Is this string spacing normal for a EBMM Stingray Special 5?

[Pep]

I think it's too close, but EBMM says it's fine. I've tried to get used to it, but the distance to the edge of the fretboard is too close for me. I sold both 5 string specials that I tried. On the first attempt I thought it was a factory mistake, but it's by design. The second bass behaved the same and I gave up on them. I didn't have any problem with the pre-Special Stingrays.

You can always have luthier cut a new nut to correct the problem, using the original location of the B string, cutting he G string slot to allow for a little more space along the edge, and then cutting the rest of the slots to have equal spacing between the strings.
The other option is buy a bass that doesn't have this problem.

 

[Maxi Funkl]

It's never been an issue for me whatsoever.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

It’s fine. How does it play?

 

[prndltech]

As stated, it’s a known thing. Totally normal for them. G string is close to the edge and it will slip off if you aren’t careful. I played one exclusively for years…

 

[GreyBeard]

1 3/4" at the nut and 17.5mm at the bridge is the standard for an SR5 and some find it too tight.

 

[jerry]

It's cool for pulling the string over the side for a sliding harmonic. I've had Musicman's forever and the spacing wasn't really a problem for me until I got older and my fingers just got used to the 18-19mm spacing.

 

[winston]

Dang between this and the weak G common on many older SR4s with polepieces not lining up under string (I had a '94 with a really weak G) - EB/MM needs to send their product team to strip clubs way more often to learn about proper G-string placement!

 

[EricOnTheBass]

It is an issue with 5-string StingRays. My Special 5H caused me some issues when I first got it, but I got used to it and it's not a problem anymore.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I find them to be the most comfortable , easy playing 5 stings basses I’ve ever had.

 

[bucephylus]

We have discussed this issue for decades. I gigged an SR5 from about 2002 until about 2011. This issue was discussed at that time, and has been since. My recollection is that the SR5 was the first commonly / popularly used quality production 5. At the time, many of the other production 5’s suffered from the floppy B string syndrome.

Since that time, many builders went to the 19mm spacing and much wider necks, I believe specifically in response to player complaints about the SR5.

I never had an issue with the SR5 calibrations; which do require accurate technique. The positive aspect is that the neck feels more familiar girth-wise to the 4 bangers; as opposed to an aircraft carrier landing deck. Each to their own. I’ve always thought Fender, in their post 2000 designs, and Ken Smith got the metrics trade-offs “right” at 18mm; but, that design space is otherwise kind of a black hole in between narrower and wider designs.

Anyhow, we have choices. Pick your poison.

 

[Geri O]

I would never buy a bass with either one of the outer strings that close to the edge. That's a deal breaker for me. You know EBMM has heard about this before and in all likelihood they're listening to their endorsees who may have told them it isn't a problem. Considering that their revenue comes from paying customers such us, not those who getting free instruments, it should have been addressed by now.

Apparently, paying customers aren’t having too much trouble with the narrow string spacing, either.

Including me.

(And it would be nice if people would call it the narrow string spacing that it is instead of “an issue”)

 

[eeyorebass]

Apparently, paying customers aren’t having too much trouble with the narrow string spacing, either.

Including me.

(And it would be nice if people would call it the narrow string spacing that it is instead of “an issue”)

I don't think the issue being discussed is the narrow spacing. It's the fact that the G string is very close to the fretboard edge and has a tendency to slip off the fingerboard for some players.

The G&L L2500 and the Yamaha BBs have the same nut width (1.75"), and in these pictures (taken from Sweetwater), you can see the G string appears to be farther from the edge.

And, I much prefer narrower 5 strings, too. The G&L and Yamaha are great for me. I've only played one SR5, and it was years ago, so I don't remember if I had an issue with the G string.

 

[Scufflegrit]

The image looks about the same as my 5HH, and it's really not a problem - especially on the first 4 frets. As you get further from the nut (higher than about the 5th fret) it does get easier to accidentally push the G string off the edge, but you have to be a bit sloppy. The only song I have to be careful on is Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups where there's a section you have to jump from 2nd position to frets 9-13 on the D & G strings for a quick section a few times.

 

[Geri O]

I don't think the issue being discussed is the narrow spacing. It's the fact that the G string is very close to the fretboard edge and has a tendency to slip off the fingerboard for some players.

The G&L L2500 and the Yamaha BBs have the same nut width (1.75"), and in these pictures (taken from Sweetwater), you can see the G string appears to be farther from the edge.

View attachment 7140016 View attachment 7140017

And, I much prefer narrower 5 strings, too. The G&L and Yamaha are great for me. I've only played one SR5, and it was years ago, so I don't remember if I had an issue with the G string.

You are correct, of course, but I believe the narrow spacing is what is making some folks call it an issue.

Oh, well. Fun with semantics…

The spacing of the MMs definitely took some getting used to. That was a long time ago, though. I can go back and forth between my Lull and my Stingray pretty easily now.

Now, he says….

 

[Doug Parent]

I don't think the issue being discussed is the narrow spacing. It's the fact that the G string is very close to the fretboard edge and has a tendency to slip off the fingerboard for some players.

The G&L L2500 and the Yamaha BBs have the same nut width (1.75"), and in these pictures (taken from Sweetwater), you can see the G string appears to be farther from the edge.

View attachment 7140016 View attachment 7140017

And, I much prefer narrower 5 strings, too. The G&L and Yamaha are great for me. I've only played one SR5, and it was years ago, so I don't remember if I had an issue with the G string.

Yep all my G&L fivers were exactly as pictured very consistent. Never a slid off issue just perfect up and down the neck.

 

[cholyoke]

I have never had a problem with the G string slipping off the edge of the fret board while playing any of my EBMM five string basses. Best five string necks in the business for me.

 

[tubatodd]

Hey, guys! I am about to purchase my first ever 5 string bass, and I am curious, what do you think about the instrument that I have chosen. It's a Stingray Special 5, but since these basses are super rare in my area, I have to order it online. The retailer was super friendly, and sent me some pictures of the neck, and from what I can see, the G string is very close to the edge of the fretboard. Looks like the string is touching that little slope, like it's about to slip off very easily. I know that this is a common "issue" amongst Stingrays, but this one seems to be too off. Or is it just me? What do you think? Thank you very much in advance for the help!

I purchased a Lakland in 2022 and felt like the G string was closer to the edge than my other basses. I DID experience a few times where the string pulled off the edge of the board, but that was very likely due to bad/sloppy technique. I haven't had a problem playing it since. Your mileage may vary.

This was the thread on that bass.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/lakland-44-02-bridge-alignment.1559357/#post-26362795

 

[Challanger2]

Is this also an issue with 4 string variants? Or just their 5s?

 

[rogerbmiller]

Yes this is normal and has been a “feature” of SR basses for as long as I can remember.

 

[Swamp_Ronin]

I havent owned or played any specials but the G on the classic 5 I used to own was close enough to come off untill I adjusted my technique- my 3band 5 doesnt have that issue. Its common enough issue that youll find posts about it if you search

every time I see a post by you I think "damn, I love that gold stingray!"