18mm vs 19mm

[Lou Laurenti]

I'm psoting this just to get some feedback from players who have played 18mm and 19mm spaced basses. I have obtained info from Ken on this topic which I value at 100%. I'm just wondering about some others opinions.

I have only played 19mm my entire playing career.

Thanks to all
Lou Laurenti

[Tim Bishop]

Is there a particular question you have in mind about the spacing?

I've played both and like them for different reasons:

1. For finger-style playing, I like the closer string spacing in the 18mm.
2. For slap, I have noticed (for me) a slight advantage (i.e. better feel) with the wide string spacing as an option.

The difference really, for my hands, is feel and nothing more. I could be happy with either one.

If you have grown accustomed to the 19mm, switching to an 18mm will most likely feel awkward. At least for awhile. In the end, only you can determine which feels better in your hands.

Are you considering making the switch to 18mm? If so, why?

[Lou Laurenti]

Hi thanks for your reply Im a finger player first of all. Im in the process of ordering a KS and I know that his standard is 18mm. I just had some reservations due to being used to playing a 19mm. I will most likley try thr 18mm

thanks
Lou

[Jason Mendelson]

If you are still up in the air, you are welcome to meet up with me at a guitar center or something in LA and play my 6 string BMT 6 EG.

its 18mm...



YEARS ago a friend of mine (this had to be like 1992-4) had a 5 string smith ordered from him, but had it strung up with 6 strings... Had a special bridge if I remember where the saddles slid side to side to get closer together... It was close like a guitar! he played with a pick and popped with his middle finger... was pretty sick style... I almost bought the bass from him but ended up ordering my first smith directly from KS....

[Lou Laurenti]

Originally Posted by Jason Mendelson

If you are still up in the air, you are welcome to meet up with me at a guitar center or something in LA and play my 6 string BMT 6 EG.

its 18mm...



YEARS ago a friend of mine (this had to be like 1992-4) had a 5 string smith ordered from him, but had it strung up with 6 strings... Had a special bridge if I remember where the saddles slid side to side to get closer together... It was close like a guitar! he played with a pick and popped with his middle finger... was pretty sick style... I almost bought the bass from him but ended up ordering my first smith directly from KS....

Thank you very much I will let you know

Lou

[Jason Mendelson]

alright...

next week i wont be available... but this week is good...

I actually have to work! blah...

[Bob Faulkner]

I switch back and forth between my Smith 4 which is 19mm and my cheap POS 5 which is 17mm. I don't have much trouble with it, though I do prefer the 19mm. I'm still on the fence on if I want to order a 19 or 18 5 string Smith when I get ready.. I'm thinking I'll probably go with the 18. It will feel like having a gulf between the strings since I'm already used to 17mm.

[Lou Laurenti]

Originally Posted by Bob Faulkner

I switch back and forth between my Smith 4 which is 19mm and my cheap POS 5 which is 17mm. I don't have much trouble with it, though I do prefer the 19mm. I'm still on the fence on if I want to order a 19 or 18 5 string Smith when I get ready.. I'm thinking I'll probably go with the 18. It will feel like having a gulf between the strings since I'm already used to 17mm.

Thanks for your input. Im on fence but may try the 18mm

Lou

[Tim Bishop]

Lou, what's the latest?

[Christopher Rhodes]

Both my Smiths are 18mm spacing. Sometimes I play my other basses which are 19mm spacing on a 35inch scale. the 18mm actually feels more comfortable for me.

I have owned basses with 17mm or 16.5 mm - and those feel too narrow for me. I sold all those basses. I cannot go less than 18mm.

I perform with different brand basses (for years) - and now I find I can adjust to most basses within a minute or so of playing them; of course some basses (Smiths) are easier to adjust to .