Restring a 5-string from BAEDG to EADGC: nut work?

[srayb]

I have a 6-string, however I am looking around at getting a new 5-string. I would probably restring it so that I will have a high-C instead of the low-B that is standard.

My question is, would I have to do any work on the nut (replace the nut?) as the gauges will be smaller than what it was designed for.

Thanks!

[mech]

If the headstock is angled or the strings can be wrapped on the tuner posts to provide a sufficient break angle over the nut, no mods should be necessary.
I have several 4 strings strung BEAD and occasionally change one to EADG with no problems.

mech

[Benjamin Strange]

Most likely a new nut would be helpful. If the nut slot is too wide, the string can move side to side in the too wide slot and create strange artifacts in the tone. The string may also sit too low in the nut causing buzzing at the first fret. Also, spacing may be a problem. Your results may vary.

[bassbenj]

Originally Posted by srayb

I have a 6-string, however I am looking around at getting a new 5-string. I would probably restring it so that I will have a high-C instead of the low-B that is standard.

My question is, would I have to do any work on the nut (replace the nut?) as the gauges will be smaller than what it was designed for.

Thanks!

When I strung one of my 5 string basses with high C I didn't bother to change the nut and it seemed to work just fine. I was looking for trouble from doing that, but none appeared. On the other hand it is obvious that to do this correctly, you'd need to have a new nut cut to eliminate any possibility of weird nut artifacts in the tone. I guess it's just how anal you are. My attitude was that if the bass wasn't going to bother me, I wasn't going to bother it!