Badass II saddles

Musicfreak1988 · #1 05-22-2006, 09:15 AM

Hi,

I know BAII bridges don't have grooves for the strings in their saddles, but I've read somewhere that these grooves need to be filed. However, I've seen a bunch of basses with a BAII bridge and they didn't have grooves in their saddles... So, what to do? To file or not to file? Thanks in advance.

Doctor J · #2 05-22-2006, 09:19 AM

File for sure. Without a groove to sit in your strings are quite likely to move and twist on the saddle ridge which will quite possible lead to breakages.

MysticMichael · #3 05-22-2006, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musicfreak1988

Hi,

I know BAII bridges don't have grooves for the strings in their saddles, but I've read somewhere that these grooves need to be filed. However, I've seen a bunch of basses with a BAII bridge and they didn't have grooves in their saddles... So, what to do? To file or not to file? Thanks in advance.

Funny you should ask. Feel free to refer to the thread I started on this very topic several months ago, as follows:

BA II bridge saddles: Cut string grooves? Or not?

Hope you find it enlightening...

MM

Musicfreak1988 · #4 05-22-2006, 09:44 AM

Thanks, MM, it sure was enlightening.

64jazzbass · #5 05-23-2006, 02:13 PM

I just removed a Badass II bridge from a Jazz bass that I had installed it on in 1979. I had never filed the bridge saddles. I'm only guessing but I probably restrung that bass over 100 times and never had any problems with string movement, breakage, etc. I play with a fairly heavy touch also. There was only light surface scratching from where the strings sat on the bridge saddles too. I've installed 3 or 4 other Badasses on other basses and never filed the saddles. I know that most everyone else suggests it, but I never had an issue.