Fender three screw replacement bridges?

[ronlitz]

What replacement bridges are y'all aware of for Fender American basses with three screws? The only drop-in replacement I've been able to find is the bad-ass III. What I really want is something like the Gotoh, with barrels that won't move from side-to-side, and also have a single half-round string slot.

[XansNiceSweater]

I'm wondering the same thing, but I don't believe that the badass III has only 3 screws. It might, but my bass is string-thru-bridge and only has 3 screws, so we may be having different problems.

[fretlessman71]

Originally Posted by XansNiceSweater

I'm wondering the same thing, but I don't believe that the badass III has only 3 screws. It might, but my bass is string-thru-bridge and only has 3 screws, so we may be having different problems.

Actually, it does have 3 screws - it was designed to be a direct Fender replacement for basses that string through the body. Just wanted to clarify.

Now back to the thread... sorry, I don't have an option for you. Does Hipshot make what you're looking for? I'm impressed with their stuff.

[ronlitz]

The Badass III is definitely a drop-in replacement for the later three screw fender bridges - I know because I have the Badass III.

I checked the Hipshot site - I didn't see a three-screw bridge. This bridge has been around for a long time know - I can't believe there isn't an aftermarket replacement (other than the Badass)!

[flewis]

Gotoh has a direct replacement bass bridge for the Am Series bass with three mounting screws. Top right bridge at site below.


http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/bridge_gotoh.htm

[BillMason]

Originally Posted by flewis

Gotoh has a direct replacement bass bridge for the Am Series bass with three mounting screws. Top right bridge at site below.


http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/bridge_gotoh.htm

Hmmm. it looks almost exactly like the newer Fender bridges, except it's likely one piece.

[BigOldHarry]

Originally Posted by ronlitz

The Badass III is definitely a drop-in replacement for the later three screw fender bridges - I know because I have the Badass III.

I checked the Hipshot site - I didn't see a three-screw bridge. This bridge has been around for a long time know - I can't believe there isn't an aftermarket replacement (other than the Badass)!

Two questions:

1) I have read some not so good things about these bridges; Are you satisfied with it? Does it support the String-Thru config?

2) Why did you replace it? Was your fender bridge one of the old bent-metal ones?

thx

[XansNiceSweater]

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

Actually, it does have 3 screws - it was designed to be a direct Fender replacement for basses that string through the body. Just wanted to clarify.

Now back to the thread... sorry, I don't have an option for you. Does Hipshot make what you're looking for? I'm impressed with their stuff.

right. But mine has 3 screws and strings thru the bridge

[J.D.B.]

I've been buying the Fender 3-screw bridges for projects. I really like them and they are a bit thicker metal than the MIJ or MIM Fender bridges. Let me know if you are selling yours.
Josh

[BigOldHarry]

Originally Posted by J.D.B.

I've been buying the Fender 3-screw bridges for projects. I really like them and they are a bit thicker metal than the MIJ or MIM Fender bridges. Let me know if you are selling yours.
Josh

See - that's just it... I've heard good things about the MIA bridges, even though the look quite a bit like the traditional bent-metal bridges... That's what I have been planning on keeping mine (unless otherwise convinced...)

[J.D.B.]

My MIJ bridge measures .065, my U.S. "vintage" Fender factory replacements measure .070, and my U.S. 3-screw-through-body bridges are at .100. For through-bridge loading, I like the thicker metal for sure(less deflection), and it retains the clean, classic look. I'm pretty sure they are also bent from flat stock. I haven't had one bit of trouble from any of my Fender bridges. PM me if your interested in selling yours.
Josh

[selfblessed]

Who makes the 2008 American Fender Bridges? I like the look of them. One question...Do the do both string through and the back of the bridge like the BA III?

[flewis]

Originally Posted by J.D.B.

I've been buying the Fender 3-screw bridges for projects. I really like them and they are a bit thicker metal than the MIJ or MIM Fender bridges. Let me know if you are selling yours.
Josh

I'm with you J.D.B. ! I loved the Fender AM Series (3 hole) bridge.....thicker, but maintains a vintage look. I feel they function great! I buy them when when they are available for a bargain.

