convert 4 to 5

[ppanousos]

Is it possible to convert my MIA jazz neck from 4 to 5 string?

[Baleen]

Want a low B? Have you considered using the bottom 4 of a 5-string set? You'd need a new nut and set up but get a similar result except not having 5 strings to traverse.

Otherwise,
-Adding a string to an already narrow jazz neck?
-An extra string's worth of tension on the neck?
-Extra tuner on the head
-D string has to reach old G tuner
-Pickups to catch 5 strings in the space of 4

A lot of work for a difficult if not impossible to use final product.

Doesn't seem worth the hassle to me.

[Atomik Rooster]

Originally Posted by Baleen

Otherwise,
-Adding a string to an already narrow jazz neck?
-An extra string's worth of tension on the neck?
-Extra tuner on the head
-D string has to reach old G tuner
-Pickups to catch 5 strings in the space of 4

A lot of work for a difficult if not impossible to use final product.

Doesn't seem worth the hassle to me.

I own a bass that is exactly that. Fortunately another guy did all the hard work and all I had to do was finish it up. What didn't work out was the low B string, which had more to do with the light gauge I wanted to use than a flawed idea. I ended up making it a low E to high C setup, but it plays well and I couldn't be happier with it. Given the labor and cost of parts, it's probably just as good or a better deal to purchase a 5 string that has a thinner neck to begin with. But if you want something you can call your own, it can be done and the result can be more than acceptable. I'd definitely recommend working with an experienced luthier. Mistakes can be expensive.

[Dee_01]

My cousin converted a 4 to a 5, it was just a cheapo Sunn bass but he did a pretty good job and it works OK. It can't compare to a 35" scale length 5 string, but he learned how to use a 5-string and has been playing it for about 14 years! The neck is like a banana. It's about time he bought a new bass, but he somehow makes do with this bright orange P-bass conversion job.

So yeah, it's not hard to do but it's probably not worth transforming an instrument that has any worth. It'd make an interesting project for an inexpensive one, though.

Just sell it and buy a 5.

[BadManWithABass]

Originally Posted by Baleen

Want a low B? Have you considered using the bottom 4 of a 5-string set? You'd need a new nut and set up but get a similar result except not having 5 strings to traverse.

How would this affect the sound? I am VERY interested in doing this to my bass!!!

Thanks!

Cheers

[Delberthot]

pay a visit to the rickresource and a guy called Jeff Rath. He has done loads of these conversions with Ricks and Fenders.