5 String Ibanez BTB575FM convert to 6-strings?

[PrOwLeR84]

Hello,

I am not sure if i am even posting this in the correct forum, but I wanted to know this:

Is it possible to convert a 5 string bass into a 6 stringer, and what would be the issues that might come up in doing this. I have been interested in doing this for a while, but not sure if it would be cheaper just to get the 6 stringer or try something interesting.

Regards,

PrOwLeR84

[SolidFooting]

It's funny you ask about this. I just did it with almost the exact same bass. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Those mono bridges aren't just screwed into the body. There's a routed cavity beneath them. You can't just scoot them over and fit another one in, but you can route out the entire area if you cover it completely by adding an extra mono bridge.

2. You can't fit an extra mono bridge in that string spacing without modifying the pieces. They won't fit. I ground down the edges of the inside bridges until it all just barely fit.

3. The tuners aren't really positioned correctly for adding one more. You can add one, but you'll have to turn the others in funny directions to make room, and you'll lose the straight string pull. The correct way to solve this problem would be to plug the holes, add veneers to the front and back of the headstock, and redrill. Then install the tuners.

4. You're gonna need a custom nut. The factory one on mine was plastic anyway, so an upgrade to buffalo horn wasn't such a bad idea anyway.

5. The string spacing will be narrow for a typical six string. I wanted that on mine, but most people probably wouldn't.


I can tell you that with two truss rods, the neck has plenty of strength to support the extra tension. There are basically two approaches. My bass was already road worn, and I went the Frankenstein route. My tuners don't even match. That was intentional. After finishing the project, I realized it wouldn't have been much more difficult to do it correctly, but if I did that, I'd probably have to get around to fixing the large chip in the body, all the dings on the headstock, and every other scar it's earned honestly. And that's not the way I'm going with this bass.

If you decide to move forward, feel free to contact me with any questions. I believe my final cost was somewhere in the neighborhood of $50, but it would have been significantly more if I wanted it to look factory. If your bass is in good condition, it will almost certainly decrease in value from such a modification. I hope that all helps you make your decision!

[PrOwLeR84]

Thanks for the reply, didn't expect one for a day at least.

Well, yes the bass is still a little under 2 years old and still looks pretty dang new. I had a tuner break and was replacing it and again the conversion bug hit me lol. Although seriously speaking i know nothing of modifying a bass, although i learn quick.

Just wondering would it be possible to post a pic of what your finished product looked like. I would like to see the outcome. If you don't mind.

1) I didn't know the bridge was recessed.
3) What would you use to plug the holes?
4) I figured that about the nut
5) That is exactly what i want a narrow string spaced 6-string bass. I JUST CAN'T AFFORD THE GVB1006---$6,666.66 is a little steep.

[SolidFooting]

I'll see if I can get some pictures this weekend, though if the bass is in good condition, and if you have the right tools, I'd recommend doing it properly. If you have a picture of your bass, it would help. What sort of tools do you have? At minimum, you'll want access to a drill press. A router would be nice, but you can get by with a forstner bit and a really sharp chisel, if you know what you're doing. You'll also need all the necessary tools for making a nut.

I'm not sure what it will all cost you in the end, but it will certainly be less than $6,000. You'll want to be prepared to keep that bass forever, not be able to play it for a while, and understand that anything could happen, including catastrophic damage. (It's major surgery.) But it would probably be fun too. At least it was for me.

[T. B. Player]

If you really like Ibanez, go for this - Ibanez.com | Basses | SR5006E. About 2K

If that's too much, go for an SR706. Ibanez.com | Basses | SR706. About 900.

Differences of course, but the the SR5006E has a wenge in it to give you the tone you're looking for, and the monorail bridge.

Of course, if you like that honey maple top, then it's Gerald's sig model.

You could also talk to any custom builder out there. Spec it out the way you want and pay about 4K for it.

I had enough trouble trying to find out how to make my six string with 18mm string spacing go to 19mm string spacing. Modding like that just seems to be more trouble than it's worth.

My recommendation - if you'd like to try a sixer, pick up one of the lower line Ibanez SRs for a couple hundred bucks. You'll spend that much in the mod for tuners, a nut, a bridge and a set of 6 strings.

Z

[PrOwLeR84]

Thanks for the info, been looking at the SR706 for a while may consider that.