But, If I was in the market for a beefier bridge, I really like the new Am Series Bass Bridge. Thery're not quite the mass / weight as a BA or a Gotoh 210.

[surfingbird1]

tape around your bridge in a perfect square (or rectangle), remove bridge, get wood filler - fill in holes, sand lightly to smooth, get the bridge of your choice (hipshot, gotoh) place where old bridge was - make your marks. remove bridge, drill small (SMALL) pilot holes, replace bridge screw in until super snug, but not to over tighten. It will be a better fit than original, and you will notice more sustain and other qualities from the tight fit.

it is a common practice with guitar techs, I do it on all of my Fenders because the bridges are doo-doo. -hipshot A bridges work nice

sorry if I am thread jacking or whatever - just 2 cents

[Lowbrow]

Originally Posted by selfblessed

Who makes the 2008 American Fender Bridges? I like the look of them. One question...Do the do both string through and the back of the bridge like the BA III?

yes - I string my MIA '08 through the bridge rather than through the body. Works very well.

[selfblessed]

Originally Posted by Lowbrow

yes - I string my MIA '08 through the bridge rather than through the body. Works very well.

Nice. I like the look of the new 08 bridges. I can't find them any where though.

[60bass]

Originally Posted by Lowbrow

yes - I string my MIA '08 through the bridge rather than through the body. Works very well.

Lowbrow

Jumping off topic somewhat, please forgive

A quick question. Can you tell a difference in string tension when stringing through bridge versus body? I have my 08 AM Standard through body and the tone and sustain is good but it seems a bit "stiffer" feeling compared to my other P's that are through bridge. It might just be the factory strings as I'm running Rotosound RS66's on my other P's. Your thoughts?

BTW I was under the impression that the new 08 bridges were being made by Gotoh for Fender. Can anyone confirm this?

Keep Low

[Lowbrow]

Originally Posted by 60bass

Lowbrow

Jumping off topic somewhat, please forgive

A quick question. Can you tell a difference in string tension when stringing through bridge versus body? I have my 08 AM Standard through body and the tone and sustain is good but it seems a bit "stiffer" feeling compared to my other P's that are through bridge. It might just be the factory strings as I'm running Rotosound RS66's on my other P's. Your thoughts?

BTW I was under the impression that the new 08 bridges were being made by Gotoh for Fender. Can anyone confirm this?

Keep Low

Honestly, I don't notice a difference although through-body is supposed to be a little stiffer.
I go through bridge because I don't like the sharp-angled break my .105 E string needs to make when the bridge saddle is properly intonated (I use non-taper core nickel-round Rotosounds), and because through-bridge style has always worked just fine on every other P-Bass I've owned.

[60bass]

Originally Posted by Lowbrow

Honestly, I don't notice a difference although through-body is supposed to be a little stiffer.
I go through bridge because I don't like the sharp-angled break my .105 E string needs to make when the bridge saddle is properly intonated (I use non-taper core nickel-round Rotosounds), and because through-bridge style has always worked just fine on every other P-Bass I've owned.

I still have the factory strings with the taper wound E on my 08 P but will be moving to my preferred string (Roto's RS66 stainless) soon. I'll be moving to through on the bridge too. Just wanted to get your .02 on it.

Thanks

[Lowbrow]

Originally Posted by 60bass

I still have the factory strings with the taper wound E on my 08 P but will be moving to my preferred string (Roto's RS66 stainless) soon. I'll be moving to through on the bridge too. Just wanted to get your .02 on it.

Thanks

Sure - really, I first tried through-body with my preferred strings, and when I saw how my E was bent at almost a 90 degree angle I decided that IMO this would create a weak spot and went with the through-bridge. IME it's as great a player as I'd ever hope for.
I have a St. Blues P/J and the factory setup (a very good, very playable approach, BTW) came with the two low strings through bridge and the two high strings through body!