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narrowest 5-String neck?

MEKer

Supporting member
May 30, 2006
6,081
3,586
:hmm: Looking to buy a really fast action 5 string. Anyone care to give a suggestion on the narrowest neck on quality 5'ers (preferrably neck-thru)? Thanks
 
If you mean narrow string spacing...

MusicMan Stingray...nice but not neck through

OLP MM3...not as nice and not neck through

Ibanez SR405...not as nice not neckthrough

SX and Brice...not as nice and not neckthrough

Ibanez SRX705...ok and neck through more agressive pickups worth looking at

I saw an Ibanez in a shop that was neckthrough with REAL bartolini's and a narrow neck and a curved body. Very nice playing and sounding, and absolutely nice. I think this is it or like it:

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Good luck.
 
MEKer,
if you're looking for a fast neck, don't immediately jump to the narrowest 5 string neck available. All of my 5 & 6 string basses have 3/4" spacing (4-string spacing) and are fast because of the NECK PROFILE. I use wide necks that are thin. I've found narrow necks to be a disadvantage in several situations and not necessarily faster. Try a wide 5er with a flattened C neck shape and I think you'll be surprised. Some basses with this configuration are the Fbass, Modulus wide 5, Sadowsky, Status, and many others. Also, don't forget that the ergonomics of the bass (balance, comfort, etc) have a lot to do with one's ability to shred on a particular instrument.
 
Roger that, guys! Thanks for the input. I will be checking out your tips. Absolutely the ergonomcs and other handling capabilities are prime. My favorite neck of all time is the 1980 Washburn SB-40 (I have 2 of those babies). So I will check out your suggestions and appreciate your inputting them to me. Best to you all!
 
Nice bass, Ibz! But this next acquisition is one I have to save up for so it'll be a while. Wow-I'd keep it if I were you and I like the sculpting of neck into body in the woodworking!
 
5stringrickbass.jpg
 
Thanks for the tip, I looked at them---I think the Icon you have is great. Carvin is overlooked too much--they have some fine instruments. Hmmm, needs further looking into-----thanks for reminding about them. BTW, the Icon's neck smoothes into the body so there is not a big 'ol heel filling your hand and you can nicely play the upper notes, right?
 
i got a mate who turned a ibanez 4 string into a 5 string. closest ive ever seen. head stock still had 4 tuners. but the nut and bridge were changed. bridge has a tuner on one string like a headless. odd bridge
 
Yamaha BB5000.

Narrow fast neck that has a little more meat to it than the flatter Ibby style. (Personally, I like it a little better than a really thin front to back profile. YMMV.)

String spacing a little tighter than others at the bridge, but a great player.
 
Gibson Les Paul 5 bass and many Ibanez have bery slim necks.

Personally, I don't see the issue with wider necks. I have very small hands but love my Lakland 55-02, Fender MIA Jazz V and Bongo 5. I really think most people worry too much about neck width and too little about spacing.
 
Whew-lots of different recommendations out there on this----and yes, string spacing is the thing that in turn allows narrowing the neck some top to bottom. "Fatness" of the neck fretboard to back is not too much an issue as thats usually very accomodating. I wish GC had all the models you all are recommending. And making a 4 into a 5-hmmmm, then finding a wider 4 neck wouild indeed give a narrow one for 5's! So, would need blank brass nut for a custom fit, etc...could be interesting. Guess I am off to measuring needed string spacing and then finding a nice 4 neck it can fit on. Well thats one option unless I find the "right one" from the recommendations graciously offered. Thanks TB'ers from Oregon.