5 string players

[The jazz metal flum]

I was just wondering what the best string spacing is for a 5 string bass (say 16.5mm or 18mm). The reason I ask is I am hoping to be getting one but I dunno what sort of string spacing I should be looking at. Previously I've been playing a 4 string with a spacing of 18 if that helps?

[rage f*****g rule]

you'll get used to the string spacing anyway...
i play a 5, the only problems i had was getting used to popping

[EADG]

They vary.. look at the spec list for a bass you're interested in.

[bottlerocket]

Yeah, check the company's website. It should say. If not, try browsing reviews on Google or something similar.

-Gav

[British Beef]

its usually much closer than a four string, thats what i hate about them

[The jazz metal flum]

Well I was just worried that on a bass with 18mm string spacing it would be too big but also I wouldn't be very used to a bass with 16.5mm string spacing.

[BassVirtuoso]

Personally I love lots of string space. I have long skeletal fingers that like to get caught between the strings during runs.

[sixner]

mm. i have this problem.. i have a 5 string, but i have problems popping the D string, its uncomfy, so im lookin for something wider... it might just be something you have to deal with? learn to play around it, adjust your technique... im workin on it a bit...

-sixner

[rage f*****g rule]

mm. i have this problem.. i have a 5 string, but i have problems popping the D string, its uncomfy, so im lookin for something wider... it might just be something you have to deal with? learn to play around it, adjust your technique... im workin on it a bit...

-sixner

definatly persist... i found that once i could slap/pop on my 5 slapping was real easy on the 4... you get used to popping in the narrow spacing...

[faelun]

i have 16.5 aand it's helped build my speed cuz the strings are so close, it was a tad bit annoying at first but now it's a blessing

[rh15951]

19mm FTW

[Walk In The Park]

I have a five string fender jazz bass...It has pretty large spacing but i really think its personal...

Go to a music shop, guitar world or something and try out all the different basses with different spacing...My bass was a gift so i couldnt really choose.


IOplayObass-----is that conan o brian??? if so thats so sick!!

[thelowsoundofbass]

On my fiver it is 16.5mm spacing and it is very comfortable to play. I really like tight spacing, there was a time that I didn't, but the more I play a tight spacing the more I like it.

lowsound

[bottlerocket]

IOplayObass-----is that conan o brian??? if so thats so sick!!

Those are zeros, but please, call me Gav. :)

And yes it is...Conan is the man.

-Gav

[Manticore Guy]

I don't what spacing this had, but I played the best sounding Warwick of all time today. One of those I think streamer 5's (Paul Gray has one of the fours). DAMN was that thing nice

[Son of Magni]

I think 16.5 or 17 you'll get use to very quickly, unless you're a slapper. If you play slap/pop you really want 18+ unless you're really accurate.

[sixner]

Can anyone name off some 18+ 5 or 6 string basses?

i love my peavey for finger style.. close strings = quickness

-sixner

[Rawb]

i have 16.5 aand it's helped build my speed cuz the strings are so close, it was a tad bit annoying at first but now it's a blessing.
agreed. the first time i got my first 5 i first noticed that i could play faster and my chops got really tight. i kinda gripe now about 4 stringers being to far apart.

[jon_slaps_bass]

mm. i have this problem.. i have a 5 string, but i have problems popping the D string, its uncomfy, so im lookin for something wider... it might just be something you have to deal with? learn to play around it, adjust your technique... im workin on it a bit...

-sixner
I love how your response to not being able to deal with the spacing is buy another one.....you don't have an understanding for the value of money eh?

[jordan-z]

I had trouble at first when i switched to a 16.5 spaced five string and tried to slap/pop, it was hard at first but I've pretty much got the hand of it and i've only had it about a month