Epiphone Thunderbird bridge: Changing to a Badass

[UnfortunateTony]

I've grown SO tired of the stock bridge on my T-bird, I just need something else.

Basically what I'm wondering is whether a Badass II will cover the old holes and work effectively. Thanks all.

[testing1two]

Here is a drop in replacement by Hipshot that is a major improvement over the stock bridge: SuperTone Bass Bridge > Store > Hipshot Products

[walterw]

if anything, the earlier badass I would be closer to what you wanted than a II.

that hipshot might actually fit, though.

[Venom of God]

Is there any real advantage to the hipshot bridge over the stock Gibson (not Epi) one? Not that I'm really looking to replace mine, just curious.

[testing1two]

Originally Posted by Venom of God

Is there any real advantage to the hipshot bridge over the stock Gibson (not Epi) one? Not that I'm really looking to replace mine, just curious.

The main advantages are added mass and being beautifully machined from aircraft aluminum. A nice added feature is the individual saddle height adjustment.

[Pilgrim]

Idly wondering how anyone can get "tired" of a bridge???

Sounds like the OP just wants to fiddle with something...which is fine, it's his bass.

[96tbird]

Yes the hipshots actually bolt right into the existing rear threaded fittings on the Tbird. Forget the badass; drilling holes, marking it out, blah.

I stole the pic

[walterw]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

Idly wondering how anyone can get "tired" of a bridge???

Sounds like the OP just wants to fiddle with something...which is fine, it's his bass.

ha!

true enough, but he could be "tired" of how the saddles fall out onto the floor if the strings are removed, for one thing.

[aquateen]

fwiw, I've found the saddles don't generally fall out unless you turn the bass over.

[Bongolation]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

Idly wondering how anyone can get "tired" of a bridge???

Sounds like the OP just wants to fiddle with something...which is fine, it's his bass.

I was wondering about that myself, plus wondering what question has a Badass as the correct answer.

Never mind that a new BAII costs more than a brand new long-discount Epiphone Thunderbird.

[Delberthot]

The Hipshot bridge takes two minutes to fit. its adjustable for height, intonation and string spacing.

Its heavier so I think it helps combat neck dive and the added mass directly in contact with the body as opposed to the normal one on stilts means that even with flats, mine still sustains for days

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by walterw

ha!

true enough, but he could be "tired" of how the saddles fall out onto the floor if the strings are removed, for one thing.

Well, how could anyone argue with that?? Don't we all remove our strings after every practice and performance, then turn our bass over a couple of times before putting it away?

At any rate, I like the Hipshot models a lot more than the BA bridges.

[calamitus]

I doubt you'll be able to get hold of a Badass - I think Fender's hogging all their production just now. If you're lacking a bit of sustain, they definitely help - it really improved my old MIM Precision, but whether it's any better than a high mass Gotoh at less than half the price - I don't know.

[Delberthot]

If you're dead set on getting something like a Badass then get a Gotoh 201 as suggested above.

I've used them on a few basses and I can't see how the Badass can be any better. You don't even have to file the saddles