Bang for your buck bridges?

[billiam5billion]

I'm looking to replace the bridge on my Jazz, and was curious if anyone had suggestions beyond hipshot or Leo Quan? Any hidden treasures out there that will improve clarity and sustain without breaking the bank? I'm really looking for new stuff, so no need to suggest used for now.

[Thunderthumbs73]

No, I don't, especially if you're not open to used stuff. Sorry.

[Jaco D]

Gotoh 201. No need to drill new holes as it's a five-holer like the standard Fender bridges. So far, the cheapest I've found online are sold by Warmoth. Bought two for my jazzes and they've cured a lot of the limitations of the stock bent metal stock Fender bridges (no groves to prevent side-to-side movement of the saddles, stability, mass, etc.). There are cheap generic ones that mimic the 201, but at the Warmoth price, stick to the real thing.

[billiam5billion]

Thanks, I'll check those out.

[HitByABlimp]

Originally Posted by Jaco D

Gotoh 201. No need to drill new holes as it's a five-holer like the standard Fender bridges. So far, the cheapest I've found online are sold by Warmoth. Bought two for my jazzes and they've cured a lot of the limitations of the stock bent metal stock Fender bridges (no groves to prevent side-to-side movement of the saddles, stability, mass, etc.). There are cheap generic ones that mimic the 201, but at the Warmoth price, stick to the real thing.

+1 for the Gotoh. Great bridge for a great price AND no drlling needed.

[domdec314]

For $47, Carvin's bridge offers a lot of bang for buck.
http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...ct=BL4C&cid=89

[CaptainSir]

when it comes down to it forget the hidden treasures and going cheap with the little price difference you should go for the leo quan.... hands down

[billiam5billion]

Actually, it's a pretty impressive price difference between the BA2 and the Gotoh, and I researched a bunch of side-by-side reviews and it seems like I'll be perfectly happy with the $40 201.

[billiam5billion]

Originally Posted by domdec314

For $47, Carvin's bridge offers a lot of bang for buck.
http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...ct=BL4C&cid=89

That's pretty cool, but it's a bit modern looking for my setup. Looks are secondary to function, but they certainly do matter. Also, you'd be amazed at how much easier it is to tell my wife I'm spending 40 bucks as opposed to 50. Thanks for the suggestion, though!

[Ric5]

Schaller, Kahler, Hipshot are all good. Also the olp style bridges on ebay are good as well.

[rojo412]

Allparts sells their "Heavy Duty" no-name bridges that look like ABM or Schaller at a whole lot less.
But the 201 is a great, cheap, easy bridge upgrade. Just did one on a VM Jazz and it was good. $22 used on TB classifieds.

BUT... Badass Bridge... sustain for DAYS!

[lethargytartare]

Originally Posted by billiam5billion

I'm looking to replace the bridge on my Jazz, and was curious if anyone had suggestions beyond hipshot or Leo Quan? Any hidden treasures out there that will improve clarity and sustain without breaking the bank? I'm really looking for new stuff, so no need to suggest used for now.

Gotta ask -- why the determination not to buy a used bridge -- they're such basic mechanical devices, you'd be hard pressed to find a used bridge with a "hidden" defect. And the price difference between new and used can be 50% or more, even for used bridges in excellent condition (and cosmetically perfect condition).

Originally Posted by billiam5billion

Looks are secondary to function, but they certainly do matter. Also, you'd be amazed at how much easier it is to tell my wife I'm spending 40 bucks as opposed to 50.

Married with kids -- I hear ya on the spending!! But that's why I simply won't buy anything new I can get used. So, the Gotoh 201s seem to sell around here for $25 shipped or so...beats both 40 AND 50...

Originally Posted by billiam5billion

Actually, it's a pretty impressive price difference between the BA2 and the Gotoh

Here I could see not buying used because of the whole slotting issue -- to get a good discount, you often have to gamble on the slotting...which is not ideal if you're looking for a straight-forward drop-in.

And again, on the used front -- you can find some awesome options for dirt cheap in the TB forums...things you might really end up liking (functionally and cosmetically) and that you can get for quite a bit less than even 40 bucks.

ltt

[Coop Soup]

Originally Posted by Jaco D

Gotoh 201. No need to drill new holes as it's a five-holer like the standard Fender bridges. So far, the cheapest I've found online are sold by Warmoth. Bought two for my jazzes and they've cured a lot of the limitations of the stock bent metal stock Fender bridges (no groves to prevent side-to-side movement of the saddles, stability, mass, etc.). There are cheap generic ones that mimic the 201, but at the Warmoth price, stick to the real thing.

+1. I put one of these on my MIM Urge and it made a big difference at a great price.

[BZadlo]

I'm interested in this one:

http://www.fullcontacthardware.com/4-bass-bridge.htm

I understand why people like Badass bridges but, personally I'm not a fan.

[Burlington]

Originally Posted by BZadlo

I'm interested in this one:

http://www.fullcontacthardware.com/4-bass-bridge.htm

I understand why people like Badass bridges but, personally I'm not a fan.

I saw these for the first time the other day. Totally going on my next build!

[MatticusMania]

Whenever I need to upgrade a jazz bridge I always go with the gotoh 201. That thing is cheap AND solid.

[billiam5billion]

I'd just like a new one because it's tough to catch em here in the classifieds and Ebay usually just gets bidded up to almost retail anyways once shipping is figured.

I've been combing through the TB classifieds for about 30 minutes now and I've seen a zillion Gotoh 201s for sale that sold almost immediately after being posted. I don't really have the time to patrol the site looking for a deal all day.

[CrispyDelicious]

Hipshot makes amazing stuff, not overly pricey.

[ninepoundjammer]

Fender High Mass Vintage bridge is a bit pricier ($60), but nice and beefy while still looking sort of vintage. I don't hear about them very much. I have one in hand for my next build and I like what I see, but I haven't played one installed.

Anybody have experience or opinions on these? I'm guessing they must be standard on higher end new Fenders?

http://www.darrenriley.com/shop/cart..._detail&p=1730

[darkstorm]

Gotoh 201 for nice cheap bridge. Hipshot for step up bridge.