Get him a multiscale/fanned fret 5 string bass and just size up the gauges. A 37" scale bass trying to hit E0 will need about 0.18ga on the low string to be pl

Get him a multiscale/fanned fret 5 string bass and just size up the gauges. A 37" scale bass trying to hit E0 will need about 0.18ga on the low string to be playable, which will definitely require a nut modification, but is doable.