Wide(r) string spacing on mid level 6 string?
 

I think I broke the search button from over usage.

I currently have a Schecter Stiletto Studio 6. While I like most aspects of it, the string spacing (16.5mm) is just too tight for my liking. :scowl:

So I would very much like to move to something in the same price point or perhaps a touch higher as my budget is fairly limited.

The problem I am running into is that it seems to be hard to find a wider (18+mm) string space 6er at this price point.

Anybody have suggestions? :confused: I'm already keeping my eye out for some Yamahas, but I'm a sucker for options.

Thanks

Tricky isn't it?

I think the MTD budget Andre Croche model has 18 millimeter spacing, but it is around two grand. The Ibanez BTB model 6'ers have 17.5 mm string spacing I believe.

I understand your delimma. I prefer wider string spacing on a six string also. A used Yamaha TRB seems like a good option if you really need spacing greater than 18 mm. Beyond that I can't think of anything at the moment.

BTB's are 17mm. So Yamaha is really my only choice?

Ooops. My mistake.

Warwick has made some 6 string basses with extra wide 20 mm string spacing, but unfortunately I don't think even a used one would be cheap.

What about buying a used Conklin Groove Tools GT-7 7 string bass and replacing the bridge and nut on it to make it a wide neck six'er. Would that be a possibility by chance? The GT-7 is 2 1/2" at the nut and 4" at the 24th fret. That is about the neck dimensions of an old Yamaha TRB. Just trying to throw out some suggestions is all.

You want to check out the Spector Legend 6, the Yamaha.

KSD J6, although hard to find, are 18mm 35" scale monsters of tone. I just bought one for 600 which is a rare deal, but they generally go for around 900 as I've seen.

Interesting idea. I wonder what the spacing would be then? Couldn't I just do that to most any other bass? Just replace the bridge with a hipshot version of my liking?

Spector's are .66" or 16.7mm.

I suppose so upto a point, but you need a wide enough neck that still allows you play the highest and lowest strings without them sliding off the edges of the neck whe you press down on the string - if that makes sense.

You would have to purchase a bridge that either is already made to have 19 mm string spacing, or have one that allows you to adjust the lateral (side-ways) bridge saddle movement - to adjust to 19 mm spacing. Some companies will build custom bridges (especially for Luthiers who build custom ERB's like 8 - 12 string basses.)

Another idea is just buy two four string bridges: have one side (string saddle) cut off of one bridge and have the opposing side (string saddle) cut of the other bridge and put them together. Two three string bridges (that already have 19 mm spacing) put together to create a make shift six string bridge. Just an idea. It may not be economical at all . . . I can't really say, because I don't know. Again I'm just throwing out ideas that may allow you reach your goal.

+1 on KSD.

http://www.bassalien.com/ksd-ken-smi...6-string-bass/

The Mtd Kingston Z6 is 18mm IIRC

I like the MTD Z6 quite a bit, but it tends to be a touch out of my price range.

That KSD looks pretty snazzy though. I will look into it.

hum I thought they were way wider than that, well to me they feel really wide.

Well that's what the website says. So maybe that's only for the new(er) models?

Perhaps the older ones were wider? Can anybody else weigh in on this?

The Spector Legend I had I believe was 18mm. It was very comfortable.

Hmmm. Interesting. I would love to go with Spector as I like the tone very much.

Can anybody else confirm this or inform us as to when the transition was made? I generally buy used, so this information will pretty dang important.

The Spector Legend 6 is 16.75mm string spacing. That was one of the reasons why I sold it.

....well balls

bump for collecting information

i bought a 7-string on ebay last year for $400, one of the Wolf "NAMM basses" lot, for a wide 7-to-6 conversion.

new bridge (hipshot, rolled out to 19.98mm bridge spacing), new brass nut, removal of the 7th tuner.. voila! an awesome, alembic-sounding 6 with a huge stable neck and sustain for days, well under a grand.