I like tight spacing so much I converted my 4 string T40 to a 5 string. The Kahler bridge is awesome for that. I think It's sitting at a hair over 16mm right now
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16.5mm string spacing
- Thread starter HuncTuCaveto
- Start date
That's the thing about "empirical" evidence...it only has to be true for the person doing the observation!
Albeit my basses are custom...but FBASS can make you a 16.5mm spacing...,my FBASS's are 16.2mm spacing
It would depend on the pickups. Some have pole pieces and moving the string away from the pole pieces could result in lower/inconsistent volumes between strings.
Warwick(non broad neck) and G&L 5-string basses have pretty narrow string spacing.
As for repositioning with bridge saddles or by using a narrower spaced bridge, there will always be an issue with not lining up with pickup poles since they were designed to match the 'original' string spacing. This may or may not affect tone/output greatly, due to possible unevenness in the magnetic pull on the strings, and is generally not recommended .
The only type of pickup that wouldn't be affected by this would probably be bladed pickups.
As for repositioning with bridge saddles or by using a narrower spaced bridge, there will always be an issue with not lining up with pickup poles since they were designed to match the 'original' string spacing. This may or may not affect tone/output greatly, due to possible unevenness in the magnetic pull on the strings, and is generally not recommended .
The only type of pickup that wouldn't be affected by this would probably be bladed pickups.
This was pretty much spot on regarding my conclusion when seriously considering modifying or replacing the bridges on my current basses. I had come to the same opinion that swapping out the pickups with bladed pickups would be a needed and natural additional mod. Besides the additional cost however are the limitations of bladed pickup manufacturers.
Does anyone know of any aftermarket pickups made specifically for 16.5mm or narrower spacing? Or perhaps ever heard of a boutique or other manufacturer that made adjustments to models because they came to similar conclusions?
- Feb 8, 2005
- 3,636
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- Endorsing Artist: Bag End - Dean Markley - Thunderfunk
One suggestion I would make before you start spending money is to make a small investment.
You can buy a piece of magnetic paper (EMG used to sell it for like $5) and with it you can actually see the magnetic field of any given pickup.
You may find (as I did) that even with exposed pole pickups, the magnetic field is quite often nearly continuous. It depends on the design of course, I have seen exposed pole pups with very distinct fields localized almost entirely around the poles. But just as often I've seen them with more-or-less continuous fields.
The viewing paper is a nice thing to have regardless.
You can buy a piece of magnetic paper (EMG used to sell it for like $5) and with it you can actually see the magnetic field of any given pickup.
You may find (as I did) that even with exposed pole pickups, the magnetic field is quite often nearly continuous. It depends on the design of course, I have seen exposed pole pups with very distinct fields localized almost entirely around the poles. But just as often I've seen them with more-or-less continuous fields.
The viewing paper is a nice thing to have regardless.
Magnetic viewing paper does seem like a handy thing to have around regardless.
Perhaps my concerns are unwarranted. I have a hard time believing I am the first person to consider this and my online searches haven't turned up any real evidence or outcry that it may be a problem.
I will add that I found a few custom pickup manufacturers--namely Reed James-- that offer various pickups with string spacing at the bridge in mind.
Perhaps my concerns are unwarranted. I have a hard time believing I am the first person to consider this and my online searches haven't turned up any real evidence or outcry that it may be a problem.
I will add that I found a few custom pickup manufacturers--namely Reed James-- that offer various pickups with string spacing at the bridge in mind.
On a 5 or 6er? Ibanez, Warwick, Carvin, Schecter, Spector, ESP LTD (I think), the Rondo lines...
It's actually very common on the 'modern' styled instruments. Fender-copies and boutiques tend to use the wider spacings.
Edit: Not that any of those are listed aren't already/aren't capable of- boutique quality. No flames please.
Rob
I just sold a Schecter SS5 partly because of the string spacing.. I found that I prefer the wider spacing but I had been playing an SR505 & the SS5 for so long that I just didn't realize it till I bought a JV24. Some of the higher end Ibbys and Schecters are actually pretty decent basses.. not top of the line mind you .. just not budget.
Yea acquiring magnetic viewing paper would be a good idea to check if the strings are within the magnetic field even though strings aren't aligned with exposed or concealed poles. With exposed poles, some people may find the misalignment unsightly.... And may choose to look into bladed or custom built pickups.
Bump this old azz thread because I am trying hard to find a 4 string bass bridge that can do 16.5mm string spacing up to regular 18mm. All I can find is the Hipshot A style 16.5mm but their website doesn't say if it can go wider..
The Hipshot can go up to about 17.5mm. Kahler makes a bridge that can go anywhere from 14mm to 22mm: 2440 Series Professional Fixed Bass Bridge System - Kahler International
Right, sorry for being unclear. I was referring specifically to the 16.5mm bridge; 4 string A style bridges can be adjusted approximately 1mm inwards or outwards, so you could widen the spacing on the 16.5mm bridge to approximately 17.5mm.
If you run across run, these were REAL tight at the nut. The spacing quoted I can find is 15mm and it was the tightest I ever played. Yamaha took a four-string BB3000 and subdivided it for five strings. Wheeeeee ! ! ! !
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See if you can track down a late 80's early 90's Wilkinson 3D bass bridge
they can be adjusted from 15.5mm upto about 20 mm, that are also super light, they pop up on reverb and ebay, i have a 6 string and 4 string version sitting in a box, but sorry no you can't have one
the 4 is going on a Barrington i have incoming from japan and the 6 bridge "might" be going on a BB-Quad "inspired" 6 string custom im building soon.
they can be adjusted from 15.5mm upto about 20 mm, that are also super light, they pop up on reverb and ebay, i have a 6 string and 4 string version sitting in a box, but sorry no you can't have one
the 4 is going on a Barrington i have incoming from japan and the 6 bridge "might" be going on a BB-Quad "inspired" 6 string custom im building soon.
Yeah I've been searching for this one but I can't find many or any in my country.See if you can track down a late 80's early 90's Wilkinson 3D bass bridge
View attachment 7538701
they can be adjusted from 15.5mm upto about 20 mm, that are also super light, they pop up on reverb and ebay, i have a 6 string and 4 string version sitting in a box, but sorry no you can't have one
I have a Hipshot Kickass bridge I just got last week for cheap price, but I don't think it can go down to 16.5mm
As i say i have a late 80's Barrington bass incoming, i think the default bridge on it is Gotoh with 18mm spacing (Zero info about this online so) my own pref is 17mm, but if the bass arrives and the spacing is tighter than 18mm i wont have use for it so i'll give you a buzz about passing the bridge along....might be a few weeks/months yet though as it's coming Surface shipping from Japan to England because of the INSANE cost of shipping things from JP !
Edit: FOund onein Fance (off all places) on Reverb
Give the seller a Buzz see if he'll ship it down under ? IF he wont but would ship it to the UK i can replay it for you if needed just shout.
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