Jazz bass bridge question

bassgod76 · #1 03-30-2009, 06:40 AM

I'm thinking about building a retro 62 Jazz type project. I want an older style bride, but I want one made out of brass that is heavy duty. Basically, I want a retro look with modern technology. Besides the retro bridge hipshot offers, are there any others I should consider?

I'm looking to not spend over $200.00

And no, I don't want to use a Leo Quan

Thanks,
Todd

GtenderG · #2 03-30-2009, 06:44 AM

Gotoh 201 - $32 at Warmoth - you can spend more but I don't see (or hear) any reason to.

http://www.warmoth.com/Gotoh-201-4-S...rome-P138.aspx

**line6man** · #3 03-30-2009, 07:15 AM

$200

You could buy at least 3 bridges for that much.

bassgod76 · #4 03-30-2009, 07:17 AM

Well, I just want to give a price range.

Philbiker · #5 03-30-2009, 10:57 AM

If you ask me the hipshot is the perfect bridge for this application.

http://store.hipshotproducts.com/car...duct_list&c=15

Would you consider a high mass bridge? The Smith bridge is a real nice piece.

bassgod76 · #6 03-30-2009, 11:26 AM

Yeah, that Hipshot was the one I was looking at. Just didn't know if there was another idea out there.

What is a high mass bridge? Please educate me.

lizardking837 · #7 03-30-2009, 11:32 AM

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...bly?sku=361387

there you go, dude.

bassgod76 · #8 03-30-2009, 11:36 AM

All good suggestions. What is special about that fender bridge? Those saddle groves for string spacing adjust?

BigOldHarry · #9 03-30-2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod76

All good suggestions. What is special about that fender bridge? Those saddle groves for string spacing adjust?

That's a vintage look. If you were going for the 100% vintage appearance (performance be damned) then this is the way to go. I like a more stable bridge (mass doesn't matter to my ears, but side-to-side stability seems important to me), I'd go for this bridge:

http://www.allparts.com/store/bass-b...10,Product.asp

it's more vintage looking than most high-mass bridges but it does guide-slots for the saddle screws so it will be a bit more stable.

bassgod76 · #10 03-30-2009, 11:45 AM

what's the gotoh made of?

Bassgrinder77 · #11 03-30-2009, 11:50 AM

+1.
It's a more massive design that looks basically like the old original.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GtenderG

Gotoh 201 - $32 at Warmoth - you can spend more but I don't see (or hear) any reason to.

http://www.warmoth.com/Gotoh-201-4-S...rome-P138.aspx

bh2 · #12 03-30-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizardking837

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...bly?sku=361387

there you go, dude.

I'll check out one of these for my 61 Jazz... I need to find some vintage style machines too... I threw out the original hardware!

bassgod76 · #13 03-31-2009, 09:53 AM

Love to see pics of that 61 jazz

lizardking837 · #14 04-02-2009, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bh2

I'll check out one of these for my 61 Jazz... I need to find some vintage style machines too... I threw out the original hardware!

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...Set?sku=361386

Note: According to some of the reviews they don't have bushings or mounting screws.

I second that bass god, no pics=no bass.

but i believe you anyway.

bh2 · #15 04-03-2009, 01:07 AM

Ahh... major restore project on this bass soon...

bassgod76 · #16 04-03-2009, 06:41 AM

I didn't disbelieve anyone. I just couldn't wait to see it in restored state. I just want to get something that will work under a bridge cover, yet not be an old flimsy bridge with no sustain. I await an email from Hipshot. Sigh

walterw · #17 04-03-2009, 02:21 PM

whatever you get, make sure the spacing is either adjustable, or is wide enough to line the strings up between each pair of magnets on the pickups. a lot of them aren't, and it makes a difference in string attack when they're over a magnet instead of between a pair of magnets. plus, it looks "wrong" when the spacing is off.

lizardking837 · #18 04-03-2009, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bh2

Ahh... major restore project on this bass soon...

very nice. I can't wait to see it when it's done

bassgod76 · #19 04-03-2009, 02:49 PM

When the dude from Hipshot gets back to me, I'll know more.

The Golden Boy · #20 04-03-2009, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod76

I just want to get something that will work under a bridge cover, yet not be an old flimsy bridge with no sustain.

I've got a 65 Jazz that I'm using the old "bent piece of metal" bridge.

For around 6-7 years I flopped around with switching it around with a Badass II, and I swear I don't hear or feel any difference in "sustain" between either bridge.