Fender CIJ 1951 reissue bridge swap questions

nonrappingJZ · #1 07-06-2011, 05:43 PM

Greetings, fellow TBers. I've searched for opinions on this issue, and came up with zip. I'm probably committing all sorts of TB sins by posting in the wrong forum, etc, etc, etc.

I have a Fender CIJ '51 reissue that I purchased used a while back that I'm finally getting around to making some alterations to and thus, transform it into my main live bass (the split Lindy pickup is awesome for both of my bands).

The guy that I purchased it from replaced the stock bridge (2 brass saddles, I believe) with a four saddle bridge to make intonation setting easier--which is great. Unfortunately, this one doesn't allow for top-loading of the strings--it's a string-through exclusively deal. Call me a pain in the neck, but I really want the top load option (all of my other basses do it). The current bridge in question looks like this:

Anyhow, I'm hot to swap this one out, probably with a higher-mass bridge, like most of my other basses, but I'm not sure what will work/fit. I think that these will, and I'm pretty familiar with all of them, and none of them are completely ridiculously overpriced.

Leo Quann Bad @$$ III
Fender High Mass Vintage
Hipshot Model A

I thought that I had a 2005 USA Precision bridge that allowed for top-load laying around here somewhere, but I can't seem to find it anywhere. It wouldn't be high-mass or anything, but it would be a start.

What I'm most interested in, though, and I don't know if it would fit, solve my problem, or what advantages/disadvantages it would lead to, is the Fender four-string Roscoe Beck (Locking Convertible?? that sure sounds cool, anyway) bridge. Can anyone educate me on this one?

What do you all have to say? Thanks in advance.

JZ

loinmute · #2 07-06-2011, 07:21 PM

Leo Quan are very rare to get ahold of these days.

nonrappingJZ · #3 07-06-2011, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loinmute

Leo Quan are very rare to get ahold of these days.

This is true. I occasionally find one for sale, but they're totally the coelacanth of bass bridges. It wouldn't be my first choice, anyway. I'm really really interested in that "locking convertible" one.

JZ

chuck norriss · #4 07-06-2011, 07:38 PM

try that interweb thing
4 String and Single String Bass Bridges | Allparts.com
you may find a leo quan or a top loader that's built to replace your existing bridge without drilling new holes.
i put a badass on my P; had to drill new ones. not a bid deal to me but is to some.

nonrappingJZ · #5 07-06-2011, 07:57 PM

Certainly the whole point of this thread is to find a bridge that uses 3 mounting screws, has top load (as well as string through) and maybe something in a "high mass" design.

The interwebs are great for finding parts. I wouldn't even know about any of my options without 'em.

Last time I did a bridge transplant, I stuck a Hipshot A with Fender mounts and it has been a great bridge, but I really don't require those loading slots on the top (even though they look pretty cool).

JZ

walterw · #6 07-06-2011, 10:06 PM

that's a first-gen american standard bridge. (if you don't want it, send it to me!)

all the later versions have the same shape and hole pattern but add top-loading.

personally, a top-loader with only 3 screws holding it down doesn't excite me.

why do you want top-loading? are you going for flatwounds?

nonrappingJZ · #7 07-06-2011, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

that's a first-gen american standard bridge. (if you don't want it, send it to me!)

all the later versions have the same shape and hole pattern but add top-loading.

personally, a top-loader with only 3 screws holding it down doesn't excite me.

why do you want top-loading? are you going for flatwounds?

Once I find a suitable top-loader (I know one is around here somewhere), I'll send it to you, Walter. Flatwounds are one potential reason for the top load option, for sure. It sounds silly, but I really just like to have options. Being a repair guy, what do you know about that "locking convertible" bridge on the R.B. artist model?

mongo2 · #8 07-07-2011, 04:09 AM

I've used the AM Dlx 3 screw/4 saddle topload/through body bridge on several CIJ/MIJ '51 RIs since '95.

BTW, also being a "repair guy" I'm not a fan of the "locking convertible" bridge on the Roscoe Beck. However, It's basically a 5 string Gotoh 206 (4 string versions are available) if you want to try it.

madmatt · #9 07-07-2011, 04:23 AM

Get an American Fender bridge. They are all over Ebay.
Nothing wrong with 3 screw hole bridges. The screws are pretty long and will not slip unless you strip them.

vin*tone · #10 07-07-2011, 04:24 AM

* I use flatwounds (Chromes) on my string-thru BTW.

nonrappingJZ · #11 07-07-2011, 06:07 AM

sounds good. i had limited success using chromes (getting the silk to line up right) once upon a time. i was mostly curious about the locking convertible--if it's basically a gotoh 206, that answers my biggest question. i haven't had any problems using three screw mounts (yet), so that's not much of an issue.

now, if i can just find that damn bridge off of the 2005 american standard.....

walterw · #12 07-07-2011, 07:39 PM

ebay "american deluxe bass bridge" and you'll find a bunch for under $50. they're the same as what you have, except for being steel with brass saddles and having the top-load holes, too.

i saw "american standard bass bridge" represented here and there too, but the new higher-mass ones were like $100!

(edit: "american series bass bridge" turned up a couple good prospects, too.)