Help me to decide buy Badass II or not

[maturanesa]

Hi, i have a fender mim jazz bass and was thinking about replacing the bridge for a Badass II.

But i dont know if its worth the money or not...

What i spect from a new bridge:

More sustain, a lighter feel, the same string aligment to retain the same fret intonation, the possibility to get the same action that actually i have:
2 mm between the g string and 12 fret.

I would apreciate your opinions/suggestions.

thanx!
mat

[Diogenes]

Just about any modern bridge is adjustable enough to suit your needs so IMHO it boils down to one question... how much more sustain do you really need and is it worth the expense to you?

[dwm74]

I'd doublecheck here on the TB archives about that particular bridge. I recall reading that the plate is thicker, and therefore it sits higher, making it hard to get the action very low without a slight routing of the body (so it'll sit lower) or neck shimming. Just wouldn't want you to have any surprises after spending money and effort installing it!

And +1 on the above comment about sustain.

[maturanesa]

Originally Posted by Diogenes

Just about any modern bridge is adjustable enough to suit your needs so IMHO it boils down to one question... how much more sustain do you really need and is it worth the expense to you?

i would be happy with an amount of sustain like a better bass, maybe a MIA or a Musicman. Im needing a pro instrument but just cant pay for that basses so im trying to get close with my MIM. Here in Buenos Aires a Fender MIA or a Musicman cost about 2500 bucks, a MIM, 1000 bucks. A used Badass bridge 100 bucks.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by maturanesa

Hi, i have a fender mim jazz bass and was thinking about replacing the bridge for a Badass II.

But i dont know if its worth the money or not...

What i spect from a new bridge:

More sustain, a lighter feel, the same string aligment to retain the same fret intonation, the possibility to get the same action that actually i have:
2 mm between the g string and 12 fret.

I would apreciate your opinions/suggestions.

thanx!
mat

You should get better sustain with a BAII. As to "lighter feel" - if by that you mean "less weight" - the BAII is heavier than a stock Fender bridge.

"String alignment" has nothing to do with intonation. But yes, the BAII is fully adjustable for alignment, action and intonation (all three dimensions).

As for any routing being necessary in order to get the action very low, I have never heard of such a thing - and I've had three (non-Fender) bass guitars thus retrofitted without issue.

MM

[Bassman Bender]

I upgraded my MIM Fender P bass with a badass bridge and Quarter Pounder pickups and it plays wonderfully. Go for it!

[mshehan]

I have a BAII on 2 P Basses. Sound great play great. I plan on putting one on my J as well.

[plankspanker13]

You won't regret it, provided that you don't need to neck shim.

[4001Chaser]

I put one on my P/J and could tell no difference in tone or sustain over the stock bridge if that is what you are looking for. The adjustment options are the real gain. There are better priced options for adjustments IMO.

[BigBud]

Just got myself convinced and ordered a Babicz bridge in black. The Badass came in 2nd, but is an incredible bridge too.....so much good said about the Babicz, and if you are experimenting with something new, why not try out the new kid on the block. Check out some pics and discussion on the Babicz......worth a thought.....Mine ran just at $89..... Bud

[Kipaste]

Pfft.. I have a badass on one of my basses. Only reason I'd pay for one is for the cool "badass bass" text. Otherwise I'd just go for gotoh. And for me the main reason to "upgrade" is avoid slipping saddles.

[Diogenes]

Originally Posted by maturanesa

i would be happy with an amount of sustain like a better bass, maybe a MIA or a Musicman. Im needing a pro instrument but just cant pay for that basses so im trying to get close with my MIM. Here in Buenos Aires a Fender MIA or a Musicman cost about 2500 bucks, a MIM, 1000 bucks. A used Badass bridge 100 bucks.

Pro-level basses aren't defined by their price tag. Your MIM should be capable of plenty of sustain even with the stock bridge. As for feel and tone that's something your MIM should also be capable of. Take it to a reputable luthier or tech to have fretwork done (most factory made basses could benefit from a fret level) and a proper setup which should include nut slot filing. That'll be the best bang for your buck.

But by all means, get a BAII if you want one.

[JLS]

If you want more sustain, replace the neck screws with 1/4-20 threaded inserts & machine screws.

[maturanesa]

Originally Posted by mshehan

I have a BAII on 2 P Basses. Sound great play great. I plan on putting one on my J as well.

can you go for a low action like with the stock one? I use to set up the action about 2 mm between G string and 12 fret, 2.5 E string

[maturanesa]

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

You should get better sustain with a BAII. As to "lighter feel" - if by that you mean "less weight" - the BAII is heavier than a stock Fender bridge.

"String alignment" has nothing to do with intonation. But yes, the BAII is fully adjustable for alignment, action and intonation (all three dimensions).

MM

I assume if a string is not aligned it make contact with a different part of the fret when you depress. In the Badass II i dont see any visible screw or something to change aligment. The used bridge im thinking in buying have the grooves already made by someone...

[80'sRocker]

I'd seriously check out a Hipshot bridge over a BA. I've owned both (I have 2 basses now w/ Hipshots) love the Hipshots, or try the new Fender high mass bridge (thicker,heavier)

[MikeBass]

Originally Posted by dwm74

I'd doublecheck here on the TB archives about that particular bridge. I recall reading that the plate is thicker, and therefore it sits higher, making it hard to get the action very low without a slight routing of the body (so it'll sit lower) or neck shimming. Just wouldn't want you to have any surprises after spending money and effort installing it!

And +1 on the above comment about sustain.

False.
I put BAII on pretty much every Jazz I ever owned.
Shimming the neck IF you have to isn't a big deal at all.
My Victor Bailey Jazz needed no neck shim at all. and none needed any routing.


No routing is required.

IMO, it's one of the single most better "upgrades" you can make.

[maturanesa]

Originally Posted by MikeBass

False.
I put BAII on pretty much every Jazz I ever owned.
Shimming the neck IF you have to isn't a big deal at all.
My Victor Bailey Jazz needed no neck shim at all. and none needed any routing.


No routing is required.

IMO, it's one of the single most better "upgrades" you can make.

How much can you go with the low action? i use 2 mm between G string and 12 fret. I would apreciate if you tell me. Or somebody.

[smeet]

I have a MIA Precision Deluxe 5, and the Badass is too thick to allow a low action without a shim. It's nowhere close to 2mm. That doesn't mean your bass will be like that. Just be aware that if your Fender bridge is close to the bottom, the Badass will need a neck shim.

[maturanesa]

Originally Posted by smeet

I have a MIA Precision Deluxe 5, and the Badass is too thick to allow a low action without a shim. It's nowhere close to 2mm. That doesn't mean your bass will be like that. Just be aware that if your Fender bridge is close to the bottom, the Badass will need a neck shim.

2 mm is from 12 fret to G string. The measure between the top of the saddle and the bottom is about 1,3 cm.

2 mm in that area is totally normal, are you saying no near than that?????

It seems like ill have to put a card game between the neck and the body