Badass II Bridge Pros/Cons and your opinions.

A-Step-Towards · #1 03-01-2011, 01:19 PM

Do you like badass II's? would you perfer one on a vintage style Precision or jazz. Any other bass you would perfer it on?

Do you dislike badass II's? why? Do you believe they lead to any tone differences? if so do you see this as a good thing?

It would be cool to have someone do a test, badass II and then just a bent plate fender bridge .

Discuss.

odin70 · #2 03-01-2011, 01:22 PM

Imo they add no improvement to your sound. But they will add some weight to your back.

BigOldHarry · #3 03-01-2011, 01:23 PM

I've used them. I do not now.

They are heavy, expensive, not as adjustable as other bridges (I'm thinking of the HipShot A bridges I have on 2 of my basses) and many folks believe that they negatively affect tone (on this point, I disagree). I put them on my J bass & my P bass back in the day because that is what you did. It was a waste of money, really, since that cheap bent-metal bridge works just fine. It's not perfect, but of them many ways you can spend money in music, it shouldn't be a priority.

fenderhutz · #4 03-01-2011, 01:23 PM

I have tried them on P and J basses over and over again and have noticed a difference on clarity and attack.

If you like a wooly bass tone it doesn't affect much. If you like a clearer piano tone then this is the right direction.

A-Step-Towards · #5 03-01-2011, 01:30 PM

Yes popcorn!

If i missed something in the poll i think i can edit it.

TN WOODMAN · #6 03-01-2011, 01:31 PM

I have 4 Fender basses.(And a bunch of 6 string guitars.)
I have badass bridges on both my fretless Jazz.
I have the standard threaded saddle bridge on my classic 50s P
I have the standard grooved saddle bridge on my Jazz De Luxe.
The Jazz De Luxe is the only one strung with roundwounds. I'm thinking of switching to
Flats and installing a badass on it. Leaving the 50s P as is. (All stock including pickups)

I do like the badass bridge for sound and adjustability. Especially good with fretless. Like the tradtional look and sound on the P. Quess it's safe to have both and you're covered. If I was to build a jazz or a P from stratch. I'd probably install a badass FWIW. Still my favorite bridge overall, including contenders since it's inception.

SoonerMatt · #7 03-01-2011, 01:32 PM

I like them, I just happen to like Hipshot bridges more.

THand · #8 03-01-2011, 01:35 PM

hdracer · #9 03-01-2011, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I've used them. I do not now.

They are heavy, expensive, not as adjustable as other bridges (I'm thinking of the HipShot A bridges I have on 2 of my basses) and many folks believe that they negatively affect tone (on this point, I disagree). I put them on my J bass & my P bass back in the day because that is what you did. It was a waste of money, really, since that cheap bent-metal bridge works just fine. It's not perfect, but of them many ways you can spend money in music, it shouldn't be a priority.

+1 NO adjust ability, spend forever filing the slots. If the slots are filed wrong you need a new saddle (hard to get & $$) Hipshot all the way!

guroove · #10 03-01-2011, 01:36 PM

I happen to like them on 70s jazz basses with maple necks and pearloid block inlays. I like the standard style bent metal bridge on my P-bass.

joeyl · #11 03-01-2011, 01:38 PM

the only reason I used them when I was a younger is because it says Badass on them. I would also have used any other piece of junk with the F word stamped on it.

Cons: clunky, no quick release, requires a shim on most Fenders because it is so thick, plating is sub-par and gets pretty ugly quick.

My current bridge, Hipshot A for Fender mount, aluminum! it is pretty light

Second choice Hipshot Vintage.

Third choice Fender original bent metal

AciDBatH666 · #12 03-01-2011, 01:42 PM

I just finished rebuilding an old neck thru Charvel that I got off of Craigslist for $30. Just the body, no tuners, electronics, electronics cover plate, bridge... Nothing.

I did a lot of research when I was looking for parts. I wanted good stuff, but didn't wanna spend a ton. Read up on the BAII bridges and heard so many mixed reviews saying that people loved it, people didn't notice a difference, people preferred it, people didn't care if they had it or not.
It was enough to decide not to get it. I got a $40 Gotoh 201 from Warmoth along with other parts. My research basically told me that it wasn't worth double the price, and breaking a Benjamen over some bent metal and screws.

Slax · #13 03-01-2011, 01:42 PM

I have one on my Highway One. It came with it. I don't really notice a difference. I wouldn't buy one but I don't feel the need to take it off my Highway One either....

I voted bacon.

fenderhutz · #14 03-01-2011, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdracer

+1 NO adjust ability, spend forever filing the slots. If the slots are filed wrong you need a new saddle (hard to get & $$) Hipshot all the way!

Pre slotted FTW

BigOldHarry · #15 03-01-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdracer

+1 NO adjust ability, spend forever filing the slots. If the slots are filed wrong you need a new saddle (hard to get & $$) Hipshot all the way!

Yeah, I get that you want your slots filed to be EXACTLY where you want them... but what a hassle! Really, if you just GOTTA have a BAII, you need to have your tech install it so he can slot-file and intonate it for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeyl

the only reason I used them when I was a younger is because it says Badass on them. I would also have used any other piece of junk with the F word stamped on it.

Rather like the Stone beer "Arrogant Bastard Ale" - Brilliant marketing, mediocre strong ale (imho). I know that the first BA bridge I bought in... what, 1979 - I bought, in part, because it said BadAss on it...

mam1862 · #16 03-01-2011, 01:58 PM

I have the II on my Jazz and the III on my P. I don't think about them too much. I have not had any trouble with either one. I do like the way they look.

Kipaste · #17 03-01-2011, 02:01 PM

Well, I like the obnoxious "badass bass" text on them, but otherwise experiences with mine aren't anything special. The setup and filing is an unnecessary PITA and the neck shimming often needed kind of annoys me too. Especially since mine came factory fitted and still required these to be done properly... That's not the bridges fault though.

Once it's on it's a nice bridge but I wouldn't pay for one. Gotoh 201 if not better is just as good and looks more stylish too. For fraction of the price.

TN WOODMAN · #18 03-01-2011, 02:06 PM

Try Stone's Ruination Ale if you like a hoppy IPA. It's the hoppiest.

ciubz · #19 03-01-2011, 02:13 PM

Had a Geddy Lee and a 79 p bass both w/badass 2. IMHO this bridge eats up the bottom and adds mids. If you're into soloing and slapping, this bridge is for you but if you want woody low end rumble, then forget about it. Peace!

BigOldHarry · #20 03-01-2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TN WOODMAN

Try Stone's Ruination Ale if you like a hoppy IPA. It's the hoppiest.

That's just it - I do NOT like the whole crazy hoppy thing - All of Stone's beers are too hoppy for my tastes (but hops is the current crazy, so they are selling well). I'll take a nice English stout or mild, or perhaps a dark Belgian ale, thank you.