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