Bridge questions

[JGBass06]

I hear people talk about they have changed their bridge out for a better one...my question is, does the brigde even effect the tone of the bass? If so which bridges are the best to look into getting?

[lackthereof]

Generally more mass= more resonance. If your bass is string thru body, probably not as much. Kinda makes the body the bridge, tone wise...

Leo Quan makes a fine product.

[C.Linton]

I don't know, I'm kinda skeptical. Most reports I've read from people who've swapped out their bridges (usually for a Badass II, it seems) says all it seems to do is add a little sustain and sharpen the attack a bit, and that it does nothing to improve tone. (improve being a rather subjective term here). I've even read a few stories where they were disappointed enough that they switched back to their original stock bridge. All I know is I see a lot of these aftermarket bridges for sale. I guess it depends on what exactly you expect these to do for your bass. If all you're looking for is good looks, a bit more sustain and attack one of these bridges may be for you. If you're expecting some magical improvement in tone, you'll be disappointed. I personally wouldn't waste my time or money on one of these, unless I got a bass with a really crappy bridge (which hasn't happended yet, not even with my cheapass SX bass). If I needed a replacement for a faulty bridge, I might get one, but only if I couldn't get an exact replacement for the stock bridge.

[walterw]

lots and lots and lots of arguments about this; search "high-mass vs. low-mass bridge".

[srxplayer]

I switched out the bridge on my MIM Jazz bass with a BA II and did not notice much of a difference in tone or sustain. It looks cool though... I believe that the bass intonates easier now and the BA II allows for lower action so there is a benefit but you have to determine if the expense warrants the benefit. The Leo Quann BA II is a nicely made bridge. I don't regret installing it.

[Foamy]

You'll hear everything.
BadAss bridges are great!
BadAss bridges suck!
Hipshots are the only way to go!
Hipshots did nothing for me!
...right down to...
The standard Fender bent metal bridges are fine.

My opinions:
I like the BadAss bridges I have
I don't hear any difference at all, but I do like the looks.
My other bridges are also fine.

In the end, I think that the bridge can add to the looks of the bass, and maybe to the attitude (if I can personify the bass).

I think that'd be about the last thing I'd spend money on though unless yours is broken or cannot be adjusted as you desire.

[darkstorm]

I hear a small difference with high mass birdges compared to the thinner trad fender style. Changed out the bridges on my two basses for asthetics. Wanted black instead of chrome. Did notice small improvement in sound detail and focus with the upgrade bridges. Minor sound tweak. Main improvement being likes the look of black hardware on black basses. Lol.