Options for pickups converting 4 string to 5 string using the same cavities?

[JohnArnson]

I ponder on turning my 4 string Ibanez Mikro bass into a 5 string with tight 15,2 mm (0.59") string spacing tuned E-A-D-G-C, so I need something like a 4 string P/J pickup set utilizing blades to cover all the strings.

What are my options and what will get me closest to the EMG Geezer Butler set I have installed now?

Reason I just don't buy a 5 string Mikro is partly that I want the tighter string spacing and more narrow fretboard, partly that I really like the P/J pickups configuration.

 

[Slater]

What are my options and what will get me closest to the EMG Geezer Butler set I have installed now?

I would see how your current pickups perform before buying something new. The five strings won’t line up nicely over the pole pieces, but they will probably sound just fine.

 

[JohnArnson]

I would see how your current pickups perform before buying something new. The five strings won’t line up nicely over the pole pieces, but they will probably sound just fine.

Thank you for your answer.

I did ponder if this could be the case, I mean the poles doesn't even line up as it is now, and it still sounds great.

Now I just wonder if I should really just buy a 5 string Mikro, live with the double J pickups and the wider string space and broader fretboard, since I worry that 5 strings might be get a bit cramped on the first couple of frets with a just 38 mm (1.5") nut and using 105 gauge strings, which I need to get proper tension on the short scale?

Guess this would be a question for a different forum really, and I guess a bit individually too, but like to know if anyone has experience with 5 string basses having such a narrow nut?

 

[Slater]

…like to know if anyone has experience with 5 string basses having such a narrow nut?

@Ric5 might have some insight…

 

[Ric5]

@Ric5 might have some insight…