5-string basses with 16.5mm string spacing

[Dana R Gregory]

I believe that the Ibanez SRH505F has 16.5mm spacing. I know that mine is very comfortable to play.

 

[MrAB4003]

Most Ibanez Soundgear 5 string basses (from regular to Prestige) have 16.5 mm spacing as standard.

 

[Element Zero]

I'd thought Spectors were 19mm, but I stand corrected. That said, the Spector Euro 5 CST looks mighty nice. I just can't decide between the natural finish or the red burst even though neither are in my budget.

View attachment 7161442

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Red burst. 100% red burst.

 

[bigjames]

What options are there? I currently have 2x Schecter Stiletto's and an Ibanez SR and find them to be suuuuper comfy compared to 'traditional' ~19mm string spacing.

What other 5-string basses have 16.5 (or similar) string spacing?

My Warwick Corvette 5 has 16.5mm spacing. I find it too tight for my liking. I prefer 19mm.

 

[Element Zero]

My Warwick Corvette 5 has 16.5mm spacing. I find it too tight for my liking. I prefer 19mm.

You could send it to me. I’ll make sure it has a loving home

 

[bigjames]

You could send it to me. I’ll make sure it has a loving home

HAHAHA! I so rarely play it! I have been tempted to sell it, but I am not sure I would ever get a chance to get my hands on a Bubinga body / Wenge neck bass. I LOVE the look of this bass and the tone / growl is exceptional, but the spacing screws me up, especially if I am switching between my other basses (both 19mm spacing).

 

[bigdaddybass12]

Check the LTD B205. It’s 17mm. They are a good bang for the buck. I have owned one for 24 years. Still rocks! But the spacing is a little tight for me.

 

[Core Creek]

Old Carvin LB75 (5 string) basses had 17mm string spacing i think. You can get them used for relatively affordable prices these days.

I know the Carvin LB76 (6 string) was 16mm because i had one. And the Carvins from the 90s had Wilkinsons bridge with an adjustable string spacing. You could slide the saddles tighter or wider. Although, on my LB76, even though the bridge allowed for spacing adjustments, you couldn't make it wider because the neck wasn't wide enough, and you couldn't make it tighter because they were already butted up against each other.

The 5 String might have more room for adjusting the spacing down to 16.5mm than the 6 String but i couldn't say for certain.

Also the Icon series (still available through Kiesel) have 17mm spacing.

 

[Kaplan]

Check the LTD B205. It’s 17mm. They are a good bang for the buck. I have owned one for 24 years. Still rocks! But the spacing is a little tight for me.

My LTD B205 has a spacing of 16.5 mm and yes, it is starting to be annoying.

 

[testing1two]

The early Fender 5-strings were 17mm (I've got a Jazz Bass Plus V circa 1991 which is fantastic) and I believe some of the current MIM and Squier V's still have narrow spacing.

 

[jellymax]

Sterling ray5

 

[Neo1]

Here's a recent thread with some info, if you're into Fenders...

Thread 'Has Fender ever offered a 5-string with a narrow neck and tight string spacing?'

Jan 16, 2025

as in a bass with a neck no wider than 1.75” at the nut and string spacing no bigger than 18mm?

• Stagelab
• Replies: 18
• Forum: Basses [BG]

 

[Element Zero]

HAHAHA! I so rarely play it! I have been tempted to sell it, but I am not sure I would ever get a chance to get my hands on a Bubinga body / Wenge neck bass. I LOVE the look of this bass and the tone / growl is exceptional, but the spacing screws me up, especially if I am switching between my other basses (both 19mm spacing).

Oh no no. I didn’t say anything about selling. I meant just… ya know… gift it to me.

 

[JPK_DK]

The Gary Willis fretless models from Ibanez (GWB205, for example), if I am not mistaken...

 

[neil|lien]

Check the LTD B205. It’s 17mm. They are a good bang for the buck. I have owned one for 24 years. Still rocks! But the spacing is a little tight for me.

Same here, i have an ESP-LTD Stream 205 with 17mm at bridge! Feels great but have to sell as i need cash..