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Thunder bass 5 string conversion

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BASS - Thunder bass 5 string conversion Empty Thunder bass 5 string conversion

Post by Clive Shakedown Mon Feb 16, 2015 5:53 pm

Hello good people.
Probably going to go down in flames for this but here goes!
I have a number of thunder basses of all denominations, the neck of one was used (by its previous owner) to "mix cement"!
Anyway, I resurrected this one the best I could and now have a yearning for a 5 string thunder.
Apart from the obvious spacing issues, would a thunder neck (bolt on) be strong enough for a low B?
And is there anything else I would need to consider?
Thanks for any advice.
Clive Shakedown
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Post by Barry Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:00 pm

I don't think the B string would pose much of an obstacle. It's under very low tension eh?
As you stated I think the issue would be the fretboard width.

Consider using the lightest gauge strings you can find, or make up a set of your own, to have a fighting chance for your fingers.  Neutral

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Post by Clive Shakedown Wed Feb 18, 2015 1:09 pm

Thanks Barry, all good points, am sort of stuck at the first hurdle in that I cant go any wider (with a bridge) than about  60mm, so 15mm string spacing.

I don't want to spend a lot on a Kahler or similar as this is just an off the cuff experiment.

hard to find a sensibly priced bass bridge with those specs, may have to wangle a guitar bridge if I cant find one.
Clive Shakedown
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Post by Westbone Wed Feb 18, 2015 3:24 pm

You are limited by the neck width of course. Not just the nut end!

Alternative....? Could always shape the headstock to resemble a Westone.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Half-Paddle-Maple-Rose-22-Fret-Block-Inlay-5-string-Bass-Guitar-Neck-NK23-/141447256527?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20eee9d9cf
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Post by Clive Shakedown Wed Feb 18, 2015 6:08 pm

Thanks Westbone, it may come to that, am currently looking at a Schaller bass bridge that looks like it could be ok with a bit of grinding and filing.
Clive Shakedown
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Post by Barry Wed Feb 18, 2015 6:54 pm

You could end up with a funky kinda baritone guitar! BASS - Thunder bass 5 string conversion Toothless_smile

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"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
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