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G&L L2000 conversion from 4 to 5 string, thoughts? Crazy?

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner' started by grouse789, Dec 29, 2014.

  1. Dec 29, 2014 #1
    grouse789

    grouse789 Supporting Member

    Jun 13, 2004
    Westchester NY
    Ok, I have already looked this up, and have seen it as doable, but no sound clips, and figured, could be a fun project, or puzzle.
    I have an 87-88 G&L L2000 in clear blue, ash, P size neck with rosewood fretboard.
    The bass sounds great, awesome even. However I want to move up to a 5 string. I have been unsuccessful in selling on craigs. To me its crazy to sell an American bass for 500 only to buy a Korean 5 string for the same price.
    So I notice that 5 string jazz basses have nut widths of 1 3/4 - 1 7/8".
    And that the heel comes in at about 2.9" (74mm)
    The G&L 4 string is 1 3/4" at the nut and 2.5" at the heel.
    String spacing on my 4 string jazz bass at the nut is approximately 6/16".
    If I converted my G&L (craft new nut, and change bridge, keep pickups) The spacing would be very close to that of the 4 string jazz.
    Ok any thoughts on this? Does the string spacing sound correct? Am I out of my ever loving mind?
    Thanks guys!
     
  2. Dec 29, 2014 #2
    reverendrally

    reverendrally

    Jun 7, 2008
    Sydney Australia
    Look, it's your bass but I wouldn't mess with an 80s g&l. Just start saving for a 5 string. In the meantime you could install a dtuner.
     
  3. Dec 29, 2014 #3
    ctmullins

    ctmullins Dominated Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2008
    MS Gulf Coast
    I'm highly opinionated and extremely self-assured
    Resale value aside, it's totally doable, provided you don't mind tight string spacing. TB'er Ric5 has done this to countless Rickenbackers as well as countless Fenders.
     
  4. Dec 29, 2014 #4
    grouse789

    grouse789 Supporting Member

    Jun 13, 2004
    Westchester NY
    I think I need to get in touch with ric5. Thanks fellas
     
  5. Dec 29, 2014 #5
    dedpool1052

    dedpool1052

    Jan 10, 2011
    Seattle, WA
    One thing that I've noticed on a lot of the 4-2-5 conversions is the B & G strings tend to be pretty close to the edge of the fretboard. This may not make a difference to a lot of people, but there are players who can be pretty heavy-handed, making it easy to unintentionally push the string off the edge of the neck. It might end up requiring some finesse playing, it might not. I all depends on the player and the end result once it's done.
     
  6. Dec 31, 2014 #6
    Gilmourisgod

    Gilmourisgod

    Jun 23, 2014
    Cape Cod MA
    Keep the G&L as is and buy a 5 string. I think you will just end up with a hybrid that doesnt do anything as well as two separate instruments. You would need a new bridge, pickups, nut, not cheap.
     
  7. Dec 31, 2014 #7
    gsnad2000

    gsnad2000 Commercial User

    Aug 6, 2011
    Boston
    Owner of Wrong Way Customs
    I would try to find a 5 string bridge that mounts using the same holes as the existing bridge. Don't know if that's possible, but that way if it doesn't turn out like you want, or you ever need to sell you can just put back original bridge and nut and no harm done.
     
  8. Dec 31, 2014 #8
    ctmullins

    ctmullins Dominated Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2008
    MS Gulf Coast
    I'm highly opinionated and extremely self-assured
    An excellent suggestion, and one I have experience with. I've done this with the Schaller 2000, the Hipshot A, and the Fender Mexi fiver (the one with three holes in back and two in front).
     
  9. Dec 31, 2014 #9
    dedpool1052

    dedpool1052

    Jan 10, 2011
    Seattle, WA
    This is true to an extent, but then there would be the extra hole in the headstock for the fifth tuner.
     
  10. Dec 31, 2014 #10
    gsnad2000

    gsnad2000 Commercial User

    Aug 6, 2011
    Boston
    Owner of Wrong Way Customs
    Doh! The flaw in my otherwise brilliant plan.
    Thanks, don't know how I missed that!