Is the badass bridge discontinued?

RyRob813 · #1 06-05-2009, 08:57 PM

The bridge on my Fender MIM J is shot, and I've heard rave reviews about the badass II from alot of friends who play them.

When I searched TB, someone had said they were discontinued, and it says they are on musician's friend. The Leo Quan website hasn't been updated since about 2005 from the looks of things, I'm not sure.

I'd be shocked to see such a famous product discontinued, but it's confusing, as I know the new Geddy sig basses all come with a badass.

Anyone know for sure?

Thanks!

JoeyZ · #2 06-07-2009, 10:53 AM

I doubt it, I just got one not that long ago. Even if for whatever reason they are discontinued, they're still fairly common and should be easy enough to locate.

RyRob813 · #3 06-09-2009, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyZ

I doubt it, I just got one not that long ago. Even if for whatever reason they are discontinued, they're still fairly common and should be easy enough to locate.

Where did you get yours? I found them on basspartsresource.com, but I need it in chrome and they're out of stock. I can't seem to find them anywhere else

J. Crawford · #4 06-09-2009, 09:49 AM

I also heard that they went out of business, but I sure do see lots of new ones popping up in "Mod My Bass" or "Look at my new bass" threads.

takfar · #5 06-09-2009, 09:54 AM

hrmm. bestbassgear.com says they're "temporarily out of stock" and adds:

Quote:

It is unknown when these bridges will be available again. If you need a Fender mount bridge, you may want to consider the Hipshot bridges (Fender mount version).

If you've got a shot at one, you might want to take it.

René_Julien · #6 06-09-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takfar

hrmm. bestbassgear.com says they're "temporarily out of stock" and adds:

If you've got a shot at one, you might want to take it.

I've got two on the way. I ordered last week and should be getting them this week.

Should I have ordered more of them as investmend?

ohskigod · #7 06-09-2009, 10:01 AM

I remember hearing something about the guy that makes them getting sick....for the life of me I can't remember where, but can't help but think I heard it here on talkbass.

might want to check ebay, there's always a lot of them on there

René_Julien · #8 06-09-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohskigod

I remember hearing something about the guy that makes them getting sick....for the life of me I can't remember where, but can't help but think I heard it here on talkbass.

might want to check ebay, there's always a lot of them on there

Yup, was in a thread here about half a year ago.
Appearantly Leo Q is not well.

SlingBass4 · #9 06-09-2009, 10:10 AM

They're discontinuation would be a shame! I have 2 BAII with grooved saddles on Fender bodies, and consider them an equal in solid sound to my Hipshots. They're simplicity in ease of adjustment and installation goes without saying...

Craig_S · #10 06-09-2009, 10:40 AM

Maybe someone will buy the rights and the dies/machinery. I like the BadAss on my Jazz. There are better built bridges out there, though.

nightcityburn · #11 06-09-2009, 10:43 AM

I have had 2, and I have liked them for what they do. I doubt a successful product would go the way of the dinosaur, but then again, stranger things have happened.

FronTowardEnemy · #12 06-09-2009, 10:48 AM

Leo Q could sell his rights to Fender and they can do the manufacturing of the BAII. They are standard on The Geddy, Marcus, and HW1 basses.

nightcityburn · #13 06-09-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FronTowardEnemy

Leo Q could sell his rights to Fender and they can do the manufacturing of the BAII. They are standard on The Geddy, Marcus, and HW1 basses.

You would think that may be enough to keep the business afloat right there, but I guess if things are slow, things are slow.

Philbiker · #14 06-09-2009, 02:00 PM

The badass II bridge is the best selling aftermarket bass bridge on the market. I'll bet it outsells most aftermarket guitar bridges. Nothing else is even close. Many different OEMs from custom builders to major corporations like Fender and Peavey have used them over the years. Currently Fender uses them on many of their models.

There may be a temporary shortage, but I strongly doubt that the model is permantnely "discontinued".

RyRob813 · #15 06-16-2009, 09:10 PM

Hey not sure what's up with a lot of sites out there saying it's discontinued, but after much research, I found the Badass II in Chrome at underbid.com, for only 64 dollars!

Shipping as we speak!

Rocky McDougall · #16 06-16-2009, 09:21 PM

My guess would be that Fender is buying almost all of his production.

RyRob813 · #17 06-18-2009, 09:50 AM

...and I'm once again let down, as I got an e-mail from underbid saying my account's been credited; they no longer carry Badass II's.

I had a suspicion that Fender owns the production now, too. Has anyone ever had to contact Fender customer service before? I've e-mailed, and received no answer on the phone. I have no idea how to get a hold of them. Man, this is pissing me off!!!!

Jjango · #18 06-18-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FronTowardEnemy

They are standard on The Geddy, Marcus, and HW1 basses.

And heaven knows, Fender sells a lot of those.

Somebody must be manufacturing all those BADASSes.

stflbn · #19 06-18-2009, 10:29 AM

Possibly fender handles the manufacturing now and has decided that it's in the best interest of 'new bass sales' of theirs that feature the bridge, that the bridge will no longer be sold as a individual item.

RyRob813 · #20 06-18-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

Possibly fender handles the manufacturing now and has decided that it's in the best interest of 'new bass sales' of theirs that feature the bridge, that the bridge will no longer be sold as a individual item.

yea, that's what I'm afraid of