Double Bass How do I convert a BSX 5 String EUB Low B to a High C?

[bobsax]

Should I just move the existing strings and get a C for the top? This is a slab bass so I don't think string sound is as big an issue but I'm an DB guy and it seems BG guys are fussy about strings so maybe it does matter and I should get a new set?
thanks
btw this is the bass

 

[DoubleMIDI]

You can, but finding a high C that fits in well tension and soundwise is not easy. Often the high C strings have either more or a lot less tension.
Also steel core high Cs are rather thin and might be hard to press down to the fingerboard if they cut into the finger.
You might want to use synthetic core strings for the EUB, I was told downtuned Evah Solos with a regular Evah high C matches well, but I haven't had that in my hands or on my measuring bench.
Obligatos might work too (all regular, no Solos), but they might be a bit thick for your nut and bridge grooves. The Evahs might fit in better.
It might not be easy to find a high C string that fits into your expectations ...

 

[bobsax]

Thanks Double Midi
Good info.
I'll call Dino at BSX and see what he says.

 

[bobsax]

Dino says my strings are D'addario helicore hybrid .
They don't make one but Lemur tells me the spirocore high C works

 

[DoubleMIDI]

You might ask D'Addario, they plan to make high Cs for their string sets, some might be ready but not officially announced. Otherwise a Spirocore 4/4 Mittel high C might do the job. It's just a bit thin like all steel core high Cs. But might work with less tension on the shorter scale.

 

[John Burgess]

The Pirastro flat chromesteel high C is another option. It's a bit thicker and stiffer than the spirocore. It should be 1mm thick vs the spiro @ 0.8mm

Do you have to consider magnetic pickups or only piezo?

 

[hdiddy]

Wouldn't you have to recut the nut and bridge slots to accomodate the new strings?

Well thats if you want to do it properly.

 

[bobsax]

Wouldn't you have to recut the nut and bridge slots to accomodate the new strings?

Well thats if you want to do it properly.

I don't think so? It's a 5 String Bass .The bridge has 5 built in pickups (I think?) There might be some EQ issues but I'll have to wait till I get it back from the shop to find out.

 

[brianrost]

The slots will be all cut wider than needed after you move the strings...might get some buzzing or strings popping off the bridge when playing hard, but you can worry about that if it happens.

 

[bobsax]

The slots will be all cut wider than needed after you move the strings...might get some buzzing or strings popping off the bridge when playing hard, but you can worry about that if it happens.

Thanks Brian
Good to know about the string slots. I hope to pick it up tomorrow and I can ask the luthier about it.