Bridges with back-offset B string on 5-stringers

[Temcat]

I've seen some 5-string bass guitars where the B string portion of the bridge is offset back. Does it help against B string sloppiness or is it just to increase the intonation range?

[GeoffByrne]

I have BB415 like that. I've heard that

A) it adds to the length of the string & gives greater tension - Rubbish.

B) it gives a shallower break angle over the bridge which would otherwise be too sharp for the thick string - possibly something to this.

C) it is needed for many B strings to intonate propery - I think this is the one.

[berwick63]

I'm gonna agree on point C. I have a 34'' Ibanez that the B needs another 1/4 inch or so to intonate properly. But whatever, it's pretty close.

[Jamie_Funk]

Originally Posted by berwick63

I'm gonna agree on point C. I have a 34'' Ibanez that the B needs another 1/4 inch or so to intonate properly. But whatever, it's pretty close.

The Yamaha bridge in question is for C - that is the only affect that bridge can have of the three choices, and it what Yamah said it was for when it came out. I have an older Yamaha BBN5, and the stock bridge would not allow the B string saddle to go back far enough for proper intonation. I replaced the bridge and also moved it back a bit and the problem was gone.

J