The infamous Badass Bridge

magnur1002 · #1 04-01-2010, 05:09 PM

I have been an eager forum reader for the last week. I came here to seek answers, and I have found many. But I must admit I have even more questions now than a week ago (and I suppose that is a good thing).

Anyway.The Badass bridge.
It is frequently stated that "it really makes a difference" and that "it is recommended". But, apart from its awesome name, what is so great about it? What IS the "difference"?

And furthermore; is it expensive? and can you badass your bridge easily or is it a complicated process?

I tried to find a previous thread on this topic, but couldn't find one (probably because I didn't use the finder properly)

Thank you very much for answers or a link to a thread about the topic

DMBassNVox · #2 04-01-2010, 05:14 PM

I purchased it for my jazz bass. the sustain and attack of the bass was almost INSTANTEOUSLY noticed. i HIGHLY recommend it. its not that expensive, about 80 bucks.

uethanian · #3 04-01-2010, 05:23 PM

better question, why does a small piece of metal cost $80

magnur1002 · #4 04-01-2010, 05:25 PM

Thanks for a quick answer! You convinced me to buy one

magnur1002 · #5 04-01-2010, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uethanian

better question, why does a small piece of metal cost $80

And you made me uncertain again..
what to do, what to do

Basshappi · #6 04-01-2010, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uethanian

better question, why does a small piece of metal cost $80

Because you can't make one and Leo Quan can.

M0ses · #7 04-01-2010, 05:31 PM

This is kind of a can of worms. There's always been lots of debate about whether or not changing your bridge will make any difference at all. IMO - no. I have never seen any evidence of any kind that even suggests it.

becker4567 · #8 04-01-2010, 05:38 PM

You'll probably get alot of different answers here (and I'll probably get a bit of flack for mine), but here it is. The BA bridge is nice, but not that nice. Will you see a huge difference?, probably not. A little maybe, but not alot. Sustain is nice, but just how long do you intend to hold a note? What a better bridge does is make tuning and intonating easier, hold the strings better and gives you an allround better, more solid feel. It looks alot better than those cheap bent metal bridges do too. I always change the bridges on any bass I get, but I use a Gotoh 201. It is exactly the same (IMO) as a BA at less than half the price (Warmoth.com). Now, I can't wait for the hate mail to start! Good luck!

SGD Lutherie · #9 04-01-2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uethanian

better question, why does a small piece of metal cost $80

Wouldn't you want to get paid to make something? You aren't getting a piece of metal. It's a die cast zinc alloy bridge. They have to make the tooling and the dies, and then have to get it plated. They need workers in the factory, and have to pay them. They have rent to pay on the building. Then there is packaging and shipping.

You can get cheaper bridges and they might work well too.

And the quality stuff all works well, such as Hipshot, Gotoh and Schaller.

The reason why bridges like this are not stock on Fenders is because they don't want to spend that much on parts, and they are keeping with tradition.

But replacement parts came out because people wanted better performance from their basses.

Zooberwerx · #10 04-01-2010, 06:02 PM

The BA bridge was the bee's knees when I slapped one on a P bass back in the mid-80's but, then again, I don't recall there being a lot offerings available. Still a nice product but I much prefer the Hipshot and Schaller fully-adjustable bridges.

The responses you get from a high-mass bridge will vary from instrument to instrument...some good, some not so good. Case-in-point: the high-end Pedulla basses sport high mass ABM bridges, the less-costly Raptures use a semi-traditional bent plate design. Cost, right? Nope...not according to Mike Pedulla. He states the ABM's just don't sound right nor provide the right tonal character on the bolt-on Rapture. Go figure!

Riis

darkstorm · #11 04-01-2010, 06:05 PM

They do make a diff sound wise. However I find myself not being a fan of the extra treble zing baddass brisges give the sound. This being a result of the metal formula used for them. I prefer other high mass bridges better. Such as gotoh, schaller, & carvin.

Nikoubis · #12 04-01-2010, 06:09 PM

I've played the same MIM P with the Badass, the Gotoh 201 and the stock bridge. No discernible difference tonally, but the Gotoh was clearly superior when it came to intonating, which IMHO is the most important aspect of a bridge.

joebar · #13 04-01-2010, 06:14 PM

i have a schaller which gives lateral (side to side adjustment as well ) i like it very much and looks cool.

sidd_laroy · #14 04-01-2010, 06:20 PM

personally, i noticed a huge difference when i changed out those crappy saddles that come on squier bridges to some brass saddles. a lot more punch and clarity. it makes sense though, switching from having your strings rest on a piece of metal as oppose to that crap that squiers come with. maybe it won't make much of a difference if you're switching to a bridge that was made out of the same material as the one that you're replacing. but i think if the materials are different, there will be a difference.

Edit: i think the saddles are made out of aluminum or something on squiers.

Edit edit: some kind of cheap soft metal.

superhand · #15 04-01-2010, 06:43 PM

I have never owned one, but I have heard about them for years.

I personally doubt that any bridge can do that much for your tone or your sustain, but I could be wrong.

Sometimes I want to replace my bridge on my MIM Jazz, but I would probably go for a Gotoh 201 or something similar.

I wonder if the Badass would be as popular as it is if were called "fairy bridge?" I think its just a lot of hype and marketing with a catchy name.

***edit*** shouldn't this be in the hardware forum?

stantonl · #16 04-01-2010, 06:55 PM

I have BA bridges on both my P-Basses and couldn't be happier with them. Personally I hate the cheap "roller" style bridges that came stock, until recently, on most Fender's. As for installation, BA has a couple different models so just make sure you get the one that fits your bass and installation is a breeze. Also be sure to get the slotted saddles as that doing it yourself is a major pain!

EagleMoon · #17 04-01-2010, 06:56 PM

Badass bridges went from about $50 to close to $100 last year when it was rumored that Leo Quan had discontinued production of the bridge.

IMO, they're nothing special. If you have a decent bridge on your bass, changing it to a Badass won't make a lot of difference. If you have a crappy bridge on your bass, it will made a noticeable difference. Mainly because it's such a huge hunk of metal.

Gotoh, Schaller and Hipshot all make some great bridges and personally I prefer all of those over the BA. For one thing, I don't want to add another pound to the weight of my bass. They're heavy enough as it is.

Kipaste · #18 04-01-2010, 07:31 PM

Not worth it. If your bridge is giving you trouble, get a gotoh 201. It's just as good if not better. In fact, I have two badasses lying around since I replaced them with gotoh.

SGD Lutherie · #19 04-01-2010, 07:32 PM

One thing to remember about the Badass is you must slot the saddles. It doesn't work well if you don't.

sidd_laroy · #20 04-01-2010, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kipaste

Not worth it. If your bridge is giving you trouble, get a gotoh 201. It's just as good if not better. In fact, I have two badasses lying around since I replaced them with gotoh.

...reaaaaalllllyyyyyy.......