Can you convert a 4 string bass guitar to a 5 string?

Question:

Can you convert a 4 string bass guitar to a 5 string?

My husband has a 4 string and wants a 5. I don't see why you can't just add a string instead of spending hundreds of more dollars this soon after Christmas.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: YEP

And how do I know? I did it myself. You didn't mention what kind of instrument your husband has, but mine is a Fender Precision Bass clone.

Briefly, you add one tuner on the "bottom" side of the headstock, see ads for Fender Squire basses for exact location. You can buy single Fender style tuners on Ebay.

You replace the nut with a new one, only cut for 5 strings. You better get the 1st and 5th strings as close to the ends as you can, lol.

You buy a special 4 to 5 string conversion bridge from Allparts. Local dealers can get it and I've seen it on Ebay.

And you can buy single wound strings from Musiciansfriend. Either a low B or a high B depending on what you want.

Finally, bear in mind that the finished product will have strings closer together than any store bought bass I've seen, it will take some getting used to, but then again we did that when we first played bass to begin with didn't we? I've been playing mine almost 2 years now and don't know if I could go back to a 4 string now.

GOOD LUCK!