7 string bass - String spacing question

[Logic_11]

What are some potential issues that I could run into if I take a regular 7 string bass and switch the bridge to a tighter string spacing? I think the average-ish string spacing on an extended range bass is about 15-16mm, I would want it to be about 12.5-14 mm I figured that since the fret board is a lot wider, cutting the string spacing could result in an excess of fretboard. Would I have to place the bridge in a slightly lower position to compensate for that?

I think my preferred string spacing would be about 14mm for the first three low strings and then 11-12mm for the top 4 strings, but that would probably require custom work. I know long term I’ll get a custom 7 string, but I kind of wanted a trial bass before I jump in and get a custom bass that’s costs me a few thousand buckaroos.

another alternative that I was thinking about was getting those individual bridge saddles (top 3 for bass & lower 4 for guitar) and experiment with the spacing. Like gradually going from 14 mm down to 11mm at the thinnest string. I know it might look weird to have 3 Bass saddles then 4 guitar saddles, but I’m just looking to experiment with string spacing and playability/practicality of a 7 string bass before I get a custom one. Or would you guys completely discard the multi-string spacing idea based on your experience.

 

[Beej]

You hit on the only "issue" that I can see which is the excess neck width going to a smaller string spacing. I think you've hit it that you could leave your highest string where it is, or a little inboard, and then relocate the rest to your desired specs. You'd have all the extra gap on the bass side of the fretboard, where it would arguably be less disruptive to your overall playing, assuming you don't do a lot of wrapping your thumb over the top of the fretboard to fret notes on the low string.

Using individual bridges in a combo of bass and guitar is relatively sound too, but you may have some work to fit a bass ball end in a guitar bridge, in addition to saddle work.

Regarding the use of a hybrid bridge spacing, no right or wrong there I think, whatever floats your boat. For myself though, I have to say the overall width of the neck is a bigger factor for me in neck width. I'm good playing a 4 with 19mm spacing and moving to a 5 with 16.5mm spacing comfortably, but I cant jump onto a 5 with 19mm spacing as easily. YMMV

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Yeah, like Beej said, I think the width of the neck is the bigger issue that you want to test out, before ordering your dream custom narrow 7-string.

My suggestion would be to buy a used 6-string bass and convert it into a narrow 7-string. Then you'd get a better feel for how that width of neck feels with the strings at the narrow spacing.

 

[Logic_11]

You hit on the only "issue" that I can see which is the excess neck width going to a smaller string spacing. I think you've hit it that you could leave your highest string where it is, or a little inboard, and then relocate the rest to your desired specs. You'd have all the extra gap on the bass side of the fretboard, where it would arguably be less disruptive to your overall playing, assuming you don't do a lot of wrapping your thumb over the top of the fretboard to fret notes on the low string.

That is actually a really good point, I didn't think about that. I could leave the thinnest string where its at and accommodate the rest. That would save me from placing the highest string too close to the end of the fret. Thanks for that suggestion! And actually never wrap my finger over the board on 6+ string basses because the fretboard is just WAY too big haha. So even if I wanted to, I couldn't do it

Using individual bridges in a combo of bass and guitar is relatively sound too, but you may have some work to fit a bass ball end in a guitar bridge, in addition to saddle work.

Oh you are right, I would have to find either the right saddles or use the bass VI strings. I know those have smaller/guitar-like ball ends.

Regarding the use of a hybrid bridge spacing, no right or wrong there I think, whatever floats your boat. For myself though, I have to say the overall width of the neck is a bigger factor for me in neck width. I'm good playing a 4 with 19mm spacing and moving to a 5 with 16.5mm spacing comfortably, but I cant jump onto a 5 with 19mm spacing as easily. YMMV

Very true, I'll have to keep that in mind. Moving from 16.5 to 19mm string spacing is hard enough, now imagine going from 19mm to a multi-spaced 15/13/11mm bass. Total train wreck . I really hope that once the project comes into fruition though, I'll like it enough to use it as my main bass. Even though it will mean not being able to use smoothly switch from a 7 string to a 4 string between songs. Thanks for your response!

 

[JKos]

What's driving your desire for unequally spaced strings?

 

[Logic_11]

Yeah, like Beej said, I think the width of the neck is the bigger issue that you want to test out, before ordering your dream custom narrow 7-string.

My suggestion would be to buy a used 6-string bass and convert it into a narrow 7-string. Then you'd get a better feel for how that width of neck feels with the strings at the narrow spacing.

