thank god lol)I have some experience in setting up my basses as far as action and intonation but this seems a bit more involved, or am i simply over thinking it and simply have to adjust for the less amount of tension on the neck? My model is a thruneck so that worries me a little bit because I don't want to ruin it.

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #5 10-14-2009, 10:52 AM

If you're worried about harming your bass, then don't do a setup until after your bass has settled in with the new string so you can see if it's giving your bass any backbow, etc.

Beej · #6 10-14-2009, 10:55 AM

Its a pretty common "conversion". You'll probably just need a setup. I usually recommend trying it out that way first before replacing/reworking the nut. This won't ruin your bass either, the tension will be very similar to the previous stringing.

SteveC · #7 10-14-2009, 10:56 AM

I've done that with no mods - other than some minor bridge tweaks.

R. Laevinus · #8 10-14-2009, 10:59 AM

You're overthinking it. Like Bryan says, let the bass settle in, then do a truss rod tweak, action height adjust, and fix the intonation. You might want to adjust your pickup height, too.

groooooove · #9 10-14-2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveC

I've done that with no mods - other than some minor bridge tweaks.

that sounds about right. dont worry about it, just go for it.

danstefl · #10 10-14-2009, 11:02 AM

ok great, this seems simple enough if I don't overthink it.

one more question then for you guys as far as set up, what are the steps to setting up a bass as in order of what you should do - New Strings, bow, action, intonation? Just want to make sure I fully understand the process - thanks!

danstefl · #11 10-14-2009, 11:07 AM

nevermind on the set up, i found enough posts on it. I may just have a tech do this since it sounds like there will be more steps. I have a show on halloween night and my 4 string just went down, I hope I can get this done in time.

danstefl · #12 10-14-2009, 11:08 AM

I'm so excited about this. this is going to take some getting use to lol

SteveC · #13 10-14-2009, 11:20 AM

I think it's a nice tuning to have for jazz or other gigs where you solo a lot. I have had it before, but for a majority of my gigs a 5 string strung BEADG is more useful. I'd like to have one of each but...

A 6 would seem a perfect solution for me but those necks are just too wide for me.

danstefl · #14 10-14-2009, 11:33 AM

I found myself using the B string for more accents and the tone was just to deep for the music I have been playing. I find myself resting my thumb on it more then playing it and i never liked bass players that did that. always made me wonder why they had a 5 string. i think adding that higher string will allow me to add more variations when i play. I will be able to throw Guitar chords in there as one example and soloing will take on a whole new sound. i know what you mean about the wideness of the necks on a 6. My hands aren't too big so the 5er is as wide as I want to go.