Author Topic: Converting my alembic (Read 131 times)

jaytopp01 · « **on:** April 01, 2009, 03:29:36 PM »

okay so, I almost never use my B string and I'm not looking to trade in my bass for a 4 string. My band loves my bass solos and the B string doesn't really help there. I've seen people with 5 string basses that are tuned EADGC, and I think that would be great for me. How would I go about converting my bass? Would I be able to buy a EADGC nut/saddles from Alembic? does anyone have any experience on this topic?

bsee · « **Reply #1 on:** April 01, 2009, 04:05:20 PM »

Well, you can just try to string it lighter to begin with and see how it does. Depending on what strings you have been using and what you convert to, you might be okay. For example, I have been running 120-100-80-60-40 on a fiver and I plan to swap it as you are. I picked up a set that is 105-85-65-50-32. I haven't tried it yet, but I expect it to be close enough.

If that doesn't work well enough for you then, yes, you should be able to get replacement parts from Alembic to convert it. You might have to send some of the old parts to them to be matched up. I would think that removing the adjustable part of the nut and the current bridge or at least saddles would be enough to get replacements cut, but you'll have to check in with Mica to be sure and to get a price.

This has been discussed previously on the boards, but I don't recall the specific details beyond what I have posted. You might try to search the boards to see if you can find any of the older threads.

-bob

hieronymous · « **Reply #2 on:** April 01, 2009, 04:10:27 PM »

I had my Stanley Clarke Signature Standard converted at the mothership - they put on a new nut and cut new saddles. But I am fortunate enough to live near enough that I could drive it over. It actually played ok with the original saddles, though the E string moved around a little too much in the saddle for me. But you could try it and see how you like it.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #3 on:** April 01, 2009, 05:47:15 PM »

When I bought my Europa 5 it was string EADGC and i kept it like that for a while but when I got a gig that required notes on the low B string i re-strung it BEADG and it was fine.

I presume the nut and saddles were originally cut to fit the standard 5 string format but I never found any problems with the bass strung either way and didn't touch the nut or the saddles.

jaytopp01 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 01, 2009, 10:01:58 PM »

I'm currently using 45-125 DR high beams.
They fit well into the saddle and nut, if I try 32-105 gauge strings, won't they rattle if I don't get a new nut/saddles?

bsee · « **Reply #5 on:** April 01, 2009, 10:17:52 PM »

Try it. If the cuts are very U shaped, they might rattle a bit. If the cuts are a little V shaped or kind of snug to begin with, you might get away with it. If your current strings are getting old, just take them off and move them over one spot. If you have a problem, it will probably be the E string in the B slot.

I am going to try restring my old Zon in a day or two and will let you know how it worked.

-bob

jaytopp01 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 01, 2009, 10:21:33 PM »

ok thanks for the help

hieronymous · « **Reply #7 on:** April 01, 2009, 10:33:17 PM »

Yeah, definitely the E string in the B string was the only one I noticed, and it wasn't that bad actually.

Good luck! I bet you will love it!

crgaston · « **Reply #8 on:** April 03, 2009, 08:32:59 PM »

You could always try a layer of paper or foil in the nut slot to tighten it up a bit, too.