Help with bridges: Hipshot VS Schaller VS Leo Quan

mr.bigglesworth · #1 07-31-2007, 03:37 AM

Hi all.
I'm in a middle of building a bass guitar, and I'm stuck.

I need to choose a bridge and I cant Decide.
Always wanted a Type A bridge from Hipshot, but I buy my parts from All Parts and they ain't selling it.
I narrowed it down to 3-4 bridges that look good to me.
Hipshot Type B
Schaller Rollers
and Leo Quan BadAss II or I

My Favorite For now is the Type B. But i see it only on 5/6 Strings mainly. Any reason?
If you got other options (from All-Parts) please say it.

BTW
I only can buy from All-Parts... Don't ask

Thanks for the help. TB Rules

wilser · #2 07-31-2007, 06:24 AM

ABM bridges (allparts # BB3430) looks a lot like hipshot A. Schaller is also a fine bridge. Have no experience with Leo Quan.

cnltb · #3 07-31-2007, 06:28 AM

HI!
If allparts are not selling the bridge you are after, just buy it elsewhere.
Very simple really.
I'd perhaps go direct if at all possible since when ever I have done that, the service has always been a lot better than when I went through a "middle mad".
That of course is not always an option.

mr.bigglesworth · #4 07-31-2007, 07:11 AM

Thanks for the answers.
I couldn't find the ABM bridge in the site.
Do You have any opinions on the Type B bridge?
And as i said before i cant buy elsewhere.

wilser · #5 07-31-2007, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.bigglesworth

Thanks for the answers.
I couldn't find the ABM bridge in the site.
Do You have any opinions on the Type B bridge?
And as i said before i cant buy elsewhere.

Go to the allparts.com site and search for 3430.

I don't like the B bridges as they don't allow spacing adjustments.

Bryan316 · #6 07-31-2007, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.bigglesworth

And as i said before i cant buy elsewhere.

What reason could you possibly give for not being able to buy elsewhere? I mean really... sound like a foolish thing to restrict yourself from getting the parts you want just because ONE website doesn't sell it.

Lemme guess... you've got a friend who works there and will give you a huge discount, right?

Eric Perry · #7 07-31-2007, 08:33 AM

I'd personally insist on the Hipshot A... But if I had to pick a second choice it would be the ABM.

SDB Guitars · #8 07-31-2007, 10:08 AM

Unless you are a dealer, ordering from allparts can be quite spendy...

The Leo Quan Badass bridges were (at least initially) "high mass" replacements for the stock Fender bridges. They seemed better designed, but you had to cut your own slots in the bridge saddles, although I believe this was called a "feature" (customizable string spacing!) at the time.

I can't speak for the Schaller roller bridge... I've never been fond of roller bridsges, but I've never had a bad Schaller product. Their tuners, for example, are very well engineered, so I imagine their bridges are also.

The Hipshot A bridge is a good one... I've used it a few times, and I like it... lately I've been all about the individual string bridges, though. Now, *those* I really like.

Eric Perry · #9 07-31-2007, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDB Guitars

Unless you are a dealer, ordering from allparts can be quite spendy...

The Leo Quan Badass bridges were (at least initially) "high mass" replacements for the stock Fender bridges. They seemed better designed, but you had to cut your own slots in the bridge saddles, although I believe this was called a "feature" (customizable string spacing!) at the time.

I can't speak for the Schaller roller bridge... I've never been fond of roller bridsges, but I've never had a bad Schaller product. Their tuners, for example, are very well engineered, so I imagine their bridges are also.

The Hipshot A bridge is a good one... I've used it a few times, and I like it... lately I've been all about the individual string bridges, though. Now, *those* I really like.

I've never used a roller bridge, but I'm curious why you aren't a fan? And why ARE you a fan of the individual saddles? Just curious. Inquiring dummyheads (like ME) wanna know.

NKUSigEp · #10 07-31-2007, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.bigglesworth

Hi all.
I'm in a middle of building a bass guitar, and I'm stuck.

I need to choose a bridge and I cant Decide.
Always wanted a Type A bridge from Hipshot, but I buy my parts from All Parts and they ain't selling it.
I narrowed it down to 3-4 bridges that look good to me.
Hipshot Type B
Schaller Rollers
and Leo Quan BadAss II or I

My Favorite For now is the Type B. But i see it only on 5/6 Strings mainly. Any reason?
If you got other options (from All-Parts) please say it.

