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What 5 string bass has the tightest string spacing?
- Thread starter Marc61
- Start date
I like tight spacing. My Vaccaro XRay 5 has tight spacing at the bridge and nut, my aluminum neck Hartke is the same (both modded). My Tobias Model T 5 string is as tight if not tighter, as is my Gibson LPB-1 5 string. I'm partial to my 4 string Fender Performer as well; 2" spacing at the bridge as opposed to the normal 2.5".
That's what I'm looking for. A 5er that plays like a 4
My old Sterling by Music Man 5 string had 15.33 string spacing when I got it. It was just too tight for me and I replaced with a Hipshot 17mm spacing bridge which just barely fit, but solved my problem. I just couldn't get used to the spacing and found myself plucking the wrong strings once in a while though only when not looking. My memory just couldn't get used to it. I've had the bridge for sale here on Talkbass for almost two years with a few questions, but no brave souls. If you do a parts build, this is the bridge for you!
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Then you might like it. The only other thing was that they are (were?) made from all maple, and are heavier than they look. I guess it was 9lb minimum. It was heaiver than my P bass. But I liked it otherwise.
View attachment 4207891G&L L5000... about 15 mm spacing at the bridge I believe. This is mine. They were made in the late 80's and early 90's. Passive. Sounds like a P.[/QUOTE]
Nice. Always wanted to try one of these. Hard to come by!
Nice. Always wanted to try one of these. Hard to come by!
I have heard that this is probably the tightest 5 spacing out there. Seems a lot of the early 5s were pretty tight. The Ibby RB885 and my Dyna 5 certainly fit the bill, too.
My MM 5 is 17.5 and is about as tight as I can comfortably settle with. I cut my teeth on 18.5-19mm Fenders and it somewhat spoiled me...
Okay, Here is my Dean Edge 5 Fretless set up E,A,D,G,C.
I've never seen a mid level production 5 string bass with tighter string spacing. Measured center to center. Discontinued, but you can still find them. These are Active.
[edit per @HaphAsSard request]
My battery cut out so you'll need to read the actual vernier.
Looks like right at or slightly less than 15 mm measured closer to the bridge.
Although discontinued, NOS are still being sold on MF and GC and I believe Zzzounds as a 2018 model with upgraded electronics and only as a satin trans black finish over a maple flame top on a mahogany body.
Dean E5 FM TBKS Edge 5-String Bass Guitar, Trans Black Satin | Total Music Source | Reverb
Shown here at MSRP $759 these do go on sale for less. I believe 'street' price is around $499? I bought the 4 string version during a President's Day sale on MF for $399 last month with the same specs except 4 string.
I absolutely love the neck on these.
Oh, and I'm showing you actual measurements rather than going by memory or "I think it's this or that".
Plus you're already familiar with the Edge Hammer 10 string that you sold recently. These were made at the same location, 'World' factory in South Korea.
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That does give one an idea what to expect at a fairly normal plucking position, thanks. However, at this point I'm curious about the measurement at the bridge tho'. You know, apples and apples.
Got it. Made the edit to add a measurement closer to the bridge over the bridge pup.
Force of habit...I always play closer to the neck than the bridge on any bass. Lower growl than a higher burp is my tone preference.
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Funny that the RB885 mentions 15mm spacing for 'rapid right hand technique.' Yes, sort of... Tighter spacing actually makes me play more clumsily. haha.
My Bass VI is spaced like a guitar, can't really do much in regards to finger style on it, outside of slower, sustained notes, maybe some mid tempo eighth notes. I pretty much play it with a pick.
My Bass VI is spaced like a guitar, can't really do much in regards to finger style on it, outside of slower, sustained notes, maybe some mid tempo eighth notes. I pretty much play it with a pick.
For current stuff, 16.5MM may be it...but IIRC, the original Yamaha BB5000 basses were even narrower still, until they shifted production to Taiwan for a 19mm version with the same Gotoh bridge that was found on the Fender Roscoe Beck 5-string. IIRC further still, Nathan East was a proponent of those narrow, narrow versions. Some say Yamaha simply stuck a 5-string bridge on their BB3000 4-string model...
