Gotoh 201 vs. Babicz

autodidact · #1 11-02-2011, 11:16 AM

Sorry if this has been discussed, the search function is limited on the TB mobile app.

I'm looking to replace the bridge on one of my Squiers with something more heavy duty, I think I have it narrowed down to 2 choices: Gotoh 201 or Babicz full contact.

Does anyone have any experience regarding the 201? At a glance it looks like its just a more affordable BadAss but I could be wrong. I'd love to hear from first hand users.

The Babicz seems heavier, much more open to customization and has some features that sound great but its twice the price.

I want a good product but I need to spend under $100 for a NEW (not used) bridge. So any info would be great or suggestions for other high mass bridges UNDER $100 NEW.

Thanks in advance.

Bullitt5135 · #2 11-02-2011, 11:37 AM

I have no experience with the Gotoh, but I can give you an enthusiastic thumbs way up on the Babicz. I had a black one installed on my '86 Jazz Bass Special, and I love it. I swear the bass has more balls now -- the vibration of the strings just seems to resonate through the whole bass. The fact that the saddles lock down tight seems to be a technological advancement over tried and true designs -- at least that's the hype from the manufacturer, and I'm buying it. My tech said that it was the easiest bridge he's ever installed and adjusted. The only negative that I can see is that some people aren't crazy about the logo on the tail -- though it doesn't really bother me at all. Nor does it have quick change string slots like some people like. My #2 bass is in the shop for an overhaul right now, and is receiving a new Babicz chrome bridge.

There have been quite a few used Babicz bridges in the classifieds of late. They seem really bulletproof, so I wouldn't hesitate to pick one up used.

Mickey Mao · #3 11-02-2011, 11:37 AM

Depends on what your goal is.

To my ears, the Babicz and Gotoh 201 sound the same. However, the Babicz probably holds its string height and intonation better.

The price difference is large, so I go with the Gotoh 201 or 203 on my (Fender) basses.

hdracer · #4 11-02-2011, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey Mao

Depends on what your goal is.

To my ears, the Babicz and Gotoh 201 sound the same. However, the Babicz probably holds its string height and intonation better.

The price difference is large, so I go with the Gotoh 201 or 203 on my (Fender) basses.

This ^^^
Don't fall for the scam, that is the new B.A. B.S.

Bullitt5135 · #5 11-02-2011, 01:39 PM

I don't think Babicz's claims are a scam or B.S. Compared to the stock Fender bridge, there was a noticeable difference in the feel of my bass the first time I played it with the Babicz. My tech said the same thing: and he wasn't trying to sell me anything either... I bought the Babicz online and brought it to him to install.

The reason why I swapped bridges in the first place was because the stock Fender always seemed to rattle and buzz (springs), and the saddles didn't move forward and backward very smoothly when adjusting the intonation. The Babicz solved both issues for me.

As for price... yes the Babicz is more expensive, but in terms of value it works for me.

hdracer · #6 11-02-2011, 01:46 PM

How did it change "the feel" of your bass?
I just read the same thing about a B.A. bridge.

IMO IME a bridge can not change the feel or playability of a bass.

autodidact · #7 11-02-2011, 01:56 PM

Before this gets de-railed is that another vote for Babicz? Not to be rude but I'm looking for info not to sit in on an argument.

Thanks

faviobarrio · #8 11-02-2011, 02:05 PM

I'll put in a vote for the 201. I like that one better than the BAII. I've never tried the Babicz.

Still like the Hipshot A the best though- I'll have to try that one in aluminum, the brass one felt heavier than the Gotoh and about the same as the BAII.

jpeaslee · #9 11-02-2011, 02:12 PM

The Babicz is actually pretty light. I don't know that it really sounds any better or different. It seems like my MIM jazz is now a bit more resonant unplugged, but that may be in my head. Where the Babicz really shines to me is the adjustability, precision, and the way it locks down TIGHT. It may be because I'm no master tech, but I could get a little bit better setup with the babicz and it's stayed that way through several experimental string swaps. I picked it up for used (like new) $55 shipped on here and that's the best $55 I've spent in awhile.

**ExaltBass** · #10 11-02-2011, 02:14 PM

I've had several basses with 201s - and I'll likely have more in the future. That said, I have a BEAD Bass that I had tried a variety of bridges on to tighten up the B string. The Babicz did it and LOCKED IT DOWN solid! I bought mine used, for a decent price, on the TB classifieds.

YMMV, of course

However, on basses with standard tuning (EADG) the Gotoh 201 did just fine - especially for the price!

faviobarrio · #11 11-02-2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpeaslee

I picked it up for used (like new) $55 shipped on here and that's the best $55 I've spent in awhile.

+1 on buying used.

There's plenty of excellent deals to be had on the TB classifieds. Much better than eBay and if you don't like it you can usually re-sell it right here again all while risking less $$ on something you don't know if you will like or not.

dmusic148 · #12 11-02-2011, 02:21 PM

The 201 is fine, as long as your present bridge saddles aren't nearly bottomed out to achieve the action you like. This is because the 201 saddles are rather large in diameter. I've had to grind flats on the bottoms of mine in order to get the action down(I didn't want to shim the neck).

autodidact · #13 11-02-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faviobarrio

+1 on buying used.