BTW
I only can buy from All-Parts... Don't ask

Thanks for the help. TB Rules

Leo Quan is the BEST! Hands down. All others are inferior and won't add as much sustain and improve your tone as well as a BAII!!!!

The can of worms has been opened.

But seriously, I've had great results with the BAII and would recommend to anyone. It's easy to make adjustments and whether or not it actually DID improve my tone, I at least felt like my bass sounded and played better.

Eric Perry · #11 07-31-2007, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKUSigEp

Leo Quan is the BEST! Hands down. All others are inferior and won't add as much sustain and improve your tone as well as a BAII!!!!

Now please...

Dpduder · #12 07-31-2007, 10:44 AM

i like the hipshot A and the leoquan 2 as i have a bass outfitted with each.

the BAII has a few minor drawbacks, which include wieght, unfiled saddles, and sometimes the sheer size of it has raised string hight too high on cheaper basses that ive seen. is it a good bridge? ITS FREAKING AWESOME! sustian adjustability and looks are all included.

though, i still enjoy string trough lightweight sickness included in the hipshot A

FBB Custom · #13 07-31-2007, 11:34 AM

Jeez, the OP said very nicely he could only order from AP, *don't ask*.

Hipshot A not available at AP, so scratch that.

Hipshot B is, if you don't need adjustable string spacing (why would you?) then that would be my choice.

I used to like the Schaller roller. It is not a quick-loading bridge so now I feel like it is a pain in the ass. The saddles are also little wheels and they tend to spin (screwing up your spacing) when you don't want them to while restringing.

I have used Leo Quan twice, and I hated them both. They will improve tone and sustain if you want them to (it's a subjective experience) but I have never had a complaint about either with the Hipshot A (aluminum) or B. I just always thought it was so lame to have to slot a bridge and again, not quick load.

mr.bigglesworth · #14 07-31-2007, 12:38 PM

Thank you all for your answers (And lots of answers to).
Well i will tell you why i buy only from AP. because its my only choice. In my country the verity of bass parts is near nothing.
The only store that brings something decent works with AP. Thats why I can only buy from there.
And now for the question.
I think i will go with the Type B bridge.
The ABM is 5 string only, and I need 4.
I heard about the high strings in the BadAss and I'm a low action man, so that will be a pain.
The rollers sounded weird to me and now i see that they do some problems when loading strings.
The Type B didn't had major drawbacks, just didn't had string spacing option, And i don't really need it.
Thank you all! Really helped me!

BassikLee · #15 07-31-2007, 01:40 PM

Mr. B,

I know of no country anywhere in the world where small packages can't be shipped to. You might find that buying a Hipshot A, and having it shipped via USPS or whatever would be cheaper that your store connection, on a "second choice" bridge. If you really want a Hipshot, then get a Hipshot. Hell, I'll be the middleman for you, if you need me to.

Lee

mr.bigglesworth · #16 07-31-2007, 06:39 PM

Thanks a lot for the great offer.

I know I can buy it and ship it but it just ain't worth it. The taxes here are killing you if your not a store. I will pay twice for the bridge then i can buy in a store.
And its my first build so I don't want to go to far with it.
Plus I see that I found a good replacement so its not that bad.

Again great thanks for the help.

keyboardguy · #17 07-31-2007, 11:43 PM

""I used to like the Schaller roller. It is not a quick-loading bridge so now I feel like it is a pain in the ass. The saddles are also little wheels and they tend to spin (screwing up your spacing) when you don't want them to while restringing.""

What I did was put some clear fingernail polish on the sides of each roller, and they stay put.
The Schaller is a very solid bridge; I like mine.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,...s_Bridges.html

Mike

T. Brookins · #18 02-25-2013, 12:12 AM

Hipshot B is the best IMO. Ask Michael Tobias.

Available in brass AND aluminum.

No saddle parts to lose.

Precision crafted.

Simple and pretty.

Clean lines.

Bauhaus.

silentmike · #19 02-25-2013, 12:44 AM

Why not ask All Parts if they can order the Hipshot A in for you? It doesn't hurt to ask.

Musiclogic · #20 02-25-2013, 01:24 AM

Zombie thread rises