Badass II vs Badass III, Are they a direct swap? Also, opinions please!

Cieran · #1 01-30-2011, 12:26 PM

Been searching the TalkBass forums and I have found conflicting information about this.

I currently have a Badass II on my Gretch bass which was a straight swap for the stock bridge. If I swapped this out for a Badass III would the 3 screws line up with 3 of the 5 holes currently on the body, or would there be a need for modification?

Also I am after any opinions on the advantages of using the Badass III over the Badass II. The main reason I am considering this is that I have read that the through-body stringing can increase the string tension a little bit higher which would be a bonus on my shortie bass, which has a tendency to have a slightly floppy E string.

However I know the whole through-body/top loading thing is a potential can or worms and I have also read that the string-through tension argument can be negligable. If there is going to be very little difference between the Badass II and the through-body Badass III I am inclined to leave it as it is.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks

Cieran · #2 01-31-2011, 03:16 PM

Can anyone help with this?

Steveaux · #3 01-31-2011, 03:37 PM

The BA III is a direct replacement for American Fenders.

No, the hole patterns are not the same.

Cieran · #4 01-31-2011, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steveaux

The BA III is a direct replacement for American Fenders.

No, the hole patterns are not the same.

Thanks for the info!

Cheers

fenderhutz · #5 01-31-2011, 05:55 PM

American standard and deluxe typically. Highway One are American made and take a BadAss II. A good rule, if it's string thru, badass III. If it takes 3 screws badass iii, 5 typically badass II.

walterw · #6 01-31-2011, 10:03 PM

not hot-swappable, and not worth the surgery to do anyway.

the string-through thing is a subtle change at best.

bassgod76 · #7 02-01-2011, 08:10 AM

As a guy who has done two string-thru surgeries, it's not worth it. The whole idea that there's more sustain is so negligable.

I have a BAII on one of my projects, but I didn't care for it versus other offerings out there.

Cieran · #8 02-01-2011, 05:25 PM

Thanks for the info guys.

Pretty much decided that I will stick with the Badass II as I would rather avoid all the drilling etc...

Just out of interest Bassgod 76 what other offerings would you recommend?

bassgod76 · #9 02-01-2011, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cieran

Thanks for the info guys.

Pretty much decided that I will stick with the Badass II as I would rather avoid all the drilling etc...

Just out of interest Bassgod 76 what other offerings would you recommend?

It depends what you want and how much you want to spend. If you're determined to go with a high mass bridge, I'd reccommend Hipshot A or B or vintage bridges. They are made so well, and have tons of adjustment options. Unlike the BAII, they have a pretty flat base which allows the user to setup a low action. Gotoh also makes a nice bridge, but I've never had the pleasure of using one.

In all honesty, bridges don't offer a ton of imporovement in tone. I look more for adjustibility and cosmetic appearence when dropping some bread on a high-end bridge.

I think the best bang for the buck is the Fender vintage bridge with the threaded saddles. I installed one of these on my Jaco tribute. It fits nicely, and has a great price.

My next build will probably feature the Hipshot vintage bridge. That is such a cool looking piece of hardware.

Good luck and post pics!

Cieran · #10 02-01-2011, 06:33 PM

Thanks for all the useful info - good to know i have a few options.

I might check out the Hipshot bridges as I know a reliable source here in the UK to get them.

Cheers!

bassgod76 · #11 02-01-2011, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cieran

Thanks for all the useful info - good to know i have a few options.

I might check out the Hipshot bridges as I know a reliable source here in the UK to get them.

Cheers!

Howling dog guitars on Ebay carries them for the best prices I've seen.

BTW. I was stationed in the UK. I love that country. Good folks and they still love live rock.

Cieran · #12 02-01-2011, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod76

Howling dog guitars on Ebay carries them for the best prices I've seen.

BTW. I was stationed in the UK. I love that country. Good folks and they still love live rock.

Glad you enjoyed your stay here! And yes we do love our live music even in this day and age!

Have you got a link for Howling Dog guitars on ebay - I can't seem to find them anywhere.....

bassgod76 · #13 02-02-2011, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cieran

Glad you enjoyed your stay here! And yes we do love our live music even in this day and age!

Have you got a link for Howling Dog guitars on ebay - I can't seem to find them anywhere.....

Glad I enjoyed my stay there? I'd have a summer house there if I won the lottery! One event sealed it for me... Donnington, Monsters of Rock!

Here's the link you requested.
http://stores.ebay.com/HDCustom-Guitar-Supply

dwwiese · #14 04-25-2011, 07:55 AM

With Fenders you can tell which bridge will work by the number of screws. American Fenders up to ~1992-1995 (non st6ring-threw with 22 frets) take neither, 95 on take BAIII, and MIM Standards and Highway 1 take BAII. I've been searching for BAIII's for my string-through P-Basses for about 2 years now. From what I recall, Hipshot bridges are actually a lower-mass lighter bridge, and I never really cared for them.

lug · #15 04-25-2011, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod76

It depends what you want and how much you want to spend. If you're determined to go with a high mass bridge, I'd reccommend Hipshot A or B or vintage bridges. They are made so well, and have tons of adjustment options. Unlike the BAII, they have a pretty flat base which allows the user to setup a low action. Gotoh also makes a nice bridge, but I've never had the pleasure of using one.

The BA I is the bridge with a curved base. The BA II has a flat base.