jonnywillmott Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 Hey guys I play a 4 string bass but want to move to a 5 for the music I play, I borrowed a ibanez sr 505 but really struggled to play clean as the strings seemed so close together compared to that on my 4 string esp bass. Is this pretty much standard with 5 string basses or is this mainly ibanez? I'm playing low tuned metal so any recommendations would be perfect. I'm looking to spend in between 500-1000 Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbyrne Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 Have a look at the Yamaha TRB series. Wide spacing at the bridge. G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBus Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 In my experience fivers do have a narrower spacing, anything from 16.5mm to 18mm. When I switched to five I had the same problem hitting the right string on 16.5mm spacing. Stick with it, you will soon adapt and you will never look back. Now I can transfer from 19mm on a four to 16.5mm on a five no problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBus Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 ...and yes, Ibanez, Cort and ESP fivers do have closer string spacing. All made in the same factory I believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazed Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 Warwicks standard 5ers are also 16.5 at the bridge. Look for their broadneck models, these are a whopping 20mm. Warwicks are also equipped with 3D adjustable bridges too so you can fine tune the spacing. They're also good for metal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 I find you just get used to the narrower spacing over time, my Jazz 5 is really wide compared to my Ray 5s, feels like the same spacing as a Jazz 4 to me. Find one you like overall and play it loads, you'll be sorted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 You will be fine with a 18mm spaced bass I'm sure. The narrow spaces ones are a bit claustrophobic, the 20mm ones are a bit like playing a plank of wood, 18 is a good compromise. My Alpher and Dingwall are both set up to 18 and they play amazingly well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 Jazz fivers are wide at the bridge. Certainly the Fenders, Squiers and Sires I've seen/played/owned. And +1 for Yamahas. Superb basses and fantastic VFM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.I.P. Posted July 4, 2016 Share Posted July 4, 2016 (edited) [quote name='BassBus' timestamp='1467468744' post='3083923'] In my experience fivers do have a narrower spacing, anything from 16.5mm to 18mm. When I switched to five I had the same problem hitting the right string on 16.5mm spacing. Stick with it, you will soon adapt and you will never look back. Now I can transfer from 19mm on a four to 16.5mm on a five no problem. [/quote] +1....stick with it, you'll get it Edited July 5, 2016 by R.I.P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiamPodmore Posted July 4, 2016 Share Posted July 4, 2016 My Squier Deluxe Jazz V is either 18 or 19mm. I never had any issues whatsoever transferring between that and my P bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.I.P. Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 (edited) [quote name='R.I.P.' timestamp='1467665935' post='3085276'] +1....stick with it, you'll get it [/quote] Since I posted this on the 4th I decided to switch from my 4 to my 5 after about 9 months playing the 4 exclusively. The 1st day or two was a little rough, but by last night I was playing with comfort....note I don't know what the spacing is. Edited July 9, 2016 by R.I.P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 Everyone is going to have a different experience. I've owned 5s that have had bridge spacing ranging from 16mm to 19mm. Because swap between 4s (all 19mm) and my 5, but find 19mm a little much on 5s, I seem to have settled on 18mm. Seems the most comfortable when swapping between 4 & 5 for me Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blank20 Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 Check theese two http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/STST5SBS https://gb.muzyczny.pl/143270_LTD-B-415SM-NS-bass-guitar.html This Schecter looks stunning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.I.P. Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 [quote name='blank20' timestamp='1468083366' post='3088536'] Check theese two http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/STST5SBS https://gb.muzyczny.pl/143270_LTD-B-415SM-NS-bass-guitar.html This Schecter looks stunning [/quote] I've tried the Schecter. Great bass.....definitely give it a look if you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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