5 String with wide string spacing at nut AND bridge

[No. 8 Wire]

Hello fellow basschatters,

I'm looking for suggestions for production (ie not custom) 5 string basses that have a wide string spacing at the nut and at the bridge. I've searched the forum and there are a few threads about 5ers with wide bridge spacing but don't mention the nut.

I've currently got a Sire V7 5er and its great, However my fingers get cramped up on the A-D-G strings on frets 1-4. The bridge spacing isn't too bad at 18mm, but ideally I think I would prefer 19mm.

The Sire has a 45mm nut and 18mm string spacing bridge spacing for reference.

I think in an ideal world I'd want 50mm at the nut and 19mm string spacing at bridge.

Obviously I could go to Maroooshchuk and get exactly what I want, but I'd rather try this out on a bass I could try out new in a shop or even better pick up used for an extended play. I might even dabble in building/making one myself if I can't find someting that fits.

Anyone got any ideas, not too worried about budget either low or high but it has to be a production bass so that will keep it down. Searching is kind of infuriating as many manufacturers don't list the bridge spacing, nut width or either!

Some candidates so far:

Squier Deluxe Jazz V (unknown bridge spacing)
http://shop.fender.com/en-GB/squier-electric-basses/jazz-bass/deluxe-jazz-bass-active-v-5-string/0300575500.html

You'd think you'd be safe with a Precision V but actually the nut width is only 47.6mm - still could be worth trying:
http://shop.fender.com/en-GB/electric-basses/precision-bass/american-professional-precision-bass-v/0194652776.html

[MikanHannille]

I'd say Laklands. Their 5 strings are 19mm spacing and 1.81 (45.974mm) inch nut.

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='MikanHannille' timestamp='1502723752' post='3353113']
I'd say Laklands. Their 5 strings are 19mm spacing and 1.81 (45.974mm) inch nut.
[/quote]

That nut width is still too narrow for me. I quite like Sandberg's but they have a 45mm nut too.

[Bigwan]

Laklands feel a good bit wider than Sire to me so I'm surprised at those measurements.

Fender Roscoe Beck V is the widest I've experienced if you have the reddies...

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1502724545' post='3353124']
Laklands feel a good bit wider than Sire to me so I'm surprised at those measurements.

Fender Roscoe Beck V is the widest I've experienced if you have the reddies...
[/quote]

According to the specs the Roscoe neck is 47.6mm. So a bit wider than the Sire, same as a precision v. It might be worth a look at the precision V given it should be in a shop somewhere.

[Bigwan]

[quote name='No. 8 Wire' timestamp='1502725204' post='3353128']
According to the specs the Roscoe neck is 47.6mm. So a bit wider than the Sire, same as a precision v. It might be worth a look at the precision V given it should be in a shop somewhere.
[/quote]

Surprised by that...

Having said that I'm not entirely convinced that the raw specs tell the whole story in cases like this. I've always been a stickler for 19mm string spacing at the bridge... or so I thought... I've come to realise it's the ergonomics of the bass as a whole that matters, not just measurement of one specific area. The Laklands and the Roscoe Beck (and my ACG 5) have asymmetric neck carves which contribute far more to the neck feel than you'd expect from looking at the measurements. If you get a chance I suggest you give them a try.

Another suggestion would be a Warwick Stage 1 Streamer Broad Neck...

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1502725552' post='3353131']


Surprised by that...

Having said that I'm not entirely convinced that the raw specs tell the whole story in cases like this. I've always been a stickler for 19mm string spacing at the bridge... or so I thought... I've come to realise it's the ergonomics of the bass as a whole that matters, not just measurement of one specific area. The Laklands and the Roscoe Beck (and my ACG 5) have asymmetric neck carves which contribute far more to the neck feel than you'd expect from looking at the measurements. If you get a chance I suggest you give them a try.

Another suggestion would be a Warwick Stage 1 Streamer Broad Neck...
[/quote]

I think you're right about the measurement not telling the whole story. I wonder sometimes if some of them are even written correctly. I guess the only answer is to try them out. I've certainly never played an asymmetric neck, so that is something to check out.

I'll look up the Warwick.

[Woodinblack]

Aren't the fender 5s that sort of scale? I know I can't use them because the strings are too wide for me, so I assumed it was something of that scale.

Also Ibanez BTB - 19mm at the bridge and 47mm on the nut

Edited August 14, 2017 by Woodinblack

[ikay]

Just measured my Yamaha TRB5 which is 19mm at the bridge with a 47mm nut. Actual string spacing at nut is 38mm B to G (string centre to string centre) which is more J than P so not as wide that end as you're looking for. Some figures for reference anyway.

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1502727989' post='3353154']
Aren't the fender 5s that sort of scale? I know I can't use them because the strings are too wide for me, so I assumed it was something of that scale.