There's plenty of excellent deals to be had on the TB classifieds. Much better than eBay and if you don't like it you can usually re-sell it right here again all while risking less $$ on something you don't know if you will like or not.

I already don't like buying on the internet which is another factor leaning me towards Babicz, my local GC carries them so if I don't dig it I can immediately return it. Also I'm not supporting so I can't re-sell on here anyway

Bullitt5135 · #14 11-02-2011, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdracer

How did it change "the feel" of your bass?

I swear I can feel the vibration of the strings more... as in, more of the string vibration seems to resonate through the body of the instrument. I've has this bass for 25 years, and it was a "wow" moment when I played it for the first time with the Babicz. The other thing my tech said was "this thing has sustain for days now."

Does it have $60 more feel and sustain than a Gotoh 201? Probably not, but I still dig it.

Here's another thread which mirrors what I experienced myself... badass vs babicz bridges

Mickey Mao · #15 11-02-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

The 201 is fine, as long as your present bridge saddles aren't nearly bottomed out to achieve the action you like. This is because the 201 saddles are rather large in diameter. I've had to grind flats on the bottoms of mine in order to get the action down(I didn't want to shim the neck).

This is why I'm liking the 203 lately. It has the smaller saddles, so getting low action is easier. It is a thick 3mm thick steel L, so it's very sturdy. And it has the two extra screws to lock it down tight to the body.

RBX4 · #16 11-02-2011, 06:44 PM

Babicz...........

Hopkins · #17 11-02-2011, 07:01 PM

You can put your stock fender saddles on the 201 to achieve lower action, because the 201 saddles are larger.

The Babicz is a really cool design, and I may buy one just because I like the way it adjusts. I don't really buy into the theory that a bridge can really change the tone of an instrument. Ive never been a fan of the BAII bridges because they are ugly IMHO. The Gotoh 201 is much more aesthetically pleasing.

The only reason I usually upgrade my bridges with the 201 is because it has groves that the string height adjustment screws which keeps them from sliding around. So for my money the 201 wins out.

autodidact · #18 11-02-2011, 09:36 PM

Basically what is drawing me to the Babicz is the fact that once I get the action where I want it and the intonation set it can just be locked in hopefully for good. Overall tonewise, I like what I already get from this bass. I'm looking more for stability than anything. A bit more sustain and attack would be nice but stability is the name of the game.

I think my mind may be made up. Haven't heard an actual reason NOT to go for the Babicz

fhm555 · #19 11-03-2011, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdracer

...IMO IME a bridge can not change the feel or playability of a bass...

Then you need to try a babicz and I'm betting your opinion will undoubtedly change.

I put one on my little blue MIM j and it's like a whole notehr instrument.

I'm not going to go into the sonic difference can of worms since it's such a subjective thing, but every issue I had with the stock L plate, saddles sliding about, intonation needing near constant fiddling, and tuning not holding as I'd like (and it not being the fault of the machine heads), were solved by the babicz.

I can also say my bass is much louder when I play it unplugged, but that could be due to the fact that I can now go for the gusto without worry about moving strings so it's possible I'm just playing it that much harder than I did with the stock L plate. Speaking of moving strings, now that my saddles are not sliding about the strings are always in the same place which has also improved my right hand speed to a noticeable degree.

Granted, most of the problems I have with the stock L plate are due to my ham fisted playing style, but it is what it is and the babicz turned a bass I was on the fence about into a pure playing pleasure, so I for one can recommend it knowing it made a major (positive) difference when installed on my little MIM j.

If there was any downside to the babicz for me, its a bit more involved to adjust, but only due to the extra locking screws which must be loosened and tightened every time you want to move something, but once it's set and locked you can forget it until the next time you need/want to adjust something.

Add to that the falling off a greased stump ease of install and it's all win.

Maybe I'm the exception which proves the rule, but in all honesty the Babicz changed both the feel and playability of my little MIM j.

RBX4 · #20 11-03-2011, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fhm555

Then you need to try a babicz and I'm betting your opinion will undoubtedly change.

I put one on my little blue MIM j and it's like a whole notehr instrument.

I'm not going to go into the sonic difference can of worms since it's such a subjective thing, but every issue I had with the stock L plate, saddles sliding about, intonation needing near constant fiddling, and tuning not holding as I'd like (and it not being the fault of the machine heads), were solved by the babicz.

I can also say my bass is much louder when I play it unplugged, but that could be due to the fact that I can now go for the gusto without worry about moving strings so it's possible I'm just playing it that much harder than I did with the stock L plate. Speaking of moving strings, now that my saddles are not sliding about the strings are always in the same place which has also improved my right hand speed to a noticeable degree.

Granted, most of the problems I have with the stock L plate are due to my ham fisted playing style, but it is what it is and the babicz turned a bass I was on the fence about into a pure playing pleasure, so I for one can recommend it knowing it made a major (positive) difference when installed on my little MIM j.

If there was any downside to the babicz for me, its a bit more involved to adjust, but only due to the extra locking screws which must be loosened and tightened every time you want to move something, but once it's set and locked you can forget it until the next time you need/want to adjust something.

Add to that the falling off a greased stump ease of install and it's all win.

Maybe I'm the exception which proves the rule, but in all honesty the Babicz changed both the feel and playability of my little MIM j.

+1