4 to 5

GODSBASSMAN · #1 07-09-2009, 03:13 PM

Idea
5 string neck on a 4 string body. Crazy?

The modifier · #2 07-09-2009, 03:14 PM

You mean adding 5 strings to a 4 string body/neck ???

GODSBASSMAN · #3 07-09-2009, 03:22 PM

You have the right name for this thread.
Actual thought is to make a Squier TB vintage modified a 5string by swapping in a new neck. I know a new pup and bridge will be needed, but was wondering if routing in the wider neck pocket is advisable.

SpamBot · #4 07-09-2009, 03:24 PM

There are kits on ebay for this.

GODSBASSMAN · #5 07-09-2009, 03:26 PM

How do I look them up? What do they call them? Thanks.

SpamBot · #6 07-09-2009, 03:27 PM

I have no idea, I've just heard it mentioned here a few times that they exist. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

wdinc01 · #7 07-09-2009, 03:29 PM

I think all you'd have to do is just drill another hole from a new tuning peg, change out the bridge, and probably get a new nut as well. It'd be tighter spacing than before, though.

GODSBASSMAN · #8 07-09-2009, 03:44 PM

Can't tolerate tight spacing.
Want to take the 4 string neck off and install a five string Fender/Squier neck. I don't think it will be any trouble but thought i would rather ask advise than mess a good bass.

MagicMan_841 · #9 07-09-2009, 03:54 PM

Why don't you just sell your bass and get a 5er ?

I know that's quite the smart-ass comment, but I don't really see the point in doing what you want to do. Perhaps you can enlighten me?

Taylor Livingston · #10 07-09-2009, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagicMan_841

Why don't you just sell your bass and get a 5er ?

I know that's quite the smart-ass comment, but I don't really see the point in doing what you want to do. Perhaps you can enlighten me?

I agree with this man. Spending this amount of money and time and effort just to wind up with a 5-string Squier is silly. Rondo makes 5-string basses starting at $99. These are at least equal quality to what you'd end up with by hacking a Squier, if not better.

Rickett Customs · #11 07-09-2009, 07:47 PM

I'm in the midst of doing this very task.

Taking an old Ibanez soundgear 4, to a 5. Not just that, using a much wider neck (19mm string spacing @ the bridge, 1.95" @the nut.
Currently building a neck, then I'll route a new pocket for the bigger neck. Filled in the P and J routes and use a MM instead.

Just been having a hard time getting out to the shop as much as I want to though.

[/hiJack]

GODSBASSMAN · #12 07-10-2009, 06:30 AM

Now that's what I'm talking about. Can you keep us posted with the progress?

c_joseph_lier · #13 07-10-2009, 06:30 AM

I had an Ibanez EXB-404 from 1998 that i put a Hip-Shot on the E string. Since i had an extra tuner, i had decided to convert from 4 to 5. I bought a new bridge and had a new nut made for the bass to be strung E-C. the wide string spacing between the 4 strings made this perfect for a conversion. And, with it being a P+J bass, i didn't see that too often on 5's at the time. Also, at one point i know that they sold conversions for Fender (Trademark) that converted there 4's to 5's as well. The string tree ended up being where you new 4th string ball end, and the bridge is where you would tune said string. I think that it was basically called a 4-String conversion kit or something to that effect. Good luck and post pics.

GODSBASSMAN · #14 07-10-2009, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagicMan_841

Why don't you just sell your bass and get a 5er ?

I know that's quite the smart-ass comment, but I don't really see the point in doing what you want to do. Perhaps you can enlighten me?

#1) 5 string is not what I need.
#2) I have other basses
#3) this 5 string is what I want and...
#4) no one sells a Telebass w/humbucker slammed up to the neck in 5 strings
#5) I love to tinker new ideas that I can gig with.
#6) Call me silly if you want but I am having fun. My motto is.... above all enjoy the journey.
Peace always. David

Rickett Customs · #15 07-10-2009, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GODSBASSMAN

Now that's what I'm talking about. Can you keep us posted with the progress?

It's been a slow process but,

New neck build for old Ibanez soundgear

PasdaBeer · #16 07-10-2009, 11:22 AM

Shouldnt be an issue really, Just be carefull routing the new neck pocket.

jordan_frerichs · #17 07-10-2009, 12:46 PM

Would you be up to making a body from scratch?

GODSBASSMAN · #18 07-10-2009, 01:51 PM

The thoughts have crossed my mind a time or two. I don't have much for tools though.

SGD Lutherie · #19 07-12-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GODSBASSMAN

#1) 5 string is not what I need.

Then why make it into a 5 string?

Quote:

#4) no one sells a Telebass w/humbucker slammed up to the neck in 5 strings

If you are putting on a wider neck, won't the pickup be too narrow? (the answer is yes)

It's not a bad idea, since there's really no difference between a 4 and 5 string body, but the hardware needs changing, and that pickup will be too narrow.

I once made an 8-string neck for a P bass body...

GODSBASSMAN · #20 07-13-2009, 05:03 PM

Am going to gather the pieces together and do it.