Help me find the cheapest 5-string with 18mm spacing

Fender 5’s are actually 18mm (18.4 to be exact). Squier 5’s as well.
I find the Fender 5 with 18mm and their 1-7/8” nut width a perfect balance.
With that in mind, I can only suggest their Squier 5’s on a budget.

I’m not sure what the spacing numbers on Sire 6-string basses are, but they have the V3 for around a Squier-price point.

Some 17.5mm basses like Ernie Ball/Sterling have a 1-3/4” nut width with 17.5mm spacing, and it’s a bit tight, but tolerable. I just can’t hang with 16.5mm...can’t do it.

Ibanez has their “Cerro” SRSC single-cut, which has a straight-up 18mm spacing, and I like that model a lot...it’s just not exactly a budget-minded instrument.

 

Check out Cort GB basses on Reverb. The older models are 34” scale and they have quality hardware and construction. Usually they are light weight and can be had for a very low price.

 

Cheapest and best quality , I’d say find a used Ernie Ball MusicMan USA made SUB 5 .

Sire V3 5 also comes to mind .

 

Most Yamaha BB 5 strings, at least ones made within the last ~20 years have 18mm spacing.

 

At $250, hard to beat Ibanez Talman TMB105 in this budget, 34" scale, and 18mm string spacing at bridge categories. More that with this amount of money, you'll get an active 2 band EQ on board.

Next probably the Yamaha BB235 at $350, passive. The active ones start with TRBX305 at $400.

 

Have been wondering about those myself.

 

Also this... https://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/yamaha-trbx305-5-string-electric-bass

 

Fender and Squier both have 18mm spacing on their 5ers. The Squier VM series is good quality for low dough. The Yamaha TRBX has 18mm spacing and also is a good quality bass for a decent price. I have the TRBX505 and am trading it with a friend because i'm a 19mm guy (to your point that string spacing is super-important). I'm sure you can find either used. There are a few of each on Reverb.com right now.

 

Go to your local Music-go-round and see what they have in stock … maybe you will find something you like.

 

Warwick and Warwick Rockbass 5 and 6's can be adjusted out to 17.5mm.

 

If you can't, maybe look for a used Yamaha BB415 or a BB425X instead. Great bang-for-the-buck instruments.

 

Yamaha RBX or TRBX series.

 

The discontinued Squier VM P5 basses are great. Mine’s listed here, but cross country shipping might make it less enticing for you.

 

I've got an Ibanez 5 that I defretted that I'd ship cheap if you're interested. I can check string spacing tonight.



EDIT- sorry thought you were looking for a fretless five.

 

That Ibanez most likely has 16.5mm spacing, but in any case, @Eminor3rd is looking for a fretted bass.

 

What model is that? Looks really cool.

 

GSR205SM.

Great bass, really affordable. I'm just not a fiver guy. This thread does have me curious about spacing though.

Again, sorry about the mistake on fretted, OP.