5 to 6 string conversion?

[fr35h]

I currently use a Schecter Stiletto Studio 5 strung EADGC, but I always miss the low B... of course if I string it with the B I end up missing the high C. Other than being short a string, however, I'm pretty happy with this bass. Is changing the nut and bridge to add a string viable, or am I better off selling it and buying a real 6er?

 

[Leftybass12]

It won't hurt buying a 6. I actually switched from 4 string to 6 string about a year 1/2 ago. It sort of depends though on how long you've been playing 5 string. If you've been playing it for a while then your hands will get use to the change very quickly. Depending on what 6 string you would buy, the string spacing will a bit smaller than a 5 string. The Ibanez SR506 is the 6 string I have and it's a wonderful bass. The only problem with it though is that it's neck heavy.

 

[mech]

Making a custom nut isn't a big deal but finding an off the shelf bridge that will keep the outside strings on the fret board or making a custom bridge for that purpose will be a big deal.

You also have to add a tuner which may be a big deal.

String spacing is going to be really tight, also. You may want to do some measuring at the nut and bridge to figure out what the string spacing have to will be.

JOOFO.....Buy a 6.

mech

 

[fr35h]

Yeah I suppose it would make the most sense to just buy a 6. It's not the size of the neck that I'm worried about, I already have a fretless 6 but want a fretted one now. If it would have been not too difficult it would have a been fun project, but the whole custom bridge things sounds more expensive than I'd like.

 

[darkstorm]

Might there be bridges with adjustable string spaceing that would work? The idea of a six string on nice five string neck appeals to me a bit for doing multi string chord stuff since would be narrower spaceing. Id think it would be very close to nice guitar string spaceing.

 

[Rockingbird]

Theres already a Studio 6. Why not just buy that?