16 mm string spacing

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

My old Washburn Axxess Bass had a string spacing of 15.5 mm.

 

[mattumba]

Ibanez makes a 6 stringer with 14mm spacing, thinnest I've seen yet.

 

[IronSpatula]

With everything else remaining equal, a narrower spaced instrument will have a smaller, lighter neck and bridge. The narrower neck also means it will be easier to play across all the strings in high positions without left hand discomfort. These issues of weight and ergonomics may not be a huge issue for 5ers but are definitely a factor with 6 and 7 strings IME. I for one want to spare my left hand and shoulder as much effort as possible, especially if I'm playing every night.

I think my narrowest-spaced bridge is 16.5" on my Conklin BD7. I don't have any problem with slap technique on that bass, but I do come from a flamenco/classical guitar background which makes me used to even narrower spacings. I can see how a jump to narrow spacing could be problematic for someone who is only used to 19mm basses and/or DB.

I would love to try a bass with 14 or 15mm spacing. I think it would work for me.

 

[Jaco Taco]

My custom 6-string has a 10mm string-spacing at the bridge. Works great for me.

 

[Darkstrike]

I have a 6er with 15mm spacing, certainly playable, but I could do with something wider, even 16.5 might be enough, I played a Cort a time back with 16.5, I believe, and remember it being well wide enough. I prefer 17.5-18mm 5ers, dunno would I want to chance a 6er with that kind of spacing, though.

 

[LeonD]

Ibanez makes a 6 stringer with 14mm spacing, thinnest I've seen yet.

That would be their Veasley basses. I have the GVB36.

It took a while to get used to the 14mm spacing but once I did, I kind of like it. It allows me to play some chordal things I couldn't do on wider spaced basses. And it helps clean up your technique all around.

 

[Randyt]

I have a Custom Fbass AC6 (in production) with a Hipshot 16.6mm bridge...going to be Awesome!!!
I find many advantages to narrower spacing, speed, articulation,less hand fatigue...etc.
**and believe me when i say...narrower spacing is not associated to cheaper basses**

 

[CaneyBoniface]

The ESP LTD B155DX I used to have had 16mm - perfect for a 5er.

did you replace your B-155dx bridge?

 

[Sav'nBass]

I prefer 18mm to 19mm.. I have a 6 that is 17.5 I think.. but 16 is too tight for me..

Schecters also have 16mm spacing.. IIRC.

 

[LaXu]

I still find it very strange that they would say 19mm is comfortable or odd, seeing as how 99% of 4 stringers are 19mm or wider!

Add a string or two and the neck becomes pretty damn wide. It doesn't help that many 5+ stringers also have longer scales so it's more stretching either way. Even on a 4 string I'd say something like 18mm would be more comfortable for most people. I'm pretty happy with the 17mm spacing on my new Ibanez BTB33.

 

[AndyPanda]

My early 80's Yamaha BB5000 measures just under 16mm spacing. Here's a picture with a US dime for comparison