Also Ibanez BTB - 19mm at the bridge and 47mm on the nut
[/quote]

The Fender 5's seem to have a few different widths, most common seems to be the 47.6mm for the P5.

Thanks for that on the BTB, that's great to know as they are a fairly easy instrument to get hold of and have a go on.

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='ikay' timestamp='1502728297' post='3353159']
Just measured my Yamaha TRB5 which is 19mm at the bridge with a 47mm nut. Actual string spacing at nut is 38mm B to G (string centre to string centre) which is more J than P so not as wide that end as you're looking for. Some figures for reference anyway.
[/quote]

I think you have hit on something here, my sire has a 45mm string spacing but B-G centre-centre is only a shade under 35mm, so it seems that how close the strings are to the fingerboard edge might have a lot to do with the feel.

I'll look out for a TRB5 in case it feels wider than the measurement would suggest.

[squire5]

My Squier P5 is just slightly over 50mm at the nut and string spacing at the bridge is 20mm,but dont take that as exact as I'm only using a flexible tape measure.But the nut is definitely over 50mm.

[stingrayPete1977]

I think my 2013 usa standard Jazz V is fairly wide, the high mass bridges can go far to wide for me so that should suit you, it's a really nice bass too.

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='squire5' timestamp='1502735542' post='3353208']
My Squier P5 is just slightly over 50mm at the nut and string spacing at the bridge is 20mm,but dont take that as exact as I'm only using a flexible tape measure.But the nut is definitely over 50mm.
[/quote]

Which model is that? The one with jazz pickups? The only ones I can find for sale are the VM5s, they say in the specs that it is a 47.6mm neck.

[squire5]

[quote name='No. 8 Wire' timestamp='1502739072' post='3353236']
Which model is that? The one with jazz pickups? The only ones I can find for sale are the VM5s, they say in the specs that it is a 47.6mm neck.
[/quote]

Thats the one.With the Jazz pups.I know I only used an everyday 5m tape measure,and in fact I've just checked again and the nut is definitely 50mm exactly,and not slightly over as I stated previously.

Edited August 14, 2017 by squire5

[pete.young]

[quote name='No. 8 Wire' timestamp='1502722570' post='3353101']

I've currently got a Sire V7 5er and its great, However my fingers get cramped up on the A-D-G strings on frets 1-4.

[/quote]

I find one of the benefits of the 5 string is that you don't need to play down the neck end, which is great for people like me with short arms.

Have you tried playing it on E-A-D strings on frets 6-9 ?

[NJE]

Squier active Jazz V has to be the bigggest neck of any 5 string I have ever seen, I have one and love it. I put a Hipshot 19mm bridge on mine if that is any help.

It is an incredible bass, so well made and I have had so many compliments on the sound and playability.

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='pete.young' timestamp='1502744773' post='3353288']
I find one of the benefits of the 5 string is that you don't need to play down the neck end, which is great for people like me with short arms.

Have you tried playing it on E-A-D strings on frets 6-9 ?
[/quote]

I do this to an extent, but I find some tunes just don't sound right moved up the fretboard.

This is really the main reason I've still got the Sire, I can play up the neck as a stop-gap, but also the damn thing is just far too nice! You just can't get anything as nice as this with the range of tones for the same money (ie its used value).

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='NJE' timestamp='1502783431' post='3353425']
Squier active Jazz V has to be the bigggest neck of any 5 string I have ever seen, I have one and love it. I put a Hipshot 19mm bridge on mine if that is any help.

It is an incredible bass, so well made and I have had so many compliments on the sound and playability.
[/quote]

That's a great help, a current model too, so that is an option. How do you find the basswood body? Is it too light for the big neck? I'm not a huge fan of basswood, mainly becasue I like natural finishes.

At the moment I've got some 50mm/19mm contenders and all seem to be Squier.

Squier Active Deluxe JAzz V
https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/07011213222329--squier-deluxe-jazz-bass-v-active-3-tone-sunburst?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7fvVwerY1QIVp7ztCh0AgQwQEAQYASABEgILu_D_BwE

Squier P 5
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-squire-5-string-precision-bass/232445314333?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908131621%26meid%3D53329740f36e4517aebdefb3ce0f3415%26pid%3D100678%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D172665921730&_trksid=p2481888.c100678.m3607&_trkparms=pageci%253Aa296a7e1-8192-11e7-8a59-74dbd1809b70%257Cparentrq%253Ae4fb0f6915d0a86bc8f54344fff6f183%257Ciid%253A1

And this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Squier-Pro-Series-5-String-Bass-Rare-Collectable/172665921730?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908131621%26meid%3D53329740f36e4517aebdefb3ce0f3415%26pid%3D100678%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D172665921730&_trksid=p2481888.c100678.m3607&_trkparms=pageci%253Aa296a7e1-8192-11e7-8a59-74dbd1809b70%257Cparentrq%253Ae4fb0f6915d0a86bc8f54344fff6f183%257Ciid%253A1

Now that last one ticks all the boxes... but also has everything I usually hate in one bass - rosewood neck, gold hardware, red body! However the more I look at it the more I'm coming round to it.

