5 string Jazz body / 4 string jazz body.

[robert43]

Hi all Iam thinking of making a 5 string jazz bass other than the neck pocket pickups routs is the 5 string body the same size as a 4 string.
The reasonb why I ask is because I have a 4 string body.
Thanks

[robert43]

70 views no answers ? help

[pilotjones]

Well, I guess none of the 70 viewers knew the definitive answer. Better to have no information than wrong information or guesses.

I'd take a trip to a music store with a ruler, and probably be sure to compare MIA vs. MIA or MIM vs. MIM, etc. Hopefully there's a store near you where you can do that.

[robert43]

I would but my shop has zero next nearest shop is 2 hours away

[joeyl]

I have seen several basses where the owner converted to 5 strings by routing a bigger neck pocket for the 5 string neck, and changed the bridge out. I don't think 5 string bodies are much bigger than 4 string ones

[robert43]

Thanks for that

[Marcus Willett]

Originally Posted by joeyl

I have seen several basses where the owner converted to 5 strings by routing a bigger neck pocket for the 5 string neck, and changed the bridge out. I don't think 5 string bodies are much bigger than 4 string ones

I have done this 3 times, all Fender 4 string bodies (in my case Jazz Bass Plus bodies; the slightly undersized version of the Jazz). Worked just fine, however I also use narrow 5 string necks. Only about .150" wider at the heel. Net result is there is about half that (.075") hanging over on the treble side. I have had that tapered in and it matches up just fine.

[daveman50]

I believe they are the same size. (Except as the prior poster notes, the area where the neck heel is mated to the body will be a little too narrow when you put the 5-str neck on the 4-str body.)