Bridges that won't accept a larger gauge.
 

I play Circle K .124 drop tune strings and I have an Ibanez SR500 with the open lock bridge. I am looking for another "nicer" bass and I keep running into Badass style bridges that are closed bridges. Is Warwick and Spector (besides a higher end Ibby) my only options. Played a couple MTDs today and didn't care for them to much, what else is out there. This isn't what is the best bridge for metal? thread, but what is a nice $1K+ bass with my desired style bridge? And yes, it'll be for metal.

I thought all bridges were metal.

Get Hipshot bridge and put it on your fave bass and fly.

Well.. buying a bass for it's bridge is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Just buy another bridge that allow thick string gauges. If you don't like that, go for a Ibanez SR Premium 1200 / 1400 / 1600 bass. They come with Monorail bridges and you don't have to get the string through the bridge. Only the Ball End is placed in it :)

One of the things that pointed me to ken smith basses was their bridge... So I can relate to the op.

Most bridges that are not thread through will accept any string as long as it is tapered.

If you like the Ibanez, the ESP LTD B1000 series basses come with top loaded Hipshot A-style bridges, a similar neck profile and I think they're fantastic. And they come with EMG's.

http://www.espguitars.com/basses/ltd-basses/b-1004.html
http://www.espguitars.com/basses/ltd-basses/b-1005.html

One answer..
 

HIPSHOT.... DONE!!!!

Warwick would be a bad choice imo as there bridhges have a history for not excepting thicker strings and many std non tapered E & A strings. One has to use metal file to widen their bridges. Warwicks answer to this known problem is for peeps to go buy metal file and widen as needed to. lol.

But yeah hipshot bridge replacement is among best bridge replacement options for your current bass.

In most cases it's possible to drill out the bridge's string hole to allow it to accept a larger diameter string.

As darkstorm said, use a file to enlarge the channel on the saddle.

All the best,

Bob