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Question Converting SR5 H to HS

Gordon of Eden

Gordon of Eden

Active member
Joined
Aug 20, 2008
Messages
40
Location
Portland Oregon
I would love to convert my bass to the humbucker/single coil assembly. I tried a search but didn't really see an answer to this. I like the classic SR tone just fine but sometimes would like to dial in some neck pickup beef in certain situations.
I know some will say "why not sell it and get a new one in the right configuration?"
A: My SR5 is a sweet gold sparkly number and I've never seen one like it before or since. Plus, it plays like butta'.
Q; "Why not get another one then?"
A: Somwhere out there in the near future is a Bongo 6 HH with my name on it and buying another SR will just delay that dream.
So the question remains, Is it possible? Does anyone have experience in doing this and how do I go about getting it done?
Thanks to all in advance for any help you can offer.
 
Last edited:
Possible? Sure, routing the body and cutting the pickguard is relatively simple.
And a new 5-way switch and some thinking will probably give you 5 nice sound options too.

However, you won't be able to get a MM pickup, so you'd have to get some other pickup. Also, the value of your instrument will go down, a lot, and even if you tell yourself you'll never ever part with that one cause it's special, frankenmodding an SR5 means you'd definitely HAVE to keep it.
 
No

Just buy the Bongo 6 sooner rather than later, that bad boy will cover all you tonal needs without having to mutilate your gorgeous ray
 
Your bass is quite rare I dont have the figures handy...(its 5 am here) but I dont think we made many and your could very well be one of a kind. I would not rout the body or modify it.....Sorry I would just hate for you to have regrets later
 
To cut or modify a rare bass with aftermarket parts because you are impatient is, in a word, stupid.

Put the money intended for the project aside and put it towards a down payment on the Bongo 6. You'll be happier in the long run.
 
Big Poppa said:
Your bass is quite rare I dont have the figures handy...(its 5 am here) but I dont think we made many and your could very well be one of a kind. I would not rout the body or modify it.....Sorry I would just hate for you to have regrets later
Click to expand...

Thank you all for the excellent advice, that's why I ask first before doing :)
I'd love to hear more about the bass when you have some time, I certainly did not realize the possible rarity. I will leave it alone.
 
There's plenty of room for a pair of Jazz pickups there, or maybe a P/J combo. No trouble getting white covers for those. A Badass bridge would be a big improvement too, since they are so massive compared to the tiny little EBMM brdiges :rolleyes:
 
Allright!!! everyone just take a deep breath....relax.
There will be no modding today or any day.
The bass will remain intact.
I'll only touch it with musical intentions :D
 
Gordon of Eden said:
I would love to convert my bass to the humbucker/single coil assembly. I tried a search but didn't really see an answer to this. I like the classic SR tone just fine but sometimes would like to dial in some neck pickup beef in certain situations.
I know some will say "why not sell it and get a new one in the right configuration?"
A: My SR5 is a sweet gold sparkly number and I've never seen one like it before or since. Plus, it plays like butta'.
Q; "Why not get another one then?"
A: Somwhere out there in the near future is a Bongo 6 HH with my name on it and buying another SR will just delay that dream.
So the question remains, Is it possible? Does anyone have experience in doing this and how do I go about getting it done?
Thanks to all in advance for any help you can offer.
Click to expand...


Beautiful, Rare = Don't mess with it.....
As you mention the B6 is somwhere down the line "dream about that"
 
I know many people (especially here) would kill for that SR5. Sparklies are gorgeous and I am partial to a bit of gold sparkle - you have a wonerful bass there and you are doing the right thing.
 
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