Designing bridge, need your input!

AJD · #1 06-15-2009, 04:13 PM

Hello

I am designing a fender drop-in replacement bridge and would like your input. What suggestions would you make? What are some problems you have with the current bridges on the market? Your input is very important! Thanks

Anthony

Jaco who? · #2 06-15-2009, 06:33 PM

I have a cheap chinese hipshot clone on my MIM jazz, it works very well, and appears to be exactly the same kind that the ESP ltd's use, which is one of the reasons I like it. It's a very solid design.

One thing though, and it's a biggy - they shouldn't worry about making the damn thing pretty by hiding the saddle intonation adjustment screws. Just stick them out of the backside of the bridge, ugly as all get out so I can get my screwdriver on them easier.

Sometimes it's nice to be able to fine tune intonation while you're wearing the bass, and the pretty ones make it all but impossible.

bongomania · #3 06-15-2009, 06:41 PM

There are only a couple of bridges on the market today that allow side-to-side adjustment of more than 1 mm. Seems like a lot of people say "I'd buy such and such a bass if it had different string spacing". Also some Fenders come off the line with the neck slightly misaligned relative to the bridge saddles. A bridge with side-side adjustment could help both of those complaints.

Otherwise, I don't really think there is anything missing on the market already. We've got high-mass, we've got low-weight, we've got black, gold, chrome, smoked chrome, satin, we've got traditional looks and futuristic looks...

I dunno, maybe offer a wide range of anodized or powder-coated colors?

Also search on "Naimish" because that's a bridge by a designer who had some brilliant ideas but where the manufacturing process shafted him badly. You might take an inspiration or two from his design.

AJD · #4 06-15-2009, 08:23 PM

Side-to-side spacing is definitely something I was considering. I have checked out Naimish bridges and they are definitely great pieces of work, I was impressed.

I wanted to design something cheaper than the badass bridges but that performs as well as them with less set-up and less weight. Lots of research to do though!

walterw · #5 06-15-2009, 09:32 PM

yes! a high-mass bridge that fits directly on a fender 5-hole pattern, lines up with jazz bass pickups, and has adjustable spacing without having to file slots like a badass. seems obvious but i've only ever seen a weird schaller thing with huge and awkwardly designed saddles.

SpamBot · #6 06-15-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJD

I wanted to design something cheaper than the badass bridges but that performs as well as them with less set-up and less weight. Lots of research to do though!

I would buy one of those. I need a new bridge for my J, so if you are successful you have at least one customer. However--that is a tall order.

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

yes! a high-mass bridge that fits directly on a fender 5-hole pattern, lines up with jazz bass pickups, and has adjustable spacing without having to file slots like a badass. seems obvious but i've only ever seen a weird schaller thing with huge and awkwardly designed saddles.

These are essential.

AJD · #7 06-15-2009, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

yes! a high-mass bridge that fits directly on a fender 5-hole pattern, lines up with jazz bass pickups, and has adjustable spacing without having to file slots like a badass. seems obvious but i've only ever seen a weird schaller thing with huge and awkwardly designed saddles.

I know, I can't seem to figure out why there are not bridges like this! I hate having to file the badass. I think we would all agree it is a great bridge but my guitar guy doesn't do that great of a job filing it and charges about 150 for install/file/set-up. Plus the $80 for the bridge, its just ridiculous. A bridge around $50-60 that is a direct, drop-in replacement with pre-grooved and adjustable string spacing. Sounds great. You guys are really helping! Thanks

SpamBot · #8 06-15-2009, 10:04 PM

I'd rock it!! Get goin AJD

AJD · #9 06-16-2009, 06:47 PM

Anyone else??? :-]

mongo2 · #10 06-16-2009, 08:27 PM

There was a collet bridge design announced several years ago that I thought was a good idea but I never saw anything else about it.

mexijazz52 · #11 06-19-2009, 10:52 PM

if i were you i would do a high. mass bridge with brass ajustable saddles with a chromed brass or steel base plate. i would also add groves to the base plate to prevent slipage of the saddles.

AJD · #12 06-20-2009, 04:40 PM

The grooves on the base plate are a very good idea. That would definitely help stop the saddles from moving.

bluesy_92 · #13 06-20-2009, 04:47 PM

If it is thick enough, have a small allen wrench that fits in the backplate, and have both settings (action and intonation) be able to be adjusted by that size allen wrench.

I constantly adjust my gear, since I'm a perfectionist about my gear, and the inconvienince of seperate tools is a PITA....so, if adjustments were more convienient, you got a customer for life.

AJD · #14 06-21-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluesy_92

If it is thick enough, have a small allen wrench that fits in the backplate, and have both settings (action and intonation) be able to be adjusted by that size allen wrench.

I constantly adjust my gear, since I'm a perfectionist about my gear, and the inconvienince of seperate tools is a PITA....so, if adjustments were more convienient, you got a customer for life.

Another great idea! You guys are helping a ton. Im working hard on the design and hope to start machining some prototypes shortly. Thanks again everyone.

John Wentzien · #15 06-21-2009, 11:47 AM

No sharp edges! Including adjustment screws. Nice and round corners with the screws "recessed" in the saddle.

LarryO · #16 06-22-2009, 10:13 AM

good ides posted so far, I'd like to add quick string release.

bongomania · #17 06-22-2009, 11:42 AM

I'm currently "in love with" this bridge: http://www.wammiworld.com/u7450.html
The only things not great about it IMO are: (a) the mounting screw holes are not a direct drop-in for an average Fender, and (b) the height adjustment requires slacking the string and lifting it out of the saddle. Otherwise it is perfect (again IMO). If you find a solid and elegant way to correct those two things, and can keep the price competitive, then you've got something.

AJD · #18 06-22-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

I'm currently "in love with" this bridge: http://www.wammiworld.com/u7450.html
The only things not great about it IMO are: (a) the mounting screw holes are not a direct drop-in for an average Fender, and (b) the height adjustment requires slacking the string and lifting it out of the saddle. Otherwise it is perfect (again IMO). If you find a solid and elegant way to correct those two things, and can keep the price competitive, then you've got something.

That's a great looking bridge and not a bad price. Never seen one of those before. The bridge I am designing will no doubt be a direct drop-in replacement for Fender basses and will be able to be adjusted without loosening the strings. I am also working on incorporating a built in tool that will adjust both action and intonation as suggested by bluesy_92; a great idea!

joeyl · #19 06-28-2009, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryO

good ides posted so far, I'd like to add quick string release.

yeah don't forget the quick release, threading strings through the bridge backplate sucks.