bass bridge question

mbut115 · #1 09-08-2008, 10:13 PM

So I've been hearing this, that regardless of what kind of body and neck wood it is given, as long as you have a nice bridge, it will sound better...

Right now I'm trying out some new pickups and bridge, i'm gonna buy a Squier standard jazz bass (agathis body) and install a Seymour Duncan SJB-3 pickups in... i'll most likely swap out a bridge too, i'm just wondering what kind of bridge should I use? I was thinking some BADASS bridges... any other bridge you guys might have in mind?

slyjoe · #2 09-08-2008, 10:27 PM

Gotoh, Hipshot, Schaller. I would go for the least expensive one first, probably a Gotoh 201.

rollcall · #3 09-08-2008, 10:29 PM

and miss the duncans...

jordie65 · #4 09-08-2008, 10:29 PM

i have a badass II and as far as improving sound? yeah i get alot more sustain and a little mroe clarity but dont expect a sudden massive change to your tone! it will still sound the same just a little clearer.

on the pickups i never got into the seymour duncans, if you want to retain the jazz tone then try the dimarzios its just a slightly beefier yet still unmistakable jazz tone

XylemBassGuitar · #5 09-09-2008, 11:12 AM

I'd highly recommend the Hipshot "A-style" bridge.

fretman4god · #6 09-09-2008, 10:33 PM

hey...what are the differences between the brass and aluminum hipshot bridges?

XylemBassGuitar · #7 09-10-2008, 09:17 AM

Hipshot actually has an explanation on their site about differences between their aluminum and brass bridges.

I vaguely remember that the aluminum was lighter and added to the highs and mids while the brass was heavier and added more to the bass, if I remember correctly.

Bassamatic · #8 09-10-2008, 09:43 AM

I have added the Gotoh 201 to several basses - it surely helps and is not too expensive. I think Warmoth has the best price, ~$30. It screws into the existing Fender holes and also looks a heck of a lot better.

kraigo · #9 09-10-2008, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gio S

I have added the Gotoh 201 to several basses - it surely helps and is not too expensive. I think Warmoth has the best price, ~$30. It screws into the existing Fender holes and also looks a heck of a lot better.

Big +1! That's the post I was going to write. I've been consistently happy with the Gotoh 201 and it's inexpensive. I doubt you'll really hear any improvement going to a "better" bridge from there, although you might get more adjustability. The downside of more adjustability is that it usually gets offset by less full body contact (more screws, etc.).

For $30 it's worth experimenting. For a lot more than that, I'm not so sure.

KO

slyjoe · #10 09-10-2008, 02:57 PM

Agree with Gio S and kraigo. The Gotoh is my "go to" bridge now (i know, i know). Less neck shimming needed than with the Badass ones.

TMacATK · #11 09-10-2008, 03:03 PM

+5 on the Gotoh 201. I have a black finished 201 on my Squier, it looks great and it's one heck of a bridge.

mbut115 · #12 09-10-2008, 03:28 PM

thanks for the replies guys! hm.... now i'm deciding on BADASS or Gotoh 201. and i'll probably go for gotoh if it doesnt make a difference...

so you guys think i should go for gotoh?

mbut115 · #13 09-10-2008, 03:32 PM

and are there any sites you might recommend on buy gotoh 201?? preferably close to Canada... and paypal are accepted