[Matt P]

While on my quest for a backup 5 string I tried one of the squier 5 string precisions (the one with 2 jazz pickups) and it's got a very wide neck, I think my comment at the time was that it was like an aircraft carrier, if someone wanted a narrow spaced 6 string then it would be a good candidate for a cheap conversion.

You should be able to pick one up fairly cheaply second hand I think the one I tried was only about 120 quid.

The string spacing was fairly wide at the nut from what I can remember, and it was 19ish at the bridge, the neck was wide enough that you could go very wide at the nut without the strings falling off the edge of the fretboard.

[dyerseve]

[quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1502725552' post='3353131']

Another suggestion would be a[b] Warwick Stage 1 Streamer Broad Neck...[/b]
[/quote]

I concur, but then again I may be a little biased!

[kendall]

Hi I have the squire deluxe jazz bass v. Just measured it. The nut measures 5cm with 1cm between the strings, 1.9cm at the bridge.

As for the bass itself, i find the neck supremely comfortable for such a wide neck (i have small hands) the tones I can get from it are pretty damn good. I can drop tune this to F# comfortably with no tweaking.

Build quality is top notch and in black it's a striking looking bass. I get a lot of compliments on the tone and playability. For the money, its probably one of the best value basses I've ever bought.

Edited August 15, 2017 by kendall

[Muppet]

The Fender Dimension V has an asymmetric C shaped neck, compound radius from 9.5" to 14" with a 19mm bridge and 44.5mm nut so it does look like Fender have a wide range. I don't know of other Fender Vs with the asymmetric profile though.

[NJE]

[quote name='No. 8 Wire' timestamp='1502786272' post='3353456']
That's a great help, a current model too, so that is an option. How do you find the basswood body? Is it too light for the big neck? I'm not a huge fan of basswood, mainly becasue I like natural finishes.

At the moment I've got some 50mm/19mm contenders and all seem to be Squier.

Squier Active Deluxe JAzz V
[url="https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/07011213222329--squier-deluxe-jazz-bass-v-active-3-tone-sunburst?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7fvVwerY1QIVp7ztCh0AgQwQEAQYASABEgILu_D_BwE"]https://www.guitargu...ASABEgILu_D_BwE[/url]

Squier P 5
[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-squire-5-string-precision-bass/232445314333?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908131621%26meid%3D53329740f36e4517aebdefb3ce0f3415%26pid%3D100678%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D172665921730&_trksid=p2481888.c100678.m3607&_trkparms=pageci%253Aa296a7e1-8192-11e7-8a59-74dbd1809b70%257Cparentrq%253Ae4fb0f6915d0a86bc8f54344fff6f183%257Ciid%253A1"]http://www.ebay.co.u...3%257Ciid%253A1[/url]

And this:
[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Squier-Pro-Series-5-String-Bass-Rare-Collectable/172665921730?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908131621%26meid%3D53329740f36e4517aebdefb3ce0f3415%26pid%3D100678%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D172665921730&_trksid=p2481888.c100678.m3607&_trkparms=pageci%253Aa296a7e1-8192-11e7-8a59-74dbd1809b70%257Cparentrq%253Ae4fb0f6915d0a86bc8f54344fff6f183%257Ciid%253A1"]http://www.ebay.co.u...3%257Ciid%253A1[/url]

Now that last one ticks all the boxes... but also has everything I usually hate in one bass - rosewood neck, gold hardware, red body! However the more I look at it the more I'm coming round to it.
[/quote]


It isn't the lightest bass in the world, and it does have a slight bit of neck dive, but completely comfortable with a nice wide strap and hasn't ever slipped or taken a nose dive with me. I love the phenolic?? fingerboard, its like ebony and incredibly responsive. Over all it is a great bass for next to nothing used if you can find one.

I have had a Squier vintage modified Precision V and again it was an amazing bass, so much fun to play. I would say that the nut width is thinner than the Deluxe V jazz and probably a bit narrower than my lakland 55-02. It was comfortable for me though and I struggle with tight spacing.

Both great basses but tighter overall spacing on the Precision V.

EDIT: Sorry I didn't realise you were looking at a different P5 not the vintage modified.

Edited August 15, 2017 by NJE

[Mastodon2]

How about Warwick 5s with the Broad Neck option? IIRC, it's the same neck as they use on the 6 string, but strung for 5 strings instead - really wide spacing. A bit too boaty and big for my tastes, but possibly what you're looking for?