Convert a classical guitar into a u-bass?

Tommy B · May 14, 2012

Hi all. I just stumbled upon these videos in which Mimmo of Aquila uses his Thundergut strings on converted classical guitars. I think it sounds promising, and now it's got me thinking about trying the same with an inexpensive guitar I own. Has anyone else here thought of trying this? In the comments section, Mimmo warns that this was only a test, and that his strings are meant only for U-basses and Ashbory basses, but it sure seems to work!

http://youtu.be/jy_Ar4qG97I

http://youtu.be/KTFE_NXKghk

KyKo · May 15, 2012

Pretty cool!

Barbablanca · May 25, 2012

Maybe it would also work well with a small scale classical body, like a 3/4 or a 1/2 model designed for kids. They are certainly cheap enough to get hold of. Hmmm.... Maybe, I'll .... NO! Stop! I should learn to play the instruments I have, not spend valuable time on another project

Get thee behind me Tommy B

Josiahjjr · May 29, 2012

Definitely seems like a thrilling idea. Wouldn't string tension and tuning be a problem though?

Tommy B · May 30, 2012

Barbablanca said:
Maybe it would also work well with a small scale classical body, like a 3/4 or a 1/2 model designed for kids. They are certainly cheap enough to get hold of. Hmmm.... Maybe, I'll .... NO! Stop! I should learn to play the instruments I have, not spend valuable time on another project Get thee behind me Tommy B

LOL, it's too late, Barbablanca. The wheels are turning, aren't they?

I just realized I have a Venezuelan cuatro with very large fretwires and high action that might make a dandy acoustic bass for uke jams. Of course, I'd have to learn how to play bass first!

Tommy B · May 30, 2012

Josiahjjr said:
Definitely seems like a thrilling idea. Wouldn't string tension and tuning be a problem though?

I was wondering the same. I think I'll write to Mimmo and ask him about this. If I find anything out, I'll post it here.

UkeNukem · Jun 21, 2012

I did this with a baritone uke and it can work but the instrument will likely not put out enough volume to play unamplified. Look here.

http://www.ukuleleunderground.com/forum/showthread.php?44202-Yes-it-can-be-done

leewot · Jul 3, 2012

i went a different route, this is my most latest creation, though I have also recently received a set of Thunder Guts - but i'm still setting them in - so far I prefer the Pahoehoe's
http://youtu.be/Cba5baHL3M0

UkeNukem · Jul 10, 2012

I went with an Ibanez Mikro Bass guitar for more sustain. I still have the bass uke though.

bigchiz · Jul 10, 2012

I would think that since the Pahoehoe and Thundergut strings are thicker compared to a guitar, or a baritone ukulele, the spacing between fret bars need to be wider to get the correct bass note.

southcoastukes · Jul 11, 2012

Tommy B said:
LOL, it's too late, Barbablanca. The wheels are turning, aren't they? I just realized I have a Venezuelan cuatro with very large fretwires and high action that might make a dandy acoustic bass for uke jams. Of course, I'd have to learn how to play bass first!

DON"T DO THIS!

Unless your Cuatro is really some sort of oddball, the construction is like a Soprano Ukulele - not a Baritone. In other words, extremely light. It wouldn't stand up to any sort of abnormal tension.

bigchiz
I would think that since the Pahoehoe and Thundergut strings are thicker compared to a guitar, or a baritone ukulele, the spacing between fret bars need to be wider to get the correct bass note.

Fret spacing is related to scale. Thicker strings means your compensation may well change - not the fret spacing.

Tommy B · Jul 11, 2012

southcoastukes said:
DON"T DO THIS!

Unless your Cuatro is really some sort of oddball, the construction is like a Soprano Ukulele - not a Baritone. In other words, extremely light. It wouldn't stand up to any sort of abnormal tension.

Thanks, Dirk. The cuatro definitely is a lightly built instrument, so that makes sense. You saved me from turning an unplayable instrument into another kind of unplayable instrument!

PhilUSAFRet · Jul 27, 2012

Most of the 30" 1/2 size kids's guitars, including the first act and it's clones, have truss rods. I don't really see a problem converting one into a U Bass type instrument with a bridge, nut and saddle change. Inexpensive Asian "Mini" bass tuners available, nut. Hearing some positive comments about the Thundergut strings as apposed to the fat rubber ones. Some folks even using trimmer line.
any try one of these?

Convert a classical guitar into a u-bass?

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