4 string to 5 string project

[iriegnome]

I have come to the realization that the only way I am going to get what I want is to build it. Now, I am not going to chop the tree start from scratch, but I would love some help with this. I am looking for a 4 string of any kind that I can modify into a 5'er. I am looking to make a 1-3/4" nut to a 2-1/2" heel into a 5 banger. I was looking into Warmoth bodies and necks, but would not be opposed to messing with a MIM fender or even a Epiphone LP kind of thing.
I don't know at all what I am doing, but I do know what I want. Any help??
I am looking for 16mm string spacing (5 string) 44mm at the nut, 64mm at the heel and a 34" scale.

 

[ctmullins]

I discovered recently that the Schaller 2000 five-string bridge is a perfect retrofit to the standard Fender five-hole bridge mount:

It's not the cheapest bridge available, but the quality is excellent, and it's highly adjustable. 16mm spacing is no problem here.

 

[iriegnome]

I am also going to need a 44mm 5 string nut as well.

 

[iriegnome]

Does anyone know if 16.5mm string spacing would work on a Standard Fender P bass to convert to a 5'er

 

[ctmullins]

Ric5 does it all the time.

 

[iriegnome]

I sent him a message

 

[iriegnome]

Ric5 does it all the time.

What was the bottom Cherry Burst P originally?

 

[Ric5]

All 3 of those are frankensteined parts basses.

 

[Ric5]

Some of my frankensteined basses

 

[iriegnome]

Great looking work. Just some beautiful basses... Are you using basses with 1-3/4 nut widths for that.. I really want to try one.

 

[iriegnome]

Made my 4 string purchase. Now have to figure out the bridge. Picked up the string retainer and the tuners. Going with a 3+2 configuration

 

[Ric5]

Great looking work. Just some beautiful basses... Are you using basses with 1-3/4 nut widths for that.. I really want to try one.

1 3/4" 1 5/8" 1 1/2" all can work.

 

[CTForde]

Made my 4 string purchase. Now have to figure out the bridge. Picked up the string retainer and the tuners. Going with a 3+2 configuration

What did you purchase as your starting point?

Ric5, what about pickups? do you find that the 4-string designs are workable even with 5 strings at a different string spacing?

 

[iriegnome]

I picked up a washburn rb 2002. They are great basses. Pretty cheap too. Just have to figure out exactly what bridge to pic up

 

[iriegnome]

 

[iriegnome]

I believe I will be going with a 3+2 tuner config. Just got to find the proper bridge and have a nut made for it.

 

[Ronbeast]

Looks like a cool bass for the project. I bought a beat up p-bass for a 4 to 5 conversion.

 

[iriegnome]

Shout out to Ric5 for being such a fantastic help.. My bass needed 2 tuners, I found Grover brushed chrome ones to match what is all ready there. Picked up the bridge and the nut blank. Total for transformation $33! Gotta love Make Offers on Ebay..

 

[BioWeapon]

Those 4 string pups aren't going to be a problem?
I know 4 string P pups and some jazz pups work with 5ers, but won't your D string go right between magnets?

 

[iriegnome]

From what I understand, they should work. I think that the pole pieces are just extensions that create a magnetic field. I could be wrong though.