MIA Fender 3-Hole Bridge?

[XansNiceSweater]

So, my 83 P-Bass has a 3-hole bridge. Since the Badass II, Hipshot, and other bridges all have 5 holes...well, I guess I'm wondering what I can do to replace this flimsy, rusted bridge without drilling holes. It looks like maybe I could put a badass in and only use 3 of the holes, but that doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense.

Any experience with these bridges and/or their replacement?

Thanks!

[Slowgypsy]

Hardly an expert on these things, but... my Fender P that's just a couple of years old has the 3-hole bridge... and the string thru the body option. My old Fender J has the 5-hole bridge, and no string thru options. That said... there are Badass models for either 3 or 5 hole, and the newer Fender "high mass" bridge is also 3-hole with the string thru body option. Question... does your bass have the string thru option?

[Turock]

You don't have to drill holes, three screws will hold it. I've done it.

[walterw]

there's no reason to be scared of drilling two holes under the bridge for a 5-screw replacement. it won't affect value or anything.

otherwise, there are new 3-hole replacements from fender, most of which are designed for both top-loading and through-body stringing.

[Metal Mitch]

There's the new Fender HMV, and the Badass 3 which was designed as a replacement for the new Fender bridge.

The 3 center screws on a 5 hole mount may not line up with these new bridges. I'd measure the spacing first and check the mechanical drawings if available.

[XansNiceSweater]

I thought I had posted a reply. I do not have the options of stringing through the body, just through the bridge.

[bassophil]

The Badass I has only 3 holes. Another option would be the Schaller 3D.

[XansNiceSweater]

I've found exactly what I'm looking for.

http://store.hipshotproducts.com/car...t_detail&p=306