Economy Bridge vs Name brand?

[funkysurfer]

Anyone A & B them?

I want to upgrade to a heavier, stable bridge and found something similar to a BAD ASS bridge for 1/3 of the cost. I don't mind spending the extra cash, but for $40 more is a BAD ASS that much better?

These parts don't seem to complicated. Someone enlighten me.

Thanks,
Shawn

[Bass Aficionado]

Originally Posted by funkysurfer

Anyone A & B them?

I want to upgrade to a heavier, stable bridge and found something similar to a BAD ASS bridge for 1/3 of the cost. I don't mind spending the extra cash, but for $40 more is a BAD ASS that much better?

These parts don't seem to complicated. Someone enlighten me.

Thanks,
Shawn

I have used no name bridges on several projects and gotten exactly the results I was looking. What I have found in ordering products off the net is that it is hard to really judge the item until you have in in your hands. You might have to order and unload a couple to find what you are looking for.

[sjb64]

Check these bridges out:

http://basspartsresource.com/bridge_economy.htm

I installed the 5 string Economy bridge on my bass and I love it. It had the 18mm string spacing that I wanted (and it worked well with the width of my neck). I also liked the OEM looks of it.

Make sure that you know what string spacing you want and what you're ordering. For example: the bridge that I used only says 2 13/16" spacing. This is the spacing from the center of the G to the B.

2 13/16" is the same thing as 72mm. So that bridge has 18mm spacing, even though it's not stated in the description.

[funkysurfer]

Originally Posted by sjb64

Check these bridges out:

http://basspartsresource.com/bridge_economy.htm

That's the one I was considering. I've read many good things about the "Bad Ass" bridges and wonder how they compare to these in particular?

[sjb64]

I don't think that they're worth the extra money. I'm not even sure what's better about them. You'll also have to cut slots in the saddles of the Badass, although, I believe that you can now buy them pre-slotted with multiple slots for various string spacings.

For me, the Badass is too big and too heavy. The Economy bridge is somewhere in between a stock Fender bridge and the Badass. I think that the Economy bridge is perfect. If 18mm (for 5 string) or 19mm (for 4 string) works, I'd just go with the Economy bridge. Good luck.

[BassJunkie730]

I only use hipshot hardware - over all else.

I do because I think their pieces are intelligently designed and very functional.

I have no use for a badass bridge. while an unbranded bridge my work fine - if you break a part on it - it may be hard to replace later.

[stflbn]

My backup bass right now is a modded SX P-bass with a Gotoh bridge. Everytime I restring it I greatly miss the slotted bridge on my main bass.

I'll by economy bridges, but any will definitely be slotted for quick string changing.

[fakiekid]

the only reason i have a bad ass 2 on my jap p bass is because it looks cool. sad to say, but yeah it does. i doubt it has a massive effect on sound (comparing steel to brass ones etc) but its the adjustment i find is the winner. the badass is very simple to use and extremely accurate.

[spaz21387]

I have heard good things about the gotah bridges. I havent owned one yet but I plan to put a 201 on my vm p bass after the new pickups.

[sjb64]

I would choose Gotoh or Hipshot, over Badass; they're all very good. You won't break any parts on the bridge so don't worry about that. The Economy bridge is a great choice, and was the best choice for me, for a variety of reasons (string spacing, price, looks, etc.).

[Orpheus55]

I have used them all, and still do; I wish the barrel-saddles on the Gotoh 201 were a little smaller (like the Hipshot vintage model), as they can inhibit very low action. That being said, it's a beefy and solid bridge with handy slots and the saddle screws aren't constantly falling out like the stock bridge.

[TheEmptyCell]

I have a Hipshot Vintage bent-plate bridge on my MIM J, and it's a huge improvement over the old one. Never have to adjust the string height, whereas the old bridge would just collapse after playing for a few minutes.

For my new project J, I got a Wilkinson bridge. I was suprised when it came in the mail, as it is probably twice the weight as the stock Fender bridge, and no amount of fiddling would make the saddles fall, but it hasn't been mounted yet.

[lowtide]

Originally Posted by TheEmptyCell

I have a Hipshot Vintage bent-plate bridge on my MIM J, and it's a huge improvement over the old one. Never have to adjust the string height, whereas the old bridge would just collapse after playing for a few minutes.

For my new project J, I got a Wilkinson bridge. I was suprised when it came in the mail, as it is probably twice the weight as the stock Fender bridge, and no amount of fiddling would make the saddles fall, but it hasn't been mounted yet.

I just wanted to add this just in case someone may not have tried it: a drop of Loctite blue will help big time for when a machine screw keeps loosening.

[Thunderthumbs73]

Originally Posted by funkysurfer

Anyone A & B them?

I want to upgrade to a heavier, stable bridge and found something similar to a BAD ASS bridge for 1/3 of the cost. I don't mind spending the extra cash, but for $40 more is a BAD ASS that much better?

These parts don't seem to complicated. Someone enlighten me.

Thanks,
Shawn

Except for the cheapest of bridges (Danelectros, etc...) I've never found most bridges wanting, and that goes from Squier Fenders all the way up to Alembics and Zons. I'd say $40 extra is a drop in the bucket in the whole scheme of things, and if spending that money makes you feel in your mind that you got the best there is, then I'd say go for it.

In my case, I've never felt my bridge performance was even remotely an issue to take efforts to look into other ones or replace them. If anything, *I* am the less than optimum link, and it wasn't a bridge, generic or BADASS, that kept me from nailing Jaco's "Havona."



What I'm saying is that though maybe some will tell you that this BADASS product will magically pay some dividend in your playing, allowing you to do something you couldn't do before, or make your bass sound measurably better, I tend to think it's the player.

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by Thunderthumbs73

Except for the cheapest of bridges (Danelectros, etc...) I've never found most bridges wanting, and that goes from Squier Fenders all the way up to Alembics and Zons. I'd say $40 extra is a drop in the bucket in the whole scheme of things, and if spending that money makes you feel in your mind that you got the best there is, then I'd say go for it.

In my case, I've never felt my bridge performance was even remotely an issue to take efforts to look into other ones or replace them. If anything, *I* am the less than optimum link, and it wasn't a bridge, generic or BADASS, that kept me from nailing Jaco's "Havona."



What I'm saying is that though maybe some will tell you that this BADASS product will magically pay some dividend in your playing, allowing you to do something you couldn't do before, or make your bass sound measurably better, I tend to think it's the player.

That's probably the single best summation of the discussion around bridges that I have ever read.

[sjb64]

If a bridge's adjustment range (string/saddle height) or string spacing isn't working with the stock bridge, then changing it makes sense.