In Praise of Ric5

[Ric5]

Jeff,that is one of the most gorgeous Cii's I've ever seen,and your conversion retains the original look beautifully. (I hate it when i see the A string tuner stuck way up in the "north" crest of the headstock!) is this the first conversion you've done using the 500k volume pots? I think it makes a tremendous sonic improvement,myself. (Have it on both my Laredo and my Cii). This bass looks like a keeper!

I usually go with 500k ohm pots for the Ric humbuckers. If it sounds too dark then I go 1000k ohms and if it is too bright then I go 330 or 250k ohms.

The older ones come with 250k ohm pots and the newer ones come with 330k ohm pots.

 

[AtomicPunk]

To think that a casual conversation about how the 4003s5 was just a 4003 with 5 strings would start him on this quest...good on ya, Jeff!

 

[RED J]

My 5 string Precision built on a Warmoth slim taper 4 string neck.

This is nice ! I did a P conversion though I haven't had one for a while. I noticed the new Carvin PB pickup is available as an aftermarket part and is advertised for being suitable for 5-6 string basses in standard P rout, no pole piece issues. Anyone noticed or tried this ? Seems it would be a dream come true for conversions.

 

[Max Blasto]

Righteous!

That is exactly what I would buy if I were in the market for another Rickenbacker.

Nice job, Jeff.

My latest conversion ... A 2001 4004cii trans red.

I added a 5th tuner, put in a new nut, I oil finished the fretboard, wired it VVT with 500k ohm pots, put on a 5 string bridge, and I modified the bridge pickup to accommodate a wider string spacing.

It plays great and looks great.

 

[Ric5]

That red bass is becoming my favorite bass.

 

[Ric5]

Those look awesome! Do you think it's possible to convert an Epiphone T-bird IV into a 5-er? They're kind of hard to find here, and a converted 4 would be easier since the 4-stringers are much easier to find used.

Here's a bass you might like. I took a Jag body and put the Epiphone t-bird pickups in and put on a mighty mite p-bass neck and made it a 5 string bass. It has a t-bird tone, 5 strings and no neck dive. It also out p-basses a p-bass for mid growl.

 

[Thundar]

Ric5 that Jag is awesome...what bridge did you use?

 

[Ric5]

That is an inexpensive bridge that is available on ebay in 4, 5, and 6 string versions. It has a nice look, and it has good low B response and the string spacing is comfortable to play.

 

[awilkie84]

That is an inexpensive bridge that is available on ebay in 4, 5, and 6 string versions. It has a nice look, and it has good low B response and the string spacing is comfortable to play.

It reminds me of the bridge on the Yamaha RBX 375. I wasn't a fan of it. Couldn't intonate the low B properly.

 

[Spiffmeister]

Hiya!

I've got an Epiphone Thunderbird Silverburst that I'm wanting to convert to a 5-string. I'll let my luthier handle it, however, he's having a hard time finding a bridge that's narrow enough, so I'm looking out for one.

The bridge that's on now is 51mm wide, so it should, preferably, not be (much) wider than that. I'm willing to buy used or new, I'm just having trouble finding one.

Any ideas?

 

[HeavyRockBasser]

Kahler 2440-N5. Narrowest bridge I've ever seen for 5 string, and a nice range of side to side adjustment.

I thought it was kinda ugly, at first, but it's growing on me.

 

[Spiffmeister]

Ugly? I like it The chrome and black should go fine with the silver and black on the silverburst bass.

Any other ideas? Cheaper ones are also welcome i'm willing to spend the cash, but I want to have some more ideas first.

 

[HeavyRockBasser]

I think Jeff uses Schaller on some of his conversions, too. But they're not nearly as narrow as the Kahler.

 

[Spiffmeister]

Hm, Kahler also has the 7450 5 String Bass Hybrid Bridge, which is cheaper. However, when I want to open the technical specs, it just opens the specs for the 2440-N5 again. Guess I'll have to contact them for the specs.

I'm checking out Schaller now as well.

 

[awilkie84]

Hiya!

I've got an Epiphone Thunderbird Silverburst that I'm wanting to convert to a 5-string. I'll let my luthier handle it, however, he's having a hard time finding a bridge that's narrow enough, so I'm looking out for one.

The bridge that's on now is 51mm wide, so it should, preferably, not be (much) wider than that. I'm willing to buy used or new, I'm just having trouble finding one.

Any ideas?

Kahler 2440-N5. Narrowest bridge I've ever seen for 5 string, and a nice range of side to side adjustment.

I thought it was kinda ugly, at first, but it's growing on me.

My concern with this is that the Kahler won't go high enough. The stock 3 point bridge sits pretty high up.

I'm considering doing this kind of mod to my EB-3L, as it has a 1.65" nut that would be perfect for converting to a 5-er...just need to make sure I get clearance over the bridge pickup.

 

[Spiffmeister]

Yeah, I had the same concern. My luthier proposed to make an aluminium block to put under the brudge so the sring height would be more or less the same as before.

 

[nukes_da_bass]

Ric5 is a hero, has the best homegrown bass porn going!
Ive asked him questions in the past and he tirelessly answers every one (and everyone) with good cheer.
Its a good thing he doesnt sell his creations often cause I'd have a lot of 'splainin to do to Nukes_Da_Wife LMAO!

 

[Ric5]

I do sell basses from time to time when I get too many or I need some cash. But since each bass is a one off with a lot of labor in it I find selling my basses is not a profit making enterprise.

 

[Ric5]

Ric5 that Jag is awesome...what bridge did you use?

Here's another bass where I used that bridge. I tried 4 or 5 different bridges and this one here was the best for the low B.

 

[Spectrum]

Is that a Thunderbacker?