Warwick backward conversion?

[onelilvictory]

Hello all. I have a Warwick Corvette 5-string bass. I love the sound of this bass, but I don't like the 5th string. Is it possible to convert it to a 4 string without too much pain or cost? Thanks!

 

[Keith Guitars]

Hi,

Without sounding too obvious - take off the 5th string!

I know, it had to be said.

Now the 'real' answer - if you do this, then take off all the parts
associated with that 5th string that could get loose and fall off.
These would include:
-Tuning machine
-Bridge saddle with adjustment screws

Put these in a little ziploc bag, tape it shut, and put it in a safe place. Back in my garage band days, I saw a lot of basses that lived for too long with a missing string, and eventually lost their parts - which sort of semi-permanently converted them into 3-strings.

Best of luck,
Martin

 

[onelilvictory]

Thanks Martin! I assumed that I could do that, but wasn't sure if it would negatively affect the bass. Out of curiousity are there other methods that I could do too?

 

[DizzyExiled]

Trade it to someone with a 4 string 'vette?

 

[onelilvictory]

Dizzy, I would do just that if I knew someone that had one and wanted to part with it. Great idea though!

 

[TheBasicBassist]

Trade it to someone with a 4 string 'vette?

+1

 

[Headless Llama]

Where do you live? If you are close I might swap mine for it.

Link Removed

 

[TheBasicBassist]

You can put me on a possible swappers list as well if your close by.
I don't know how to upload pictures but mine is an ash body, passive
and red in color.

 

[ctmullins]

You might also consider stringing it E-A-D-G-C. This is how my fiver is strung (with a Hipshot D-Tuner on the E), and it plays just like a regular four, with an extra high string for occasional chords.

 

[onelilvictory]

I am in Indiana

 

[Headless Llama]

You might also consider stringing it E-A-D-G-C. This is how my fiver is strung (with a Hipshot D-Tuner on the E), and it plays just like a regular four, with an extra high string for occasional chords.

This is a really good idea. I have thought about doing this.

Indiana is a bit far to go for a trade. It is an interesting possibility though.

 

[Headless Llama]

Do you have any pictures of the bass in question?

 

[onelilvictory]

No but i could email you some later when I get home if you like. It is in immaculate condition, never gigged out, similar finish as yours.

 

[Headless Llama]

ok, that would be fine. PM sent.

 

[onelilvictory]

You might also consider stringing it E-A-D-G-C. This is how my fiver is strung (with a Hipshot D-Tuner on the E), and it plays just like a regular four, with an extra high string for occasional chords.

in order to do this, would you need to change string sizes? Do you really need the Hipshot D tuner? Just curious.....

 

[Headless Llama]

The D tuner would be optional, and tuning to E A D G C with a 5 string set would be a matter of preference.

 

[~ignited~wings~]

in order to do this, would you need to change string sizes? Do you really need the Hipshot D tuner? Just curious.....

You do not the need the hipshot tuner. But this will involve using different string gauges. Either buy a 6 string set and use the top 5, or buy a 4 set and an individual 6th (or all individual). I'm not sure how well the warwick adjustable nut would work for this, but it should be fine.

I string my Ibanez SR905 E-A-D-G-C and find it much more convenient to have the low E at the edge of the fingerboard like a 4.

 

[ctmullins]

Exactly. I bought a 6-string set, and tucked the low B string away in case I ever wanted to cross to the dark side...

The Hipshot is certainly not necessary. I just like them on 4-stringers, because the low D comes in handy rather frequently.