5 string modding (help)

[Jordan_Frerichs]

hey. i want i nice 5 string, but i hate the sound of a low B string. I am thinking about getting a Tony Levin Signature ( http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/OLP-Tony-Levin-Signature-5String-Bass?sku=516078 ), because of the thin 5 neck. what i want to do is modify it, so that the string order goes E,A,D,G, next highest string after G; instead of standard Low-B,E,A,D,G. will i have to do anything to the headstock, nut, bridge, exetra? or is it as simple as a change of strings?

[mnemonic II]

nah just change the strings, either get a 6 string set and toss the low B, or since bass strings are expensive, get a regular 4 string set, and pop a string on there for the high C.

i can't tell you any guages or anything, i woudn't know what to use, but look at some 6 string bass string sets and see what they use.

also, you'll have to re-intonate it, and probably reset the action, but all that stuff is minor and will probably take a half hour at most.

[Jordan_Frerichs]

thanx. could i get a little bit of details on what exactly to do? my main worries were the tension buttons (whatever they are called) on the headstock) and if i would have to raise/lower, move/remove them; and if i need a new nut.

[purple_hazer]

im pretty sure it will all work out pretty peachy keen

[Jordan_Frerichs]

so it sounds like a change of strings is all i need. i think i will go with the 6 string packs, and just store away the low-Bs incase i want something else, plus, i don't have to worry about getting the wrong C string how often do people do something like this? A friend told me that 5 string pickups have to be strong to pick up the low b, and that if i did the hi c, it would sound wierd. is he right?

[nopicks4me]

no, it wont matter, the pickups dont necessarily need to be strong for the low B. i guarantee you wont notice a difference. Its the same as a 4 string going tenor. you can take off the low b string and slap the C on. dont worry about the tension and intonation too much, you wont screw up you guitar and just get it playing nicely whenever.

[bass&cookies]

I've done it on my 5er (Stingray 5) and it worked out great. Just a little intonation and action tweak and i was set. It was great fun to play with, but I eventually switched back to the B because it was more practical for me.
Never encountered any tension problems

[Jordan_Frerichs]

what is intonation, and how is it adjusted

[bass&cookies]

I have a hard time explaining it, it has to do with string length. When properly intonated, all notes on the fretboard should be in tune. Usually it is adjusted by a screw at the end of the bridge that moves the saddle frontwards or backwards

[Jordan_Frerichs]

oh, i already do that. lol, so like no buzzes and whatnot. got it

[hazletbassist89]

Not only just like no buzzes and stuff, try making sure the higher frets are in tune.

For example, tune your open G string perfect, then play the 12th fret and make sure that that is perfectly in tune too. If it is, you're intonated.

[EADGC]

I've been using this tuning for over a year now

You may have to get a new nut. I didn't find it a problem personally.

you will need new strings. I recommend 4 string packs and individual C's over 6 string packs just because it's cheaper and 4 string packs are a lot easier to find than 6.

after you make the change, check your bass every few hours to see if the neck/string height have changed. Let the neck settle (adjust to change in tension) for about a day or so then give it a new setup. Take it to a pro or learn how to do it here:
http://www.garywillis.com/pages/bass/bassmanual/setupmanual.html