I once ordered a 19mm spaced 5 string custom bass from a known luthier. Upon completion I double checked and I was told the bridge has 17.5mm (or 18).
I insisted that I get what I ordered and a 19mm bridge was installed. What I didn't know was that the whole bass was built around the original spacing.
Very bad result! No longer have that bass.

well..
 

You didn't order it from us. If it had been a Smith bass in 18mm and an error in making it, WE would have made an entirely NEW 19mm Bass to replace the one made in 18mm by mistake. What they did was outright wrong as you were able to tell in seconds when they sent it back modified incorrectly.

It was NOT a Ken Smith bass.
I'm actually very sorry that I didn't order one from you back then (1999). I'm good now though :D

ok..
 

Just trying to point out that what you got was not something that would make a Luthier 'known' as you stated. Maybe infamous for backwards thinking at best. I can't imagine any professional trying to 'fudge' something as obvious as that and then selling it.

18mm vs. 19mm: EOF Width
 

Greg, the 18mm Smith 5-String does measure 3 inches wide at the end of fretboard. The 19mm Smith 5-String measures 3.25 at the end of the fretboard.