Hi all, Newbie member here but have been playing bass for decades. So I'm interested in finding a 5 string electric with a smaller than usual neck. Less than 1 3/4" or 44mm wide at the nut and less than 70mm wide at the opposite end. Any brands/models that fit this description most appreciated.
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Small 5 string neck
- Thread starter just4thefunofit
- Start date
Ibanez SRs are 45 and 68 (at F24) and 16.5mm at the bridge. You're not going to find something much smaller on an off the shelf bass.
The SR necks are really consistent in shape and dimensions between models.
The SR necks are really consistent in shape and dimensions between models.
Many Yamaha BB's (BB415 for one) are 1.69 inches at the nut but 18mm at the bridge, not your 17.5 limit. But if you're into a bridge swap you could get 17.5.
You can also cut a new nut with tighter string spacing if the rest of the bass is what you want.
You can also cut a new nut with tighter string spacing if the rest of the bass is what you want.
I'll go with that. I own a 300E, 600E and 2600. The 500E upwards have the trussrod adjuster at the heel; 400E downwards other have it at the headstock end and a bigger volute to make the headstock stronger. All three necks are otherwise built the same.
Decades ago I needed a bass quickly. I ended up with an Ibanez SR. I love it still.
You can browse the Ibanez website and see the actual dimensional measurements of the necks. Then get your hands on one and see what you think.
That's pretty much what I'm finding on both my 755 and 1405 although the neck shape feels slightly different on the 755. They're both "pencil necked groovers".
Riis
EdwardofHuncote
I Still Dream of Jeannie
- Aug 21, 2013
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If you can find one, Gibson made a 5-string in the late-80's called the Thunder Series V. Very small, tight 5-string. Mine is an '87, in Ferrari red.
Fender MB-5 (the earlier MIJ version)? Not your typical looking Fender, but the nut is right at or less than your requirements (I'll have to measure the other end when I have time - the picture makes it look wide, but it plays tight).
D'oh, I meant to include a link to the Ibanez website in my earlier post. Here's an example of the SR505 for the OP as an example.
https://www.ibanez.com/na/products/detail/sr505e_1p_04.html
Hell must have frozen over - there's a Gibson bass I like the look of.
That's a tough one. I know Yamaha TRB 5-string necks are 43mm at the nut, but have 18mm string spacing at the bridge, per the specs on their site: TRBX - 600 Series - Yamaha USA
Ibanez Soundgears have a 45mm nut width, but a more slender than usual neck profile. Plus, Soundgears are 34" scale 5-strings whereas most Schecter and Jackson 5ers are 35" scale. For a slender neck, I definitely recommend trying a Soundgear. They're almost as ubiquitous as Fenders, so you can find them everywhere to try out.
Ibanez Soundgears have a 45mm nut width, but a more slender than usual neck profile. Plus, Soundgears are 34" scale 5-strings whereas most Schecter and Jackson 5ers are 35" scale. For a slender neck, I definitely recommend trying a Soundgear. They're almost as ubiquitous as Fenders, so you can find them everywhere to try out.
See if you can find a Wilkinson 4+1 conversion kit. Converts a 4 string to 5, but never really caught on because you have tight nut space and narrow spacing at the bridge, but those are the qualities you're looking for.
Consider a 4 to 5 string conversion. Grab a cheap and comfy Fender style bass, get a new right side tuner and Schaller roller bridge, new set of strings, and viola! There are many threads detailing the process here on talkbass. It might not be the instant gratification of finding the perfect spacing instrument available to purchase, but you will have the specs you desire without commissioning a custom or hunting down a vintage unicorn that just might suck.
I previously had an Ibanez RB885? that had 15mm string spacing, a bit narrower than their current models
I think you'll want to check out Ibanez and Warwick. I have 2 of each. Really similar in feel but will be the closest to what you're asking for.
The Ibanez SR series are very narrow and comfortable and the only 5-ers I enjoy playing, other than the Sub-Short-Scale miKro 5-string.
