Converting a 5 string into a 6 string...

Sundogue · #1 12-08-2011, 06:23 PM

Tried doing a search but nothing came up...

I'm just toying with the idea of taking my 5 string Yamaha (BB415) and replacing the bridge, the nut and adding another tuning peg and string tree to turn it into a 6 string.

I realize the string spacing would be tight, but honestly I love tight string spacing. One of the obstacles I'm finding is a bridge that is as narrow as the 5 string one. The slimmest I've found is 3-5/32" which is about 3/16" wider than my current 5 string bridge and I'm concerned about the low B and high C string (of the new 6 string configuration) ending up to far out to the edge of the neck.

I can cut a new nut from a blank, so I'm not worried about that part.

I'm not set on doing it...just toying with the idea. Can't afford even a low end 6 string, but I'm playing music with more effects and more chordal work and would love to have a 6 string (need to keep the low B).

Of course if I could find a 6 string in trade for the Yamaha, I'd jump on it, so I'm just exploring ideas.

Another option is a Hipshot Drop D tuner and stringing my bass up EADGC, but I'm not sure how much is involved in re-learning some of the stuff I'm doing with the drop tuning.

Any suggestions, ideas, opinions, etc.?

reverendrally · #2 12-08-2011, 07:42 PM

High C and a hipshot. 6 string is a completely different instrument. Try the high C and then save up for a 6 string at the same time. Cheaper and you end up with 2 usable bases that worth something down the track. Mod what you have and you end up with a weird, bad, worthless compromise.

Stealth · #3 12-09-2011, 12:52 AM

Check out this pictorial - that was the first of its kind on TB and the guy did an amazing job on his.

That said, reverendrally does have a point about saving up for a proper six, not because it's a completely different instrument (doesn't feel so to me, anyway) or because it'll necessarily end in a bad compromise (as the above thread show) but because you'll have a five and a six at the end, and that can't be bad.

Omnipharious · #4 12-09-2011, 12:53 AM

The spacing would be really weird. Because of how bloody thick the top three strings are, the spacing would be more like a regular guitar. You could only really play in that finger picking style, or with a pick.

With replacing the bridge, and adding a tuner, you could potentially screw up the bass, and not like it at all, and have to part it out, or sell it for pennies on the dollar. Ibanez sells a nice enough 6'er for only $300. It's not the cheapest, but you could probably find a used one somewhere for a good price if you tried.

Sundogue · #5 12-09-2011, 07:28 AM

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, I'm not going to hack up my bass. I'm going to try tuning it to EADGC with a basic 6 string set minus the low B and just downtune to D on the E as the need arises.

I owned a 6 string in the past and loved it but at the time I was playing more classic rock and didn't have the need so I went with a fiver. I am well aware of how 6 strings play, feel etc.

Now I'm playing some very progressive blues/jazz/rock in a three piece and find myself using effects more and far more chordal work and really am wanting to utilize the high C more.

Actually I'd prefer a 7 string.

ctmullins · #6 12-09-2011, 09:56 AM

I've done the 5-string strung high with a Hipshot. I like it a lot.

Also, check out Hipshot's new "Double Stop Lever".

vibhas_2310 · #7 12-09-2011, 10:02 AM

OK, maybe a bit off topic. But I know that John Myung of Dream Theater recently had his 6 string bongo made actually to the exact dimensions of a 5 string bongo. Meaning that his 6 string neck is of the same size as a standard 5 string nck. Also, Gerald Weasley's 6 string Ibanez has 14mm, YES 14mm string spacing. That to me sounds like a normal 5 string bass neck with 6 strings on it.

So, it can be done. Good luck.

Sundogue · #8 12-09-2011, 11:22 AM

The narrowest 6 string bridge I can find is 3-1/8" which would push the outside strings right to the edge of the neck, so there is no way to convert the 5 string to 6 even if I wanted to.

I might just get a 40-100 set of Sunbeams and a .30 high C, which combined is only $35 including shipping and just tune it up EADGC. Ideally I'd like a low B but unless I went to a 6 string it ain't going to happen. I do hit a low B, C on some of the music we do and I'm still on the fence about playing those low notes up higher.

