Converting 5 to 8

[TheEmptyCell]

I have a Squier Deluxe Precision V (five-string) that has nut width of 2" and string spacing at the bridge of 19mm. I'm considering doing like I've seen done on websites like this...
http://www.comnet.ca/~hfogo/index5.html
AND
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/luth...sion-pics.html
... and converting it to an dual-course 8-string.

I'd dowel the holes in the headstock, redrill for Gotoh-style bass and guitar tuners, fashion a nut, and get a Schaller 471 bridge.

My main concern is that my nut width is too much for an 8 string. I've never played one, so I don't know, but every 8-string I see has a nut width of 1.75". This makes me wonder if maybe the Schaller 471 might be too narrow, leaving my strings all set in very far from the edge of the fingerboard.

Any input TB?

[ctmullins]

Two things:

1. If you purchase the Schaller bridge new, the saddles come uncut. So you have some control over the string spacing at the bridge. Incidentally, Warmoth's price for this bridge is pretty reasonable.

2. You may enjoy having a look at this 12-string conversion.

[Jools4001]

Originally Posted by TheEmptyCell

I have a Squier Deluxe Precision V (five-string)

I have one of those too. I bought it as a cheap spare 5 string, and it's the bass I play most, not because it's a brilliant bass (although it's better than it has any right to be for the money), I don't gig with it much either, it is the bass I use most because it's become my practise bass. The neck is SO huge for a 5 string that playing almost any other 4 or 5 string bass after that is easy peasy.

With such a vast neck I reckon you could just double course every string as it stands and have a 10 string....Hmmmmmm....(stares at bass in corner)

[TheEmptyCell]

Thanks guys. I thought about going for a 10-string, but I'd never be able to find an appropriate bridge.