Ohh you're right! I could use a 6 string to do the conversion. I'll have to check the math to make sure that the 6 string fretboard will accommodate the 7 string bridge. One of the main reasons that I wanted to start with a 7 string though, is that I feel like it would leave less room for error since I wouldn't have to drill a hole in the headstock. I've never done that before. Are there any resources or tips you would recommend if I decide to go this route? Is it difficult?

Also, if I decide to start with a 6 string, do you think I should look for one that has two truss rods, or would that be unnecessary?

 

[Logic_11]

What's driving your desire for unequally spaced strings?

Well if it isn't the man who told me to start a new thread

The reason that I want unequally spaced strings is because of the basses I've had in the past. I had an 8 string bass that I loved, but being a dumb 20 year old wanting to branch out and experiment, I defretted it and then gutted the electronics. While this did teach me a lot, it rendered the bass unusable and I ended up selling it to a guy for parts. I loved that I could tune it however I liked, but I did not like the string spacing of the thinner strings. I couldn't play chords in the upper register because my hands wouldn't reach. I also hated having the 8 peg empty because I didn't need an 8th string.

After that 8 string, I bought an Ibanez SRC6 (similar to the Squier Bass VI and had 11mm string spacing) and I also really liked that bass. My only issue with it was that the low E and A strings were too close, so I couldn't "dig in" and it felt like I was "bassing" on a guitar. The thinner four strings though, they were amazing! I could comfortably play chords and it was just the best. I ended up selling it because as much as I wanted to make it my main bass, I needed a low B and the strings were just too close at the E and A strings.

I also currently have a 6 string that has 16mm spacing and I like how the BEA strings feel, but I feel like moving them just a tad bit closer would be perfect.

Haha all that being said, I want space in the thicker strings to dig in and tighter spacing in the thinner strings because it makes playing chords so much easier. But to accommodate a sudden 15-11mm spacing, I would like some sort of gradual tightening, but I guess that's where I would have to experiment.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

I recommend that you find a good solid used production 6-string. Carvin, Ibanez, Yamaha, whatever you can find. Something that you generally like the look and feel of. Make sure it has a good straight neck.

Then convert it into a narrow 7-string. Rebuild the headstock to fit 7 tuners in a reasonable arrangement. It may mean plugging and redrilling the tuner holes. Or sawing off the "wings" and fitting on new ones, reshaping the headstock to make space for the tuners. Do a decent job of it. If you don't feel up to doing that work yourself, pay a Luthier to do the conversion for you. Not an expensive job.

Then figure out what you are doing with the bridge and nut, to get the string spacing you want. You can make up a temporary "bar and tail block" from aluminum to test out your ideas for the string spacing. Try several combinations to see what works for you. Then figure out a permanent bridge.

The other good thing about converting a 6-string is that you'll already have the pickup system. Almost any 6-string bass pickup will work fine with 7 narrow strings over it. The strings don't really have to line up over the poles.

Work this all out on the conversion bass. Keep modifying it and get it to where it feels right to you. Then you can have a custom bass built to those specs with confidence.

 

[micahwc]

Another possible issue is your strings lining up with pole pieces of your pickup magnets; if the pickups use a bar magnet this won’t be an issue.

 

[Slidlow]

I recommend that you find a good solid used production 6-string. Carvin, Ibanez, Yamaha, whatever you can find. Something that you generally like the look and feel of. Make sure it has a good straight neck.
Then convert it into a narrow 7-string. Rebuild the headstock to fit 7 tuners in a reasonable arrangement. It may mean plugging and redrilling the tuner holes. Or sawing off the "wings" and fitting on new ones, reshaping the headstock to make space for the tuners. Do a decent job of it. If you don't feel up to doing that work yourself, pay a Luthier to do the conversion for you. Not an expensive job.
Then figure out what you are doing with the bridge and nut, to get the string spacing you want. You can make up a temporary "bar and tail block" from aluminum to test out your ideas for the string spacing. Try several combinations to see what works for you. Then figure out a permanent bridge.
The other good thing about converting a 6-string is that you'll already have the pickup system. Almost any 6-string bass pickup will work fine with 7 narrow strings over it. The strings don't really have to line up over the poles.
Work this all out on the conversion bass. Keep modifying it and get it to where it feels right to you. Then you can have a custom bass built to those specs with confidence.

This "Bruce" idea is very good and I'll add that for the seventh string use a single headless tuner so you won't have to modify the headstock. AS Bruce indicated with a temporary bridge plate you will be able to return it to a six string once you determine the needed arrangement for your seven.

 

[dkelley]

Another possible issue is your strings lining up with pole pieces of your pickup magnets; if the pickups use a bar magnet this won’t be an issue.

