Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
I
I’ve got basses with 18 and 19mm string spacing. I can’t really tell the difference.
Quadzilla
Supporting Member
As some as you know, I've owned a TON of boutique basses over the years (and still currently own many), however, I've never owned a Sadowsky NYC. Well, that's about to change. I have this vintage, 1990 NYC en route to me. Can't wait!!!
I owned an 18mm Lull for awhile and my right hand didn't quite like the feel as much as my 19mm basses (Sadowsky included, of course) so I've stuck with 19mm since. I had a 20mm Warwick, that was cool too.
For me as mainly a 4 string player I personally prefer tighter string spacing. Same goes for a 5er but I just love 18mm or less for a 4 string. I realize it's not for everyone but I have a 4 string with 17mm and another 16.5mm and they're awesome to play. If I could put their ergonomics on a Sadowsky I doubt I'd play anything else.
Yeah, there's no right or wrong, we like what we like... or have grown accustomed to. For two decades I mainly played Fender and Music Man 4-strings, which were all 19-20mm. That translated over to 5-string. Some folks love Music Man fivers, but while my ears like 'em, my right hand says that the 17.5mm spacing is a deal-killer.
For me it's that the G string usually sits right on the edge of the fingerboard, and I tend to pull it over the edge. I can handle changing scale length, or string spacing between 16.5mm (my Zon 6er) and 19mm, but that string-on-the-edge is my deal-killer. It's too bad for me, because I love that grindy tone!Yeah, there's no right or wrong, we like what we like... or have grown accustomed to. For two decades I mainly played Fender and Music Man 4-strings, which were all 19-20mm. That translated over to 5-string. Some folks love Music Man fivers, but while my ears like 'em, my right hand says that the 17.5mm spacing is a deal-killer.
Last edited:
I’m fine with 17-19mm spacing, but when I picked up my WL-5, was coming from a Roscoe, so 18mm was feeling pretty comfy at the time. Now, the 19mm feels like home, but my 17.5mm spacing EBMM USA SUB 5 feels fine, too.
I never had the issues others have had with the G string on the EBMM five strings, with the exception of one - a Classic 5 that had a 7.5” fretboard radius. With the rounder fretboard, that one slipped off a couple of times. That’s how I ended up with the USA SUB 5 - styled like a classic, but the typical 11” radius, which gives me zero issues with the G slipping off the fretboard.
I never had the issues others have had with the G string on the EBMM five strings, with the exception of one - a Classic 5 that had a 7.5” fretboard radius. With the rounder fretboard, that one slipped off a couple of times. That’s how I ended up with the USA SUB 5 - styled like a classic, but the typical 11” radius, which gives me zero issues with the G slipping off the fretboard.
- Sep 8, 2010
- 453
- 608
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Aguilar Sadowsky Hipshot David Gage Czech-Ease Mono Kala UBass
I had RS swap out my 19mm bridge for an 18mm bridge on my 5-24 NYC. Amazing what a 1mm difference can do. For me the 18mm bridge was a better fit for my hands.
I've been thinking of doing this for years. The 19mm has always been a little uncomfortable to me, especially if I play my Fender 4 string and then switch to the Sadowsky 5. My only concern is the spacing would feel weird on the wide Sadowsky 5 fretboard. Did you have any issues with the fretboard being too big for the smaller string spacing? Thanks, Cojo
I recently got this bass. It has an alder body, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, Olympic white finish with matching headstock and true single coils. This is a fantastic bass and easily the best Sadowsky I've owned. My plan was to buy this bass as research for a custom and then sell it to try a different combination but my plans may have changed. I wanted a 24 fret vintage style 5 but I may just keep this one. It just too good. That doesn't I won't also order the custom, as well
Attachments
I recently got this bass. It has an alder body, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, Olympic white finish with matching headstock and true single coils. This is a fantastic bass and easily the best Sadowsky I've owned. My plan was to buy this bass as research for a custom and then sell it to try a different combination but my plans may have changed. I wanted a 24 fret vintage style 5 but I may just keep this one. It just too good. That doesn't I won't also order the custom, as well
What is the red bass in your profile?
- Sep 8, 2010
- 453
- 608
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Aguilar Sadowsky Hipshot David Gage Czech-Ease Mono Kala UBass
I haven’t noticed any significant concerns with the fretboard with the 18mm bridge in terms of feel. I can see that they are a little further from the edge by the neck pup but by the point the string reaches the “money notes” on the neck its nearly the same as a 19mm bridge. Made a huge difference for my right hand though!
Sorry mate, my English is not very good, but isn't it a little contradiction?
Regardless, I agree, there may be significant differences even at a brand's same price range instruments.
Where is the contradiction?
Sorry mate, my English is not very good, but isn't it a little contradiction?
Regardless, I agree, there may be significant differences even at a brand's same price range instruments.
I keep mine at setting 2 - 500Hz wide Q, but rarely, if ever, use it. I boost 800Hz on my amps though.
