smaller string spacing on a 4-string?

[benno_bennessy]

Hey guys, this is my first post, please go easy!

I apologise if this is a 'noob' question, but is it possible to get 16.5mm string spacing on any 4-string basses? Most of the ones I look at are 19mm.

I used to play 5-string and loved it, but I now want to play 4-string, and find I'm having trouble with the spacing.

Cheers,
-Benno

 

[maxiegrant]

Hey guys, this is my first post, please go easy!

I apologise if this is a 'noob' question, but is it possible to get 16.5mm string spacing on any 4-string basses? Most of the ones I look at are 19mm.

I used to play 5-string and loved it, but I now want to play 4-string, and find I'm having trouble with the spacing.

Cheers,
-Benno

I might be being a smart-ass here, but you have a couple of options: 1. Use a five anyway and use your B as a thumbrest.
2. Take your B off (which probably unbalances the tension on the rest of the instrument, but since it's the low B it can't be by much).

Or put a 5-string bridge and nut on your 4-string bass and just don't use one of the saddles

 

[Warpeg]

I don't know the exact measurements, but Ric's feel like they have a smaller string spacing.

 

[benno_bennessy]

Thanks for the responses guys, I'm basically just curious as to wether they exist, or If I should stop looking

 

[spade2you]

Status makes a King Bass with 16mm spacing...for a pretty penny. Probably easier if ya simply work on 19mm spacing. I play basses with 17mm and 19mm spacing. Once I grab the bass, I don't really notice or care.

 

[Thunder Pulse]

Rics have narrower string spacing than typical basses, but it's not 16.5 mm.

The answer is to find a bass you don't mind modifying and replace the bridge with one with narrower spacing. I just went through this recently myself because I played a 4-string with narrow spacing earlier this year and fell in love with it so much that I hate playing 'regular' 4-strings now. I researched the crap out of replacement bridges and finally found what I needed. I think it's just what you're looking for:

Invalid Link Removed