I like the narrow spacing (~16.75mm) on my Spector (NS-2000/5). But I don't slap, and I play with a pick quite a bit (I also play guitar). The super wide (e.g. Fenders) I have trouble playing.
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5 String Spacing Poll
- Thread starter Curtinsmith
- Start date
When I switched from a 4 string jazz to a 16.5mm spaced 5 string Ibanez Soundgear I knew I could get the narrower string spacing but I didn't realise how much of a difference it would make in comfort for me. I find my fretting fingers sitting far more comfortably across two or more strings when I either want a seamless transition note to note or I want to carry a bit of sustain on notes as I pass string to string. I also find it much easier when using a pick and even a little easier using fingers. That said, I have learnt to play very light with a low action partly because it makes playing a long gig just so much physically easier - which in turn I think has helped my playing along too. I can see there would be a real market for narrower spacings both for people like me and people with some degree of incapacity. The real problem as I see it (I've been thinking about this,
) is reaching your target customers. Whether you use TB here as that conduit by actively targeting relevant threads and commenters (is that allowed?) or even advertise here but that all takes time away from the core business of actually making basses.Me? I'd prefer 16.5 - 17 bridge spacing and a 44 to 46mm nut on a short scale and it seems the majority would prefer 18mm so having 2 models suggests itself. The challenge is getting the word out about what you offer but that's no different for either string spacing I guess.
Finally, there is the 32" scale length "thing". It seems that I often read comments that 30" is too cramped, 34 the stretch on the lower frets too great. Then someone turns up here on TB with some rare 32" MIJ Fender and has a little rave, a little group of zealots join the rave and it goes quiet again. Inspired by such threads I've tried the capo on the 1st fret thing on my Ibanez - I love 32" and having a zero fret! Call me a zealot, it is just a great compromise; tone virtually unchanged but just a more natural angle for the wrist at the first two frets. (I also love little guitar bags vs bass bags incidentally.) That said, I'd still want the top horn to the 12th fret and a Pbass type spacing between the bridge and the strap pin (although I'd offset the strap pin, myself).
So my question; if there is not a suitable bridge available can you get one made by a local engineering firm. If cost is an issue, is a bent metal bridge ok/such a turn-off. Some of the classic Fender bridges were essentially the bent metal base and back-plate drilled and countersunk, cut up imperial threaded bar (1/2" BSW?) drilled and tapped for the grub screws that adjust the string height, a spring and a machine screw. I think there is still a bridge just like this on the $7000au Sean Hurley Custom Shop Precision. Sydney is full of little engineering shops that could do that for you. (I even have a friend with a shop in Mona Vale
. PM if ...) And good luck!
17-18mm on a fretless since I don't plan on slapping
18-19mm fretted.
18-19mm fretted.
- Dec 17, 2020
- 16
- 6
- Disclosures
- Owner/Luthier of Curtinsmith Guitars, specialising in short and medium scale custom builds.
When I switched from a 4 string jazz to a 16.5mm spaced 5 string Ibanez Soundgear I knew I could get the narrower string spacing but I didn't realise how much of a difference it would make in comfort for me. I find my fretting fingers sitting far more comfortably across two or more strings when I either want a seamless transition note to note or I want to carry a bit of sustain on notes as I pass string to string. I also find it much easier when using a pick and even a little easier using fingers. That said, I have learnt to play very light with a low action partly because it makes playing a long gig just so much physically easier - which in turn I think has helped my playing along too. I can see there would be a real market for narrower spacings both for people like me and people with some degree of incapacity. The real problem as I see it (I've been thinking about this,
Me? I'd prefer 16.5 - 17 bridge spacing and a 44 to 46mm nut on a short scale and it seems the majority would prefer 18mm so having 2 models suggests itself. The challenge is getting the word out about what you offer but that's no different for either string spacing I guess.
Finally, there is the 32" scale length "thing". It seems that I often read comments that 30" is too cramped, 34 the stretch on the lower frets too great. Then someone turns up here on TB with some rare 32" MIJ Fender and has a little rave, a little group of zealots join the rave and it goes quiet again. Inspired by such threads I've tried the capo on the 1st fret thing on my Ibanez - I love 32" and having a zero fret! Call me a zealot, it is just a great compromise; tone virtually unchanged but just a more natural angle for the wrist at the first two frets. (I also love little guitar bags vs bass bags incidentally.) That said, I'd still want the top horn to the 12th fret and a Pbass type spacing between the bridge and the strap pin (although I'd offset the strap pin, myself).
So my question; if there is not a suitable bridge available can you get one made by a local engineering firm. If cost is an issue, is a bent metal bridge ok/such a turn-off. Some of the classic Fender bridges were essentially the bent metal base and back-plate drilled and countersunk, cut up imperial threaded bar (1/2" BSW?) drilled and tapped for the grub screws that adjust the string height, a spring and a machine screw. I think there is still a bridge just like this on the $7000au Sean Hurley Custom Shop Precision. Sydney is full of little engineering shops that could do that for you. (I even have a friend with a shop in Mona Vale
Cheers! Personally I am am used to narrower string spacing (My 5 string builds are actually 16.8mm and adjustable +/-1mm). Having said that, over the years I've played 19mm and 20mm 5 strings too and find you get used to playing on a wider fretboard real quick. Kinda like driving a hatchback then jumping into the 4WD ... you get used to it by the end of the street. I've ben playing 32" since 1996 and now trying 31". I've made sure the strap pin on the top horn is in line with the 12th fret, and the lower horn cut away allows access to the 24th fret. For some basses i place the rear strap pin in the centre or offset it - depending on the weights of the bodies and necks and how it balances. Both ergonomics and aesthetics are important.
If you're ever in my area, feel free to pop in and have a play on a Southland and give some feedback.
Kind regards
Paul
I found 20mm spacing too tiring and slows my right hand down whilst navigating a 5 / 6 string.
17.5mm and below is great for fast, right-hand fingering but too cramp for slapping.
I therefore think 18mm is the perfect compromise, as the extra neck width starts becoming an issue.
I've personally found that if the nut spacing is quite wide, having 18mm spacing at the bridge almost feels like a 19mm spaced "standard" 4 string would. IMHO etc.
17.5mm and below is great for fast, right-hand fingering but too cramp for slapping.
I therefore think 18mm is the perfect compromise, as the extra neck width starts becoming an issue.
I've personally found that if the nut spacing is quite wide, having 18mm spacing at the bridge almost feels like a 19mm spaced "standard" 4 string would. IMHO etc.
