5 string neck on a 4 string p-bass?

[slobby]

Am contemplating replacing neck because of truss rod allen nut turned to powder. Does anybody know if any thing major would hinder this? Neck plate screws are 1-1/2" apart and 2" apart vertically. New bridge needed and widening of the mounting slot at the body. Is this commonly done, or am I asking for trouble? Bass sounds and plays well tuned B-E-A-D, but miss the g string.

 

[bassteban]

The stock pickup might not *hear* all the strings very well, due to the wider spacing.

 

[levis76]

I have heard of ppl modifying 4 string necks into really close spaced 5 strings, but your proposing replacing the whole neck. AFAIK, the 5 string neck sits in a wider pocket. The neck pocket would need to be properly routed to fit the wider heel on the neck. That and the bridge needs to be mounted center realative to the neck and you need to replace the pickups which also will need to be routed to fit the larger sizes...So why don't you sell the 4 and buy a 5? If your only goal is to score a 5 string, try and find someone to trade with or sell yours and buy a 5 string. If it's just something you want to try out and your looking for a project, then you absolutely must document and take lots of pictures. I wish you all the best.

 

[slobby]

Thanks for the expertise. More to consider than first thought. Buying another instrument is probably the least destructive option.