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

Eminor3rd

Eminor3rd

BLAAAAARRGGHH!!
Feb 10, 2008
2,602
1,184
Detroit
#1
My main player (and only fretted 5-string) has been out for a while awaiting a very specific and drastic repair. Circumstances have caused that repair to be delayed without a definite due date.

I love my fretless, but I am itching to play fretted bass again.

I have no desire to invest in another high-end instrument unless my current primary proves irreparable. So, I'm considering buying a cheap one to use in the meantime, to be resold at a later date.

Here's the catch: I REALLY want it to have 18mm spacing. This is because I have found spacing at the bridge to be one of the most significant "feel" factors that affect my playing, and I want my fretted and fretless to match, so that I have no trouble switching between them.

It seems most Fenders are 19-20mm and Ibanezes tend to be something like 16.5mm. Beyond that, it seems few entry-level instruments tend to have such info listed. So I seek your help!

What is the cheapest available 5-string with 18mm spacing?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: 17.5mm is acceptable as well. Close enough.

EDIT 2: Must be 34" scale!
 
Last edited:
#2
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.
 
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#8
Aidil said:
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.
Click to expand...

These -- this might be what I'm talking about. Although looking at all of the suggestions in this thread, I've also realized I really want 24 frets. Love the Talman pricetag, but that TRBX305 has the frets...
 
#11
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.
 
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#12
Eminor3rd said:
My main player (and only fretted 5-string) has been out for a while awaiting a very specific and drastic repair. Circumstances have caused that repair to be delayed without a definite due date.

I love my fretless, but I am itching to play fretted bass again.

I have no desire to invest in another high-end instrument unless my current primary proves irreparable. So, I'm considering buying a cheap one to use in the meantime, to be resold at a later date.

Here's the catch: I REALLY want it to have 18mm spacing. This is because I have found spacing at the bridge to be one of the most significant "feel" factors that affect my playing, and I want my fretted and fretless to match, so that I have no trouble switching between them.

It seems most Fenders are 19-20mm and Ibanezes tend to be something like 16.5mm. Beyond that, it seems few entry-level instruments tend to have such info listed. So I seek your help!

What is the cheapest available 5-string with 18mm spacing?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: 17.5mm is acceptable as well. Close enough.

EDIT 2: Must be 34" scale!
Click to expand...

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