While, in theory, I agree with you, this concept has been proven wrong time and time again. So yea, I think it COULD Happen, but most people who do this don't seem to have any issues at all with string balance/volume/tone. I guess the magnetic pattern atop the pole pieces is wide enough that it covers all of the space between the pole pieces too.

Cosmetically it would drive me nuts, but then you could cover the pickups if they aren't already covered.

 

[micahwc]

While, in theory, I agree with you, this concept has been proven wrong time and time again. So yea, I think it COULD Happen, but most people who do this don't seem to have any issues at all with string balance/volume/tone. I guess the magnetic pattern atop the pole pieces is wide enough that it covers all of the space between the pole pieces too.

Cosmetically it would drive me nuts, but then you could cover the pickups if they aren't already covered.

I just sold a 6 string bass partially because one of the strings just didn’t line up like the others and had significantly lower volume than the other 5 strings. In this particular case it was because the company in question uses the same pickups for five and six string basses.

despite being considerably lower than the other strings, and being closer to the pickup, it had noticeably lower volume.

 

[juggahnaught]

Well if it isn't the man who told me to start a new thread

The reason that I want unequally spaced strings is because of the basses I've had in the past. I had an 8 string bass that I loved, but being a dumb 20 year old wanting to branch out and experiment, I defretted it and then gutted the electronics. While this did teach me a lot, it rendered the bass unusable and I ended up selling it to a guy for parts. I loved that I could tune it however I liked, but I did not like the string spacing of the thinner strings. I couldn't play chords in the upper register because my hands wouldn't reach. I also hated having the 8 peg empty because I didn't need an 8th string.

After that 8 string, I bought an Ibanez SRC6 (similar to the Squier Bass VI and had 11mm string spacing) and I also really liked that bass. My only issue with it was that the low E and A strings were too close, so I couldn't "dig in" and it felt like I was "bassing" on a guitar. The thinner four strings though, they were amazing! I could comfortably play chords and it was just the best. I ended up selling it because as much as I wanted to make it my main bass, I needed a low B and the strings were just too close at the E and A strings.

I also currently have a 6 string that has 16mm spacing and I like how the BEA strings feel, but I feel like moving them just a tad bit closer would be perfect.

Haha all that being said, I want space in the thicker strings to dig in and tighter spacing in the thinner strings because it makes playing chords so much easier. But to accommodate a sudden 15-11mm spacing, I would like some sort of gradual tightening, but I guess that's where I would have to experiment.

This idea isn't far-fetched. and it's been done before: 7 STRING BASS???.

I don't know if the NS sticks some in seven-string versions, but that might be an option for you.

You also might take some design inspiration from their 8-string, mainly in terms of how they fit the saddle hardware.

Good luck. Seems like it'd be interesting.

 

[dkelley]

I just sold a 6 string bass partially because one of the strings just didn’t line up like the others and had significantly lower volume than the other 5 strings. In this particular case it was because the company in question uses the same pickups for five and six string basses.

despite being considerably lower than the other strings, and being closer to the pickup, it had noticeably lower volume.

was it one of the outside strings? (B or C?) because that isn't the same situation.

 

[A9X]

I don't know if the NS sticks some in seven-string versions

Nah, only 8s.

 

[DrRock321]

This idea isn't far-fetched. and it's been done before: 7 STRING BASS???.

I don't know if the NS sticks some in seven-string versions, but that might be an option for you.

You also might take some design inspiration from their 8-string, mainly in terms of how they fit the saddle hardware.

Good luck. Seems like it'd be interesting.

Shout outs to the N-S Stick and it's awesomeness

 

[A9X]

Shout outs to the N-S Stick and it's awesomeness

Do you have one?

 

[DrRock321]

Do you have one?

Yep, 2008 Graphite neck with an ash body

 

[A9X]

Yep, 2008 Graphite neck with an ash body

I'm suddenly very jealous. I love CF necks (owned my XL2 since new in 86) and just a big fan of Ned's work. I want to order one but can't afford it at the moment. Maybe in the NY.

 

[DrRock321]

I'm suddenly very jealous. I love CF necks (owned my XL2 since new in 86) and just a big fan of Ned's work. I want to order one but can't afford it at the moment. Maybe in the NY.

Both Ned and Emmett did a great job engineering it, but IMO it suffers from both problems those guys exhibit in their works and that's that it's over engineered haha It's a little too perfect is what I mean, if a part breaks you'll have to pay a fortune to get it replaced and strings on it break too ez. It also has an identity crisis in which it does excel at being a stick or an 8 string bass, it's very good at both but not perfect.
If you wanna see something crazy check out the SB7, it's a 7 string bass shaped like a Chapman stick Emmett invented and one of his rarest instruments. Came stock with Bartolinis