And for as much as I could downtune to D, it still messes with my head position-wise. Hmmm. I mean 30+ years of always knowing where those low notes are and then having them moved on me throws me off occasionally. LOL.

ctmullins · #9 12-09-2011, 02:48 PM

Kahler 7460.

Pluses - infinitely variable string spacing, ability to do very narrow (and very wide) spacing.

Minuses - definitely not a direct replacement, might have to route a recess for proper saddle height.

I have the five-string version on my recent five-string fretless build.

reverendrally · #10 12-09-2011, 02:49 PM

just think of the dropped D as an extra D string. I played the whole of JC Superstar in Dropped D once. You get used to it a lot faster than you think.

Sundogue · #11 12-09-2011, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctmullins

Kahler 7460.

Pluses - infinitely variable string spacing, ability to do very narrow (and very wide) spacing.

Minuses - definitely not a direct replacement, might have to route a recess for proper saddle height.

I have the five-string version on my recent five-string fretless build.

Interesting. That would make 15mm string spacing come out to a tad under 3" overall which would work. That's kind of tight, but not troublesome as I don't slap, and prefer tighter string spacing. I have no problem playing six string guitar except for playing those wimpy, easily bendable strings. LOL. I've always wished guitar could handle heavier gauge strings like bass.

Hmmm.

eightyearsapril · #12 12-10-2011, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundogue

Yes, I'm not going to hack up my bass. I'm going to try tuning it to EADGC with a basic 6 string set minus the low B and just downtune to D on the E as the need arises.

I did hack up my neck, but that was to defret half of it (there's another thread about that project). Anyway, I wanted the EADGC tuning, as well, but kind of missed the low B string's notes (between B and D#, I mean), so what I did was detune the E string down to C#, and while the string is a little floppy, it's definitely playable and gives me that low C# I liked from the B string.

This was on a 34" Squire neck, too.

Paul K · #13 12-10-2011, 08:33 AM

I've converted two four stringers to five. Pics here are for the second one only. The strings can get a whole hell of a lot closer to the edge of the fingerboard than you'd think without the string flopping off the edge of the neck. Really; you can use more of the fretboard than you think. This one I did because I had some parts in the parts bin and the stripped bass came up cheap on eBay (Cheap because the side dots came in the wrong places...Doh!)

New Bass pictures by ptkbass - Photobucket

The other one I did is a Bass Collection fretless four string, now a five. On it I used guitar tuners instead of bass tuners for the G and C strings to save weight. The Schaeller roller bridge got me plenty of room on the narrow side on both basses. I'd bet it'd work in the six string model as well. Or maybe see if six of those single string bridges would do the trick?

I can even slap a little on it if I need to. IMHO, the tighter spacing is way better for fingerstyle; quicker, smoother, easier.

Omnipharious · #14 12-10-2011, 01:42 PM

I want to try converting my four string fretless to a five (since I have to change the bridge soon anyway), but my fingers are a little on the daft side, and when my G string is in a usual position on a bass, my hand likes to pull down, and slip off the bottom. That's why I've had to make a new, closer nut for all three of my basses.

Sundogue · #15 12-10-2011, 01:54 PM

I just ordered a 4 string set of Sunbeams (.40-100) and a high C (.30), so I'll string my 5 string up EADGC and play with that for a while. Cheaper route than buying a 6 string set.

If I find I still really need the low B, I'll figure out some way to mod mine into a 6 string, or save up for a 6 stringer (or trade off for one).

Still, if anyone has any suggestions or ideas on converting feel free to chime in.

Stealth · #16 12-10-2011, 02:13 PM

Paging Ric5...

**Ric5** · #17 12-10-2011, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stealth

Paging Ric5...

Here I am ...

I have been doing 4-2-5 basses for years ... I have been thinking about 5 to 6 for years ... I have not done one yet ...

4 to 5 bass conversion

Sundogue · #18 12-10-2011, 03:41 PM

I remember seeing your threads on those. Awesome job by the way...and damned! Those are some nice Rics! One of the few basses I regret selling was a Ric. Have to get me another one day.

madbassplaya · #19 12-10-2011, 04:03 PM

I personally like E-C with a drop tuner.

madbassplaya · #20 12-10-2011, 04:05 PM

Also, if you go here to the website below you will find that you can get your Sunbeams with the added C at a much nicer price. IME.

Welcome to Bass Strings Online - Your Custom Bass String Shop...