Skinniest spacing for six-string bridge?

fretlessman71 · #1 12-11-2011, 02:54 PM

Okay - search function won't let me search for "six string", or anything like that. So if I'm rehashing something, sorry in advance.

Considering converting my MIM Jazz V to a six string bass. The measurements I'm taking tell me that I would end up with 15.5mm string spacing at the bridge. This seems skinny, but not intolerable. I've seen some people do this mod before, but I wonder how playable it is in the real world, and where I would get such a bridge to work well here (obviously the easier of the two questions to answer).

If you've done this mod, or have a bass with a really narrow string-to-string spacing, how do you like it for pick play? fingerstyle? thumb-pop? tapping?

fretlessman71 · #2 12-11-2011, 11:59 PM

Bump (for the morning, before I forget...)

lowfreq33 · #3 12-12-2011, 12:04 AM

My Tobias has pretty narrow spacing, never measured I though. Fingerstyle it's great, but it is hard to slap on. Doesn't bother me though, I really don't care to slap very often.

Schlyder · #4 12-12-2011, 12:16 AM

I converted my Elias 4 string to a 5 string many years ago. The spacing is 15mm.

No problems playing any style... fingerstyle/pick/slapping/doublethump...
Although I don't do any tapping on it, because of it being fretless, tapping would be no problem because of spacing.

The bridge was custom made. I don't know who made it. The fellow who did the work lined up the custom bridge.

Schlyder · #5 12-12-2011, 12:23 AM

I have a 6 string custom bass coming that will have 16mm spacing on it. The bridge is adjustable and I will probably narrow it if 16mm feels too wide.

bongomania · #6 12-12-2011, 12:28 AM

The Kahler "Fixed" bridge can be adjusted to any string spacing down to 14.5 mm. The Schaller "2000" bridge can be adjusted down to 14 mm. I use them both and like them a lot. The Kahler looks cooler and is heavier-duty, but the Schaller has a lower profile and more of a Fender-ish look.

I also have a 4 string converted to 5, and I've actually gotten to like the tight spacing. It's not for everyone, but it works, and you get used to it. As an experiment, go to a guitar store that has at least one tight-spacing bass and try it out.