Basses that have 17mm bridge spacing..

[matt thompson]

Crazy that this info is not on most manufactures websites or spec sheets - Ive checked around and found a few (G&L, Ibby) but curious if you guys could help me with more - 4 or 5 strings

Also 18mm might work too...

 

[IronLung1986]

17mm spacing is rare, especially on 4 strings. I think Zon will do it, and maybe older Tobiases? I've also heard certain G&L models have it. Maruszczyk would probably build you a 17mm 4 or 5.

If you go up to 17.5mm, that's pretty common on 5 strings. Music Man does all their 5's that way.

Sadowsky and Roscoe do 18mm I think.

 

[Will_White]

Ric spacing is 17mm ish isn't it, and Hofners are also around there they might be a little tighter though.

 

[matt thompson]

Thanks for the replies guys - I guess Im looking for 17-18mm

Doesnt seem to be that many out there - esp. in the traditional jazz/p copy world..

 

[Kmrumedy]

Hey....which G&L models did you find with 16-17mm spacing? Thanks.

 

[matt thompson]

Their 5ers are 17.5mm

 

[Will_White]

For J copies, the short scale SX basses and other short and medium scale bases usually have tighter spacing as well. I'm not aware of any full scale J copies that aren't customs in 4 strings, 17.5mm is common on 5 strings so that shouldn't be a problem. I'm like you and like a tight spacing at the bridge, so I'm building a 4 string with a 17mm hipshot A style bridge.

 

[AndyPanda]

If you want really tight, my early 80's Yamaha BB5000 is 16mm (I actually measure it as 15.75).

 

[wraub]

If you want really tight, my early 80's Yamaha BB5000 is 16mm (I actually measure it as 15.75).

I have a mid-80s Ibanez 5 string with 15mm spacing. All kinds of tight and narrow...

 

[AndyPanda]

I have a mid-80s Ibanez 5 string with 15mm spacing. All kinds of tight and narrow...

I'd never get my fat fingers in there - do you play it with a pick? Or do you get used to it? I guess playing by the bridge would feel about the same spacing as playing over the end of the fingerboard on a wider spaced bass?

 

[wraub]

I'd never get my fat fingers in there - do you play it with a pick? Or do you get used to it? I guess playing by the bridge would feel about the same spacing as playing over the end of the fingerboard on a wider spaced bass?

Have played it with a pick, but mainly finger style and even slap. It was my only bass for over a decade, and was used for everything. Definitely a learned thing- I find that the more I play my other basses, it's a bit tricky for a bit when I return to it.

Great for chordal stuff too.

 

[DavC]

i install bridges with adjustable saddles ... set spacing for comfort , pickup poles , etc ...

 

[matt thompson]

DavC, what bridges do you use?

 

[ialma]

Zon and Modulus. Both 17-17,5

 

[wraub]

I use the Kahler on mine, was the only thing that would go that narrow.

 

[Toptube]

Kiesel Icon 5 is 17mm. So is their LB75.

 

[KickingBass]

Non-bassists would probably think we're crazy for caring about a mm difference but it does make a difference!

 

[EliasFH]

BTB33 has 17 mm, and it's great.

 

[skeeler]

BTB33 has 17 mm, and it's great.

Agreed.

 

[skeeler]

If you want really tight, my early 80's Yamaha BB5000 is 16mm (I actually measure it as 15.75).

I have a mid-80s Ibanez 5 string with 15mm spacing. All kinds of tight and narrow...

The Ibanez Gerald Veasly signature models are 6-strings spaced at 14 mm: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]