Gotoh ?

WildTrkey · #1 04-04-2009, 03:44 PM

Was thinking of replacing the bridge on my Fiesta Red 50's Precision with something a little more substantial. Badass's don't really do it for me, so I was thinking Gotoh. A few questions:

1:Which model is the best direct replacement for this bass, fit-wise?
2:Will the bridge cover (astray) fit over the Gotoh? It will influence my decision.
3:Anyone have these on their precision or jazz? What are your experiences with them? Like them?

Thanks

southernrocker · #2 04-04-2009, 04:20 PM

The Gotoh 201 is a direct fender replacement with good grooves for the saddles. I love ashtrays too, and I believe the 201 should be as small as the bridge you have. I've heard nothing but good things about them. I played on one, and it is basically a better fender bridge. I'm sorry the badass won't do it for you, I have one and it is, well, badass! I'd say go with the GOTOH 201. They are about 30 bucks. Good luck!

walterw · #3 04-05-2009, 05:39 PM

does yours have the threaded saddles? if so, keep it! the fender usa/mex reissues use nice ferrous steel saddles, which when combined with the lighter weight of the bridge make for a good combination of attack, clarity, and "wood tone".

Disappear · #4 04-05-2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

does yours have the threaded saddles? if so, keep it! the fender usa/mex reissues use nice ferrous steel saddles, which when combined with the lighter weight of the bridge make for a good combination of attack, clarity, and "wood tone".

What if that's not the tone he's lookin' for?

EagleMoon · #5 04-05-2009, 07:52 PM

Be aware that any bridge with a thicker bottom plate might require some shimming of the neck. They can raise the action up so high you can't get it low enough with just the saddle adjustment screws.

walterw · #6 04-05-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disappear

What if that's not the tone he's lookin' for?

then he's wrong!

seriously, if he wants a high-mass bridge for a different sound that's fine of course, i'm just saying that the bridge that's on there is actually a pretty nice piece, and an important part of the "vintage" tone. plus, the spacing is adjustable where the gotoh 201's is not.

Disappear · #7 04-05-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

then he's wrong!

seriously, if he wants a high-mass bridge for a different sound that's fine of course, i'm just saying that the bridge that's on there is actually a pretty nice piece, and an important part of the "vintage" tone. plus, the spacing is adjustable where the gotoh 201's is not.

Oh what's in a bridge?

StrungGutz · #8 04-06-2009, 01:59 PM

I think maybe he's looking for a more solid bridge? Is the Gotoh much higher in terms of string to body compared to the Fender?

BTW,

Does anyone know if they make the brass threaded saddles still?

msiner · #9 04-06-2009, 02:14 PM

It looks like they have some dimensions here:
http://www.hosco.co.jp/HOSCO_ENGLISH...ss_bridge.html

It doesn't look like it has all the dimensions, but the drawings are probably to scale.

RH434 · #10 04-06-2009, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

Be aware that any bridge with a thicker bottom plate might require some shimming of the neck. They can raise the action up so high you can't get it low enough with just the saddle adjustment screws.

This is true. While not a Gotoh, I just put a Hipshot on my Jazz and had to shim the pocket so that I could get decent action and set-up. The sustain was greatly improved and I am very happy with the results.

Let us know how it goes if you decide to do it.