Rick, that's a good observation on the Schaller 496, I've used them twice in my conversions with good results(below). It does put the strings close to a 2 1/2" spread, just slightly under. Before I used one on my conversions I did an experiment where I took the existing four string bridge and adjusted the outer strings to be in the same locations as their five string counterparts. I did not have any volume problems so I decided to proceed. The string spread is actually more than 2 7/16" but less than 2 1/2". I was not aware of any pickup spread limitations at the time, I figured that if the strings were still located at a playable location on the outer edges of the fretboard that the pickups should cover it. Maybe one of the reasons I don't have any problems with that spread is I keep my pickups adjusted as close as possible to the strings, I feel like this enhances the growl you can get out of the hb1's.
I like Bruce's solution to the bridge problem and had considered that bridge but rejected it because I didn't want any space between the pieces, it looks good when they are next to each other, this is something I overlooked.. The 4004 is a fun bass to experiment with and it's great to see other forum members exploring the possibilities and supporting each other. When Bruce finally plays his in the five string config he's not going to want to play anything else, I guarantee that.
73 Feb 4001, 73 March 4001, 73 April 4001, 73 May 4001, 73 June 4001, 73 July 4001 04 MM Bongo 5HSp, 07 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5Hp, 11 MM Bongo 5H
Mark . That photo of the white 4004 looks like the pickup covers are off . I would think that would help with the string spread since the covers look like they narrow the width by about 1/8 " on either end . Is that a black Schaller on that bass ? If it is ..Im going to get a gold one for my FG 4-2-5.
It's too early in the morning to talk about our relationship !
Rick, the white 4004 is actually a greenish blueboy that is now with Paul W. waiting on a white refin. I experimented with black hardware on this bass and found it easier to leave the covers off the pickups than paint them black. The bridge in the picture is a black Schaller 496 that I took off and put on my black Laredo conversion, the white bass will eventually get a chrome 496.
The "window" of black pickup area that shows through the cover is supposed to correspond to the length of the internal rails. Somebody on the forum(Jeff, Ted?) has cut some of them apart and measured about 2 1/4" of rail length, the hole in the cover is about 2 5/16". I have covers on my Cii conversion but not on my Laredo, I can't tell any difference between the two as far as volume being affected. Concerning the wide string spread that I use,(which I consider to be the maximum), the strings over the neck pickup will always be within the window. The strings over the bridge pickup will be near or at the edges of the window. I have seen some 4004's where the G string appears to be outside the window on the bridge pickup, including some four string 4004's. I haven't noticed any G string drop off with bridge solo'd on any of my conversions. I have had B string issues but that was a matter of finding out that most string manufacturers make ****** B strings and it took awhile until I found one that worked(LaBella HRS .128").
73 Feb 4001, 73 March 4001, 73 April 4001, 73 May 4001, 73 June 4001, 73 July 4001 04 MM Bongo 5HSp, 07 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5Hp, 11 MM Bongo 5H
I had trouble with that bridge on my 4-2-5 basses it produced a dropoff in volume ... I find 2 3/8" is pushing the hb1 pickup to the edge of its magnetic field that is 1/16" beyond the edge of the 2 1/4" rail in the hb1 pickup.
2 1/2" ... I use these on my Fender style 4-2-5 basses
2 3/8" ... I use this on my 4004 4-2-5 basses
This bridge is adjustable from 2 1/4" to over 3" ... I use this on my 2030, and 2020 basses
One consideration to be made is which pickup placement your 4004 has. The newer ones have the pickups further forward, where the string spacing will be narrower at a given point. Mark's basses are the newer location, which is why he gets away with that string spacing at the bridge.
Mark, what is the distance from the edge of the fretboard to the center of your rear pickup?
My "Rathed" 4-2-5 has the newer pickup locations so I think the Schaller is going to work . I never solo the bridge pickup anyway . Great info in this thread for which I am always thankful . I am also going to check out a place near by in Berkeley that that does gold plating so my toaster covers will match with the hardware on my 4004/5 Cii (need more $$)
It's too early in the morning to talk about our relationship !
Well, for better or worse, here it is. The B string is a bit close to the shoulders of the pickup, but I don't hear any detectable drop from either pickup's volume. I wasn't entirely pleased with my adjustment of the upper (formerly D string) tuner, but that can still be tweaked. The single string bridges were a bit frustrating and I'm not entirely pleased with the screws (oval instead of flat heads), so thos will be replaced when I can get to the hardware store.
Beyond that, I still need some more tweaking of the nut to get it as low as I prefer it and then glue it in place. It really feels good on the spacing and sounds good. A lot like the 4003 4-1-5 spacing I had previously. No mutilations and no mods that aren't hidden (in the bridge area).
But DAMN, the first time you take the drill bit to the head........
Bruce, I like the look of those bridges a lot. They're a nice alternative to the usual one piece design. The stack knobs and full size pickup selector from my 4004MG look even better on your bass. Hey, for future reference, what's the distance from the edge of the fingerboard to the center point of your bridge pickup and your string spacing at the bridge again??
Last edited by aceonbass on Sun Jan 27, 2008 11:33 pm, edited 2 times in total.
good job ... I couldn't have done it better myself ... I like the sound the indie bridge design gives ... I used that style bridge on 2 different p-bass 4-2-5 basses ... to keep your strings from having a volume dropoff keep the B and G strings close to the pickup ... this gives the bass more snarl as well ...
I am glad to see others join the 4-2-5 Do-it-yourself club ... the 4004 makes a nice 5 string bass ...
it is really a shame that Rickenbacker does not do a bass like that ... they could take the same 4004 bass body and neck and just drill the headstock tuner holes differently and cut the nut a litte differently, and use a different bridge ... And adding stacked knobs woul be a nice touch ...
