Tuning my Thunderchief 5er with high C.

[BassIsFun17]

Hey everyone,

I am considering retuning my Tacoma Thunderchief 5er from B-G tuning to E-C tuning. My question is what is going to have to be done the set up to allow this tuning? What truss rod work will have to be done?
Is this even recommended at all?
Thanks!

[BassIsFun17]

bump

[Bassman8416]

It can be done. You may have to do some adjustments to the string heights and neck. But the main issue could possibly be the nut. You may need to replace your current one. The grooves may be too wide when you change to the new tuning which can cause various problems.

[BassIsFun17]

what sort of problems other than intonation and tuning stability could it cause?

[202dy]

Originally Posted by BassIsFun17

what sort of problems other than intonation and tuning stability could it cause?

There will be no real problems. There will be no tuning instability.

Changing string gauges will require a set up. Same thing goes for changing string types or brands. On an acoustic, that means a truss rod adjustment and possibly shimming or trimming the saddle. There isn't much you can do about intonation without doing a lot of work. In all probability the intonation will be acceptable as is.

The slots in the nut will be a bit wide. Not optimal but usable. If you are picky about such things then the nut should be replaced. Otherwise it will be o.k. if the nut is o.k. now.

[kharmakazee1]

Just did this a week ago with my Michael Kelly Club 5 and I did not have to make any changes.....there was a trick however. I replaced the original brass acoustic strings with ROTOSOUND TAPEWOUND FLATS. Outstanding upright tone and the gauges almost match up perfectly so you don't need to worry about the nut slot.
Hope this helps. I got them from JustStrings and the 6 string set was the same as the 5.