Narrow String Spacing On My Corvette 5-String

[Herrick]

I've been having problems playing fast stuff (like Metal) on my 5-string Corvette Standard. I am a finger player. My fingers are hitting strings they shouldn't be hitting. The basses I had before this were a 4-string Corvette Standard & an MIA P Bass 4-string. I didn't have problems playing those.

Anyone else experience this? Is it just something you get used to? I love everything else about this bass. The small, light body (in comparison to most basses) doesn't feel like I'm playing some big instrument. The neck is very comfortable & slim (across the strings). I like this but I find it difficult to finger pick 16th notes on the A string without hitting the D string & hitting the G string while playing the D!

[bassalien]

Did you try adjusting the string spacing using the bridge's string saddles? You can loosen the small hex nuts on the bridge that face the headstock (one per saddle) and slide the string saddles outwards enough where it might help. You'll have to loosen the strings quite a bit too.

[Herrick]

Originally Posted by bassalien

Did you try adjusting the string spacing using the bridge's string saddles? You can loosen the small hex nuts on the bridge that face the headstock (one per saddle) and slide the string saddles outwards enough where it might help. You'll have to loosen the strings quite a bit too.

It looks like they're already as far apart as they go. I'll give it another look tomorrow.

[xring]

If I could change one thing on my Warwicks, it would be to widen the string spacing, but still be shy of 19mm. I have my bridge maxed in width, but it's still shy of (IMO) the perfect spacing of my X.OC5. It sounds so great, I live with it.

[One Bad Monkey]

The more narrow, stock string spacing on the Warwick 5s and 6s is not something that's completely related to Warwick. Check other brands and you will find that string spacing across the board is tighter on 5s and 6s in an effort to keep the neck from being considered too unmanageable. WW is one of the few companies offering their instruments in the "broad neck" width, which is basically the same string spacing as a 4 string, but applied to 5s and 6s.

Having a Corvette std 5 string and Corvette $$ 6 string (both in stock widths), I do understand the compensation that needs to be made to play those over my Streamer broadneck 6, but after you get used to it, I don't find it any easier/harder.

[WarwickOfficial]

Also, keep in mind the 16.5mm spacing can be changed with the 3D bridge, by widening the saddles. Its possible to get 17.5mm at the bridge with some minor adjustments. FWIW, the Broadneck spacing is 20mm. Thanks!

[bassteban]

I love older, wenge-necked, four-string Warwicks, but no longer look twice at their 5/6ers for this reason. I went through 10 or 12 five & six strings before I realized my sloppy playing required wider spacing. I tried a wide 5 Thumb BO-5, but the thickness was immense. NOT a dig at Warwick, just replying to the OP's question.