Hello! I've been thinking about converting my 5 string to eadgc tuning. However, before I do this, I need a few questions answered. Do I need to change the nut? How off will my intonation be? (meaning will it be a hassle re-intonating the bass). Any help/advice is welcomed!!
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
5 string tuning EADGC
- Thread starter Leftybass12
- Start date
The nut should not have to be changed. The intonation will need to be set. The saddles will need to move about 1/8" toward the neck.
mech
mech
Turnaround
Commercial User
You may get away without having to change the nut. Try it. But if you end up with any odd buzzes or rattles you may have to have a new nut cut.
It certainly would be best to have the instrument set up with the new strings. That will look after adjusting the neck to compensate for a change in string tension and will also look after the intonation. Highly recommended.
It certainly would be best to have the instrument set up with the new strings. That will look after adjusting the neck to compensate for a change in string tension and will also look after the intonation. Highly recommended.
I personally would pay some one to do it for me. If the nut needs changed so be it, but intonation, action etc... would probably need adjustment.
Roy Vogt
Supporting Member
- Sep 20, 2000
- 4,433
- 537
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Kiesel Basses, Ampeg Amplification, Hotone Ampero II effects
I changed to a high C tuning on a 5 string Modulus I had some years back. I didn't need to change the nut, but I did have to adjust the intonation. If you're unsure of how to do that, I'd get a good bass tech/repair person to do it.
Can only agree with everyone else here - the nut is probably fine, intonation will change.
A little trick I used when I changed mine was to "copy" the saddle positions and heights one at a time. Since the B saddle (5th string) was now becoming the E, I repositioned it as close as possible to where the existing E saddle (4th string) was, then did the same with the 4th string, 3rd, etc. Of course, the C string was entirely new and had to be adjusted on its own. Due to different (overall and individual) string tension, you may need to adjust the truss rod, which will affect where you put the saddle height - but you should be somewhere in the ballpark.
A little trick I used when I changed mine was to "copy" the saddle positions and heights one at a time. Since the B saddle (5th string) was now becoming the E, I repositioned it as close as possible to where the existing E saddle (4th string) was, then did the same with the 4th string, 3rd, etc. Of course, the C string was entirely new and had to be adjusted on its own. Due to different (overall and individual) string tension, you may need to adjust the truss rod, which will affect where you put the saddle height - but you should be somewhere in the ballpark.
Thank you everyone very much! I know just the person to take this to and have it done also! I dare not mess something like this, as I am not that experienced in instrument repair and such. Also, I forgot to mention, this bass is a fretless bass too.
Mine is too - enjoy, I have a lot of fun working with the fretless doing chord work with the high C string!
Roy Vogt
Supporting Member
- Sep 20, 2000
- 4,433
- 537
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Kiesel Basses, Ampeg Amplification, Hotone Ampero II effects
My Modulus 5 had the Novatone Switchboards, so it was fretless a lot of the time. I added the high C to study and learn some Alain Caron solos off my Uzeb recordings.
Roy Vogt
Supporting Member
- Sep 20, 2000
- 4,433
- 537
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Kiesel Basses, Ampeg Amplification, Hotone Ampero II effects
+1 I saw him with Chick's Ultimate Adventure tour-although he's now playing fretted Jerzy Drozd basses. Amazing player!
Roy Vogt is pretty awesome too. I once took a lesson with him and watched him open for Percy Jones. Both great players! 
Roy Vogt
Supporting Member
- Sep 20, 2000
- 4,433
- 537
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Kiesel Basses, Ampeg Amplification, Hotone Ampero II effects
Roy Vogt is pretty awesome too. I once took a lesson with him and watched him open for Percy Jones. Both great players!
Aw Shucks, Seth! Thanks, I'll see you on Sunday at Chris' Memorial Celebration.
Roy Vogt
Supporting Member
- Sep 20, 2000
- 4,433
- 537
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Kiesel Basses, Ampeg Amplification, Hotone Ampero II effects
It's good to have a gig, Buddy! Be saying prayers and thinking good thoughts for Chris, Lisa and the kids about 7 pm. PM me when you get back in town.
OK, back to topic. Thanks to people like Matt Garrison, Victor Wooten and Evan Marien I see a whole new generation of players coming up with E-C tuning, Willis ramps and insane RH techniques. Sometimes I feel like Joe Osborne looking at all the Slap Pyrotechnicians of the 70s and 80s when I look at this stuff. Pretty cool, though!
OK, back to topic. Thanks to people like Matt Garrison, Victor Wooten and Evan Marien I see a whole new generation of players coming up with E-C tuning, Willis ramps and insane RH techniques. Sometimes I feel like Joe Osborne looking at all the Slap Pyrotechnicians of the 70s and 80s when I look at this stuff. Pretty cool, though!
as long as the bass produces a good angle between the fingerboard and the strings going to the tuners you shouldnt have to replace the nut..
worst case, its nothing a tiny piece of paper cant fix...
No matter what though you will need to change intonation...
And don't plan on buying 6 string sets to throw away the B string which makes up 1/3 of the cost of the set on its own...
worst case, its nothing a tiny piece of paper cant fix...
No matter what though you will need to change intonation...
And don't plan on buying 6 string sets to throw away the B string which makes up 1/3 of the cost of the set on its own...
