• 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.

Looking for Recommendations on 5 string bass for small hands

#41
Stevorebob said:
Good suggestions here. Let me add Sterling by Music Man. Imported instruments based on Ernie Ball Music Man designs. Great quality and playability.
Click to expand...
^This^ I have a “Sterling by musicman” SB14 ( it’s the import sterling 4 string ) and the neck is much more comfortable and slimmer compared to my fender jazz and it feels more like a “33” scale. I believe it feels like a smaller scale because it sits closer to the headstock when sitting and playing ( which is all I do these days ). The neck also hasn’t moved in since I purchased the bass and that’s been years now. They don’t make the SB14 anymore but it’s pretty much a mid level priced instrument ( above the sub series but below the American made sterling ). I love it and will never sell this bass. I have nerve damage/issues and this is so much easier to play and my MIA Jazz comes out for recodings and doesn’t get as much play time as the sterling is so easy to play and I feel it has a least 80 percent of the time the American model has ( you couldn’t tell the difference in the mix ). Best of luck, and play before you buy !!!!
 
#42
I also have small hands and so I started out with an SR500 and, later an SR605, Never could adjust to the 605. but thought I was happy with the 500 - until I got a MIM P bass. I found it much easier to play. Then I got a Stingray 5 and it felt good from the moment I picked it up, I mean literally felt like there was no adjustment period even though it was a 5 string.

I think you have to get your hands on things and let them tell you what they like. Good luck, and have fun shopping!
 
#45
There are short scales and narrow necks but I wouldn't focus on small basses. Find the bass that sounds the best (I'd recommend looking at a Sadowsky Jazz or Mike Lull Jazz) and then get some lessons to bring your technique to the point where the size of the neck doesn't matter to you.
 
#46
Mike Z said:
Good Day All,

I am looking to get a used 5 string bass which would be a very good instrument for playing live but does not break the bank. I have small hands if that also factors into which basses are best. Also, I would want to know where to buy as there is very limited inventory near me. My other basses are 34" so I am capable of playing that scale. I play rock, blues, and Motown.

I appreciate your responses,
Mike
Click to expand...
Anything with narrow string spacing.

My hands are small like a girl's and I appreciate narrow string spacing very much. It is so much more natural for me to play. My personal 5er is a Carvin/Kiesel Icon 5. Sometimes, you can get those for good prices, used.

Ibanez is an easy choice, as the majority of their 5ers are narrow spacing.

Music Man 5 strings are narrow spacing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mike Z
#48
Mike Z said:
Good Day All,

I am looking to get a used 5 string bass which would be a very good instrument for playing live but does not break the bank. I have small hands if that also factors into which basses are best. Also, I would want to know where to buy as there is very limited inventory near me. My other basses are 34" so I am capable of playing that scale. I play rock, blues, and Motown.

I appreciate your responses,
Mike
Click to expand...
Ibanez.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mike Z
#50
I'll second (or third, or fourth) the Schecter suggestions. Fairly easy to find a used 5-string, and the necks always surprise me on how "small" they are, which is what I think you are looking for.

My Ibanez BTB405 has a neck like a 2x4, but plays so nicely (and was such a good deal) that it is what came home with me when I went out looking for a used 5-string. So basically what all of the "don't just go by numbers but try playing them" suggestions are about.
 
#53
i have a build with a Warmoth deluxe 5 neck ... the thinner one at 1 3/4 ( 1.75 ) ... it feels even better because it has an asymmetrical backside , which makes it very comfortable to play ...

i going back to 4 strings after a few decades of 5vers , so my neck , or bass might be for sale soon ..!!?? PM if you want more info ..
 
#55
You have to get out and play them. I own lots of jazz necked 4 strings and when I went to buy a 5, nut width meant nothing. It was the thickness front to back that made the biggest difference. Ended up with a G&L MJ5. It was noticeably thinner, and really comfortable to play. Good luck on your search!
 
#56
shoulder.jpg
I'd suggest looking for a shallow C profile. I've found it's the amount of "shoulder" that can make a big difference, even beyond nut width or neck thickness. The sketch is an extreme example of a D profile compared to a shallow C. Also, a deep C baseball bat profile has alot of shoulder.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gilmourisgod
#58
I have small hands and play a 5. I started with a entry level Ibanez 5 and it had a rather slim neck for a 5'er. Now a days I'm most comfortable with a MM SR5 and the G&L other have mention which has a very similar neck profile. The trick is to not wrap you thumb, that way you can reach the B string more easily.
 
#59
It's not about hand, or neck size, it's about technique.
When I played in the university symphony, our 1st chair string bassist was a woman maybe 5ft 4, she outplayed the 6ft + guys on a string bass, that made her look even tinier, and the neck on her string bass made a 5 string bass guitar neck look like a ukulele.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back