Best Fender Drop-In Replacement Bridge

Jeralya · #1 05-29-2007, 04:11 PM

I have a vintage players bass, which nonetheless I would like to avoid drilling through, but the bridge is just not cutting it, my 105 E-string is always muddy. I want a drop-in replacement but have no experience in fitting specifically to Fender, so I am wondering what my best option is.

Thanks

Jo6Pak · #2 05-29-2007, 04:16 PM

If it is a 5-hole mount, there are a few options. Leo Quan BadAss II is popular, although pricey. I have also had good luck with Wilkinson (cheaper). Check ebay for pricing examples of both. I tried a Gotoh once, but it didn't work out and had to remove it. It had a thick base and the saddles wouldn't go low enuff to get the action I wanted. Could have just been that particular bass (MIM P), but something to be aware of.

Jeralya · #3 05-29-2007, 04:39 PM

Is the badass II 5 screw?

Jo6Pak · #4 05-29-2007, 04:56 PM

Yes.

If you choose that one, may I recommend Brian at bestbassgear.com?

I ordered one from him a couple weeks ago and received it in two days...

scootron · #5 07-25-2007, 12:42 PM

I would like to switch my '94 MIA Jazz over to a badass II, but my current bridge is 3-screw and the badass II is, of course, a 5-screw bridge. Has anyone made this conversion? I assume you have to fill the old holes and drill five new ones?

I would have a luthier do the work on this, since I prize this guitar and need some other work done at the same time (new bone nut, fret dressing). This '94 has the extended upper bout and the deep cut lower bout, which I think looks cool and gives it a little different profile from many of the other J Basses.

jenderfazz · #6 07-25-2007, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scootron

I would like to switch my '94 MIA Jazz over to a badass II, but my current bridge is 3-screw and the badass II is, of course, a 5-screw bridge. Has anyone made this conversion? I assume you have to fill the old holes and drill five new ones?

I would have a luthier do the work on this, since I prize this guitar and need some other work done at the same time (new bone nut, fret dressing). This '94 has the extended upper bout and the deep cut lower bout, which I think looks cool and gives it a little different profile from many of the other J Basses.

I think the new Badass III is set up for 3 holes and top-load/string-thru basses. It's also pre-grooved, and a little more expensive, but I'd head in that direction rather than drilling new holes for the BAII, especially if you end up preferring the regular bridge.

scootron · #7 07-25-2007, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenderfazz

I think the new Badass III is set up for 3 holes and top-load/string-thru basses. It's also pre-grooved, and a little more expensive, but I'd head in that direction rather than drilling new holes for the BAII, especially if you end up preferring the regular bridge.

Thanks for the tip, that sounds like the smart way to go.