converting 4 string to 12 string bass

[robulus1973]

I've got a crazy idea of building a 12 string bass out of a 4 string bass. (Tell me if I'm kidding myself!) I want to find a used/inexpensive (not cheap) 4 string bass with a large enough headstock to put 8 more holes in for guitar tuners to add a 5th and an octave string to each of the original 4 strings. So instead of having a traditional 4 string with octaves, I have a powerchord four string. I'm planning on using the bass D string as my bottom string, putting the instrument in the range of a guitar, but may use the bass A string on the bottom.

The main hindrance seems to be the intonation hardware. A secondary concern is the extra tension on the neck with the addition of 8 strings. And a third concern is the strength of the headstock. I think I can reinforce the headstock with a custom metal plate for strength if too much wood is removed. But, how to solve the intonation independence problem. I wonder if Hamer would sell me a bridge?

Anyway, have I totally lost my mind? I'm thinking I can make some interesting music with a powerchord instrument which I can use all 4 fingers on my left hand for my walking lines...

 

[ffutterman]

I would think you'd need a wider neck. It might just be easier (though less fun) to get a 12-string and just restring/retune 4 of the strings to 5ths.

Basically, you're gonna need a bigger boat.

 

[robulus1973]

Yep, I was even thinking of a 5 string neck, or a 4 string wide neck... does anyone know the width of a 12 string bass neck?

Ya, I'd love to sink $2400 into a Hamer 12 or find a used one. (I don't think I can pass that one by the committee...) That's preferable. It's more fun to play than to build... LOL

I would think you'd need a wider neck. It might just be easier (though less fun) to get a 12-string and just restring/retune 4 of the strings to 5ths.

Basically, you're gonna need a bigger boat.

 

[Rocky McD]

To me, it sounds like a project that will be a tremendous amount of work. Also, I think you will be very unhappy with the finished project. IHO.

 

[smcd]

Not possible. Move on to another idea.



*Hamer 12's can be had for a lot less than $2,400.

 

[robulus1973]

FINALLY!!! A forum with traffic!!!

Thanks gents for the feedback. I'd certainly like to find a used 12 string bass. That'd solve all the design problems. Anyone want to part with their 12 string for $700? I'll keep my eye out on CraigsList I suppose...

Cheers...

Rob

 

[curbowkid]

It would be very time consuming. You would have too A) fill the tuner peg holes with plugs and then lay a veneer over it to make it look good. B) pop the fretboard and install stabilizer rods to strengthen it up. C) find or build your own bridge.

It's not IMPOSSIBLE, it's just really hard

 

[ffutterman]

I just got a Dean Rhapsody here on TB for a good price. I haven't tried a Hamer, but I've been crazy about the Dean since I got it and would highly recommend one.

Edit: I'll try to remember to measure the neck when I get home today.

 

[12stringbassist]

A new non-USA Hamer Chapparal can be found for around £500 in the UK.
A USA Hamer is fairly expensive (but well worth the cost).

My Chapparal:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

My USA Hamer:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Converting a 4 to a 12 will just result in severely banana'd bass necks unless you invest seriously. I'd just save for a 12.

 

[spade2you]

Hipshot makes a bridge that can intonate. If you're wanting to tune to 5ths, might consider 30" scale so you can have the 5th to the octave D.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

Go to The 12-String Bass Website and click on the basses section. And from there scroll down the the conversions section and there are some 4 and a 5 that was converted to 12.

 

[guroove]

If you have to have the 5th in there, I'd do it like this:

Low octave
high octave
5th above high octave

Otherwise, the 5th on the low notes is going to get very muddy sounding.

 

[FrankenIbanez70]

Go to The 12-String Bass Website and click on the basses section. And from there scroll down the the conversions section and there are some 4 and a 5 that was converted to 12.

That Ibanez T-bird conversion is RIDICULOUSLY cool.

 

[Corey Y]

You will not find a commercial bridge that can intonate 12 strings with sufficiently tight string spacing. I'm in the middle of modding a 4 string with a similar octave course tuning, just 6 strings instead of 12 though, and I had to build my own bridge. All that is besides the other concerns you presented.

 

[ffutterman]

Go to The 12-String Bass Website and click on the basses section. And from there scroll down the the conversions section and there are some 4 and a 5 that was converted to 12.

Putting the extra tuners behind the bridge is an interesting approach to the problem:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[fcoda]

Waterstone also makes a 12 stringer, it's a hollowbody bass. Not sure what they go for new but I've seen them on the bay go for 650 or so.

 

[Rob Martinez]

I play Waterstone TP 12 string basses, they are fun to play and sound great. There were a few different series before they arrived at the present version, which is a 32" scale bass with a thinner body, 1.5" if I remember. Earlier models were 2" thick, and had a 34" scale. They are semi hollow and look vintage.

 

[iamthebassman]

Bass Emporium did have one of my old Hamers for sale, may still be there. I kept the really nice one.
I would think a lack of dual truss rods would be a problem for converting a bass.

 

[smcd]

The 12-String Bass Website

Good Lord....comedy gold! All unplayable atrocities! And that Ibanez is an 11-string.


*Edit - it appears thet same url appears on every page of that site. I am speaking of the "conversions".

 

[JAUQO III-X]

Good Lord....comedy gold! All unplayable atrocities! And that Ibanez is an 11-string.

What are you talking about?