KSM Foundation?

[newbold]

Who's using these bridges?

I'm thinking now that unless I get a steal of a deal on a hipshot bridge I'd like to get one of these.

From what I understand, they bring a resonant tone normally only found in Strings Through bridges to a top loading bridge.

I'd like to get some feedback before I pull the trigger - which will more than likely be the springtime.

[BobXboB]

Originally Posted by newbold

From what I understand, they bring a resonant tone normally only found in Strings Through bridges to a top loading bridge.

What is the tone difference between a resonant tone and a non resonant tone?

[newbold]

As far as I meant, a stronger, fuller vibration that makes the body RESONATE as I've felt strings through basses that I've played (mass produced) as compared to top load bridges.

Main Entry:
res·o·nate
Pronunciation:
\ˈre-zə-ˌnāt\
Function:
verb
Inflected Form(s):
res·o·nat·ed; res·o·nat·ing
Date:
1873
intransitive verb

1: to produce or exhibit resonance
2: to respond as if by resonance ; also : to have a repetitive pattern that resembles resonance
3: to relate harmoniously : strike a chord
transitive verb
: to subject to resonating


Main Entry:
res·o·nance
Pronunciation:
\ˈre-zə-nən(t)s, ˈrez-nən(t)s\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Middle English resonaunce,
from Middle French resonance,
from resoner to resound — more at resound
Date:
15th century

1 a: the quality or state of being resonant b (1): a vibration of large amplitude in a mechanical or electrical system caused by a relatively small periodic stimulus of the same or nearly the same period as the natural vibration period of the system (2): the state of adjustment that produces resonance in a mechanical or electrical system
2 a: the intensification and enriching of a musical tone by supplementary vibration


Maybe you were genuinely curious, or perhaps just thinking I'm trying to flower up my understanding of the bass...

...Either way you didn't answer my question or add to the subject.

At least your profile name is symmetrical.

[BobXboB]

So you don't know either, that's OK

Dead spots and wolf tones are resonance. The word is so often misused I was surprised to see it's now a tone and doesn't just mean better somehow.

[newbold]

Fantastic! I am entirely glad that i got a smiley face.

I was just asking a question as the concept worked for me.

Wolf Tones, huh? i want a wolf BASS.

It's not a new tone. I was just trying to find a way to make a verb into an adjective.

I guess 'transference' might work too.

A top loading bridge that helps tickle my liver more than a shot of bourbon?

[newbold]

Maybe I just don't realize that I'm 'on the ball' sometimes...but I can't find much info about these bridges.

Are they fairly new products?

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by newbold

. . .they bring a resonant tone normally only found in Strings Through bridges to a top loading bridge . . .

That just sounds way too hype-y for my palate.

[BobXboB]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

That just sounds way too hype-y for my palate.

Good ear

[newbold]

hypey?

So when i can't really explain myself properly you're gonna chock it up to hype?

A super solid high mass top loading bridge that focuses all energy from the strings to the body.

That's what it is and what it does.

I don't have one.

I was hoping someone would come on that has one...and nobody's come on yet with experience playing or installing them

If you look at the timestamp you can probably figure out that i had just eaten a way huge meal.

I hope someone else has something to actually add to this.

[JustDavid]

It sounded like Marketing Department hype to me. Maybe I should have eaten before replying

But I'll accept your assessment that my comment wasn't a contribution.

I don't think high mass equates to better body coupling. I can agree that higher mass can enhance sustain.

And those bridges look solid, well designed, & well built!!! The only rock I could throw is only one width & colour choice for 5 string. Looks like they'd be a pain to adjust, but maybe that's a cost of solidity.

[BobXboB]

Originally Posted by newbold

A super solid high mass top loading bridge that focuses all energy from the strings to the body.

Like a crystal you can buy at a street fair will.

If you look at the timestamp you can probably figure out that i had just eaten a way huge meal.

Yes of course. My bad.

