Hipshot A & B bridges

[chinjazz]

Hi, anyone know if the A style he adjustable bridges are worth the effort?

I'm building a modernish 5 string - MM pickup at the bridge and am on the fence between A & B.

I've never owned an A, but many B types.

Also, what's different between aluminum and Brass?

Thanks!

[testing1two]

I really like the A-style bridge as far as high-mass bridges go. It's pretty much perfect in terms of design and adjustability. I have a B-style on my fretless but I like the adjustable string spacing and the overall look on the A better.

Regarding aluminum versus brass, the differences are mostly speculative. The brass will be heavier. Whether or not that added density leads to an audible difference is debatable and difficult to quantify. The general consensus is that brass adds sustain and clarity while aluminum adds sustain and midrange focus. However I cannot verify these claims. I always choose brass for my high mass bridges or Leo's bent steel plate bridge.

[chinjazz]

Originally Posted by testing1two

I really like the A-style bridge as far as high-mass bridges go. It's pretty much perfect in terms of design and adjustability. I have a B-style on my fretless but I like the adjustable string spacing and the overall look on the A better.

Regarding aluminum versus brass, the differences are mostly speculative. The brass will be heavier. Whether or not that added density leads to an audible difference is debatable and difficult to quantify. The general consensus is that brass adds sustain and clarity while aluminum adds sustain and midrange focus. However I cannot verify these claims. I always choose brass for my high mass bridges or Leo's bent steel plate bridge.

I always wondered about these things. I agree with you on the look of the A style. It looks sleek. I'll most likely get an an A style for my next bass. Thanks for the feedback!

[IronLung1986]

my bridge philosophy is that simpler is better. less moving parts means less can go wrong. and it would appear that the B style provides all the necessary adjustability...i mean, how often does one change the string spacing?

[chinjazz]

IronLung1986, I like your philosophy from a player stand point. Since I'm building a bass for the first time an A style may afford me some wiggle room on slight misfortunes of my potentially goofed up routing or assembly. Essentially, if I do everything right, a B will be fine I'm sure

[zortation]

I've used both. The "A" looks great but the "B" sounds better. To me The "B" seems to transfer more of the bottom end information from the string to the bass.

Less parts = moar tone

[IronLung1986]

Originally Posted by chinjazz

IronLung1986, I like your philosophy from a player stand point. Since I'm building a bass for the first time an A style may afford me some wiggle room on slight misfortunes of my potentially goofed up routing or assembly. Essentially, if I do everything right, a B will be fine I'm sure

oh I see! well best of luck with the build then!

[chinjazz]

Originally Posted by IronLung1986

oh I see! well best of luck with the build then!

Thanks! We'll see.. I may put a B or A, depending on how it looks, but thanks for the feedback. I am leaning toward the B because I always seem to stack tone on the top of my priorities above all else.

[DaveAceofBass]

Originally Posted by zortation

I've used both. The "A" looks great but the "B" sounds better. To me The "B" seems to transfer more of the bottom end information from the string to the bass.

Less parts = moar tone

Have you compared an aluminum plate B with brass saddles to an all brass B?

[chinjazz]

I ended up with an all brass (chrome) A due to a good deal found in the classifieds here. Looks awesome, but as I go I may have a chance to try a B style to compare, we'll see.