Setting up a slide bass.

[zongeek]

So, I am going to take an old bass of mine and turn it into a 2 string slide bass. I've been using it with 4 strings, but I just get too sloppy.

Other than raising the action, is there anything else that I need to do or should be aware of? Should I get a new nut and change the string spacing? Any neck issues that I should be aware of? Etc....

Thanks in advance.

[Buskman]

Raise the action slightly, but more importantly, you'll need to adjust the neck relief. Two strings will put a lot less tension on the neck than four.

I'd recommend a new nut (action should be slightly higher @ the nut than normally) and new string spacing. Unless you plan on always playing both strings simultaneously, it'd be good to have the strings spread out slightly. The lower string should be approximately in between the E & A strings (slightly closer to where the original A is), and between the D & G (slightly closer to the D).

Mark Sandman from Morphine (RIP) tuned to 5ths, IIRC.

Good luck - keep us posted!

[zongeek]

Originally Posted by Buskman

Raise the action slightly, but more importantly, you'll need to adjust the neck relief. Two strings will put a lot less tension on the neck than four.

I'd recommend a new nut (action should be slightly higher @ the nut than normally) and new string spacing. Unless you plan on always playing both strings simultaneously, it'd be good to have the strings spread out slightly. The lower string should be approximately in between the E & A strings (slightly closer to where the original A is), and between the D & G (slightly closer to the D).

Mark Sandman from Morphine (RIP) tuned to 5ths, IIRC.

Good luck - keep us posted!

Thanks!!!

I talked to a tech today and he wasn't sure what to do either, so this will be a good way to start.

As far as the nut goes, could I use the old nut and then file out new spots for the strings?

Also, if I seperate the strings (because I don't intend on playing both strings all the time), do I need to do anything with my bridge? or leave it as is other than whatever changes need to be made to the saddles?

Thanks again, great info.!

[BassJedi]

I used to play slide bass in some songs to give me a fretless sound on my 5 string. I was also kinda sloppy. Then I learned a little technique that cleaned it all up for me and I didn't have to change anything. I had a medium action and the string height followed the curvature of the fret board. I put the slide on my pinkie, and used all other fingers to mute all of the strings behind the slide. It totally cleaned things up for me and made it so it wasn't so uncomfortable to play. I also learned to not use such hard grip, just kind of relax and float with my fretting hand. I got really good at it in about a day. Anyways, I thought maybe if you tried a couple of techniques it may be easier than mods or getting rid of strings and all that. Good luck and I am glad to see other people thinking outside the box!!!

[Buskman]

Originally Posted by zongeek

Thanks!!!

As far as the nut goes, could I use the old nut and then file out new spots for the strings?

Hmmm... I guess you could - not sure if having slots so close to one another would compromise the strength of the nut (might be prone to crack). Not sure. The tech you spoke with might have better insight into this than me.

Originally Posted by zongeek

Also, if I seperate the strings (because I don't intend on playing both strings all the time), do I need to do anything with my bridge? or leave it as is other than whatever changes need to be made to the saddles?

I would think that if the string spacing is changing at the nut, it would probably be best to change it at the bridge as well. Just to make sure the taper is correct, y'know?

Depending on what type of bass this is, the best remedy would be either a BadAss, where you can file the slots to your liking, or to go with a bridge that has adjustable spacing, like this Schaller:

http://www.warmoth.com/hardware/brid...n=schaller_463

Or a Hipshot A bridge:

http://www.hipshotproducts.com/cart....t_detail&p=117

Unfortunately, none of these routes are on the cheap side...

Once again, hope this helps. Good luck!

[zongeek]

Okay. Great info. Thanks again!

I have a lot of work to do. Maybe, at least for parts of this, I should do a fair chunk of it myself. I will have to talk to this tech again and see what happens.

Thanks again for all the helpful info. everyone.