I hope someone else has something to actually add to this.

I think you're actually looking for someone to tell you you're right and to validate your assumptions. But your claims are extremely "hypey" and you have closed yourself off to anything else.

[BobXboB]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

I don't think high mass equates to better body coupling.

Thinking is not allowed

If Alembic has any clout in these arguments over make believe they claim that high mass bridges isolate the strings from the body. Are they stupid? Not cool enough to be right anymore?

Look at an acoustic bass, ask a luthier how to increase the coupling of the strings to the body and they will tell you to reduce the mass of the bridge.

More mass = less coupling. And I just had a sandwich so that has to be true.

Originally Posted by JustDavid

I can agree that higher mass can enhance sustain.

A true marketeer would say it increases sustain and resonance. Increasing the lows and highs and thickening up the mids.

[BobXboB]

The Revolutionary KSM FOUNDATION™ Bridge
The KSM FOUNDATION™ Bridge was designed to achieve the benefits of a single solid piece, but also to be fully adjustable for each individual player. Kevin S. Moore has utilized a patented ramp system that allows for precise adjustments and maximizes the transfer of string-to-body vibrations. This improved string-to-body contact gives the instrument exceptional brightness and clarity.

The KSM FOUNDATION™ Bridge is perfect for independent bass builders looking to set themselves apart and for bass bridge upgrades. An instrument that is retrofitted with the KSM FOUNDATION™ Bass Bridge will have enhanced characteristics; such as if the instrument tends to sound low and punchy, those characteristic tones will sound clearer and more refine.

All moving components lock into position with a clamping system after final adjustments are made to prevent any part from vibrating loose after extended use. Because the entire bridge is made of high-grade aircraft aluminum, the light, durable and very resonant material resists all corrosion and rust, while continually maintaining tonal integrity.

This bridge is far superior to other comparably priced bridges. The revolutionary design is completely unique and can not be compared to other bridges on the market.

It's not even a high mass bridge in the first place

It can't adjust intonation without changing string height.

It claims to make a bass deeper and brighter and more punchy, in other words it claims to make a bass louder. Snake oils always promise to do everything. He also claims it kills sustain by claiming it is more resonant. Unless it's magical and I'm mistaken.

This reminds me of the old 2-tek bridges that claimed to isolate the strings to avoid crosstalk by simply making the metal plate where the saddles join out of site. 2-tek really understood the way we hear with our eyes.

[BobXboB]

I thought I would look up the patent

http://www.google.com/patents?id=wUQ...zoom=4#PPA1,M1

Anyone have any idea what is unique in this? Slidably???

[Craig_S]

I wouldn't use one. When I play with a pick, I anchor my hand on the bridge. This bridge looks like it's not going to work well for that, at all. I'd definitely use the Hipshot first. That Hipshot design is really nice.

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by BobXboB

It can't adjust intonation without changing string height.

It looks to me like it's vice versa; string height adjustments will change intonation. Intonation seems to adjust 'normally'.

[newbold]

Looks like that to me too.

Hipshot design's really nice but it's not made to be entirely immobile once set up. There's still a bit of wiggle.

It's a toss up between the A style and the KSM for me for a high mass bridge.

I would really like to read more about them by the time I upgrade...which won't be for awhile.

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by newbold

A super solid high mass top loading bridge that focuses all energy from the strings to the body.

That's what it is and what it does.

Hmm...... Well that's just as much a matter of opinion as any view I've heard. In the end you must consider the resonance of the entire mass - bridge, body, neck, frets, tuners, etc. You can't make up for the lack of one component by changing another.

[BobXboB]

Originally Posted by newbold

It's a toss up between the A style and the KSM for me for a high mass bridge.

It's not a high mass bridge, it's aluminum.

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by BobXboB

It's not a high mass bridge, it's aluminum.

A really good point here. High mass is not the equivalent of high resonance. Sometimes, maybe...