Are the strings on a 5 string bass closer together than strings on a 4 string bass?

[BahamaBass]

just wondering. I have a 4 string but would like the strings to be closer to each other. would make soloing easier.

 

[nonfatmatt]

Depends. Usually they're a bit closer to accommodate ease in fingering, but some 5 strings are 18-19mm and keep the same spacing as a P or a J bass.

 

[BahamaBass]

Depends. Usually they're a bit closer to accommodate ease in fingering, but some 5 strings are 18-19mm and keep the same spacing as a P or a J bass.

thanks. oh ok. I have an Ibanez gsr...soundgear. I like the action but would be better if the strings were closer.

 

[rcadble]

I've played many 4 strings and only a few 5ers, but it seems as though the spacing on the 5ers is a little more condensed to limit neck size.

 

[allexcosta]

You should buy a 5 stringer if you want 5 strings, not if you just want closer strings. In your case, you just need a 4 stringer with a narrower spacing. Search and you shall find.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

Most 5 strings use a string spacing of approximately 2-3/4" at the bridge, equates to about 17.5mm between strings. Some WIDE neck 5-strings use 3" spacing at the bridge, 19mm between strings. This spacing is about the same as a 4-string.
Some basses such as SX and even some Ibanez basses (ie, my friend's SR405) use 2-1/2" bridge spacing; about 16mm betwen strings.

 

[BahamaBass]

thanks guys. that some useful info to keep in mind. will check out string spacings.

 

[Mongo Slade]

Off the top of my head, Hofner and Rickenbacker basses have tighter than "standard" spacing, but you better like what they sound like, which is decidedly different than your Ibanez.

Peace

 

[lavmonga]

You could get a schaller roller bridge or something similar and adjust the strings to a tighter spacing.

 

[Solarmist]

Ibanez SR5's are 16.5mm at the bridge, and a 45mm nut with a 19.5 neck thickness at the 1st. Ibanez SR4's are 19mm at the bridge, and a 38mm nut with a 19.5 neck thickness (at the 1st) - just a little smaller than a GSR on the lowers, but I think the spacing is the same.

 

[bucephylus]

In fact, this is a rather significant variable between the different instrument makers and models. Some of them retain the identical spacing to 4 stringers, while others have narrower spacing. Also, and to make things even more complicated, one finds variations of the above designs occurring at the nut only, at the bridge only, and at both ends.

The player has to be really aware of these variables, especially when ordering custom basses, because each player will have different preferences, and the neck configuration affects both playability and resonant response. So, it takes a lot of experimentation and experience before a player really understands the nuances enough to be sure of what they are getting. I believe this factor has a large influence on the buying and selling action. It is not an exact science getting to the "right" instrument for a given player.

 

[JustDavid]

Indeed! Though I think some are more sensitive to spacing than others, & differently to nut & bridge.

Though I don't seem to mind nut spacing much, unfortunately I'm very sensitive to bridge spacing. I've a gorgeous Cort B5 (swamp ash body, fast & slim wenge neck, nice rosewood f/board) that I love to look at but cannot stand to play due to tight spacing. Never researched the spacing, nor bothered to measure. But I move to a slightly wider Ibanez SR485 et voila!! And now I'm trying to find a nice hole in our gig schedule to switchover to my new BTB1205.

 

[Ric5]

If you want tight spacing get a Rickenbacker 4003s5 ... they are 2 1/16" spaced at the bridge ... A pick player's dream and a finger player's nightmare.

I build my own 5 string basses and I start with a 4 string p-bass neck and I put 5 strings on it. I use schaller bridges and get a string spacing at the bridge of 2 1/2" and a nut spacing of 1 11/16".

 

[basspraiser]

My DJ4 (now sold) and DJ5 have the exact same spacing......