Guitardepot.com - question about quality

tZer · #1 05-11-2008, 12:59 PM

If this is in the wrong forum please move, mods.

I am looking for a bridge for my 5-string build and I have been looking at various online resources. Guitardepot.com has some 5-string bridges from some very low prices. They don't have an obvious brand name and I was wondering if anyone has any insight into their quality.

These are the bridges I am talking about...

And this one in particular looks interesting to me...

At ~$30 it seems like a pretty good deal if the bridge is not a piece of junk.

They sure look like OK bridges, but I am new to all this and I am sure there's a reason they are so inexpensive. Usually that's because they are made from cheaper materials or are not as well made as the more expensive brands - but I don't know.

If anyone has any insight on these bridges and if they are worth using, please share.

Thanks!
--tony

tZer · #2 05-11-2008, 07:31 PM

Bump for info - anyone know anything about the inexpensive 5-string bridges at guitardepot.com?

LowBSix · #3 05-11-2008, 07:41 PM

(in a Forest Gump tone of voice)... Cheap is what cheap gets!

Look at BadAss V, Gotoh and Hipshot...

You'll get what you pay for.... Gotoh is the least expensive....

tZer · #4 05-12-2008, 03:57 PM

LowBSix - Thanks for the input.

I have been looking at BadAss, Gotoh, Hipshot, Schaller and others. I was mostly curious if anyone had any direct, hands-on experience with either guitardepot.com or these bridges.

Have you ever used guitardepot.com to purchase any parts?

LowBSix · #5 05-12-2008, 10:25 PM

I've not purchased anything from them...

I'm a firm believer in going with proven product that you've experienced up close and personal.... IMHO

Tapper · #6 05-13-2008, 07:02 PM

I have that one in black, 4 string that I purchased for another bass that I no longer have. I had been thinking of putting it on my SX '62 Jazz, but not sure yet. It appears very well made, good 'fit & finish', and shows 4.1 oz. on my Postal Scale.

jbrooks · #7 05-13-2008, 07:23 PM

Paying more for something doesn't necessarily make it better. Look at the bridges from old Fenders. Nothing fancy but good enough for most.

Not putting down the brand names, I own a hipshot tremolo bridge on one guitar and I like it so far.

I've bought two bridges from e-bay and both work well. Seems to be well made and easy to adjust. The basses sound as well and have sustain similar to my two American made Fenders and the Hipshot. On other builds, I have one that has a piezo pickup, not worth it, didn't work out.

I think the strings are more important. I personally use Dean Markley SR2000

tZer · #8 05-14-2008, 07:24 AM

Thanks for the feedback - especially for the first-hand accounts!

It seems to me that these would be OK based on the simplicity of the Fender bridges mentioned. I too have owned Fenders with the very simple "plate and saddles" style bridges and never had a complaint.

I am going to continue to shop, but I am not ruling out the bridge I posted as an example as one I may end up getting.

Thanks again! If anyone else has more first-had experience with either these unbranded bridges or guitardepot.com as a supplier, please share!

--Tony

reddogbass · #9 05-14-2008, 01:07 PM

You mean "guitarpartsdepot.com" ? I have bought some bridges from them in the past (because they were a source for T-O-M bass bridges). I've got a couple of the type you show as well. Not a bad bridge at all. I believe the base material is zinc, but it's chrome over, and the plating is good. The saddles are good, and they lock. Very generic looking, which is ok. They are heavy though, and if that doesn't bother you- I'd say a pretty good value.

The service has been good with guitarpartsdepot. They answer e-mails and ship promptly.

tZer · #10 05-14-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reddogbass

You mean "guitarpartsdepot.com" ? I have bought some bridges from them in the past (because they were a source for T-O-M bass bridges). I've got a couple of the type you show as well. Not a bad bridge at all. I believe the base material is zinc, but it's chrome over, and the plating is good. The saddles are good, and they lock. Very generic looking, which is ok. They are heavy though, and if that doesn't bother you- I'd say a pretty good value.

The service has been good with guitarpartsdepot. They answer e-mails and ship promptly.

You are correct - the site is http://www.guitarpartsdepot.com/

Excellent! Thanks for the feedback.

tZer · #11 05-14-2008, 01:23 PM

Of course, the models that look most appealing to me are only available in gold... yech...

Still shopping...