MIM Bridge Replacement - Gotoh? Badass II? Schaller?

[agreatheight]

So I am going to swap out the bridge on my MIM Jazz bass. When I play pick style (about 50% of the time in my cover band) I rest my hand on the bridge and I am apparently slowly pushing the saddles down, screwing my set up. Or maybe the saddles just fall down - it's hard to tell. All I know is that I adjust the saddles and then after playing they are lower.

So I am looking for a replacement bridge that this will not be an issue on. I was initally thinking Badass II as it's a direct swap, but looking at it I am not sure that I'd have the same problem. Would Gotoh be any better? How about Schaller? Or is the problem inherent to the low quality MIM bridge? Are the Gotoh or Schaller bridges going to be problematic to install?

I have played this way for years and never noticed an issue on any of my other basses, but I am not very observant on hardware. I do recall at least one bass with a Schaller on it and I don't recall any issues.

Any insight would be great!

Peace!

[lowendgenerator]

I think any of the 3 choices will work, but a BAII is a direct replacement, and my weapon of choice. I think the reason the saddles are moving on you is the grub screws that adjust action are moving. A dab of loctite or superglue on them once you're set up should hold them in place.

BTW, Size Of The Ocean is tight!

[Philbiker]

I sometimes anchor my hand on the bridge also when playing with a pick. You end up with a trebly sound because of picking so near the bridge - I like that sound, it's one of my favorite pick techniques! Sounds particularly great with a "P" pickup.

IME a bridge with big roll saddles like the "classic" fender bridge is much less than optimal, and you can mess up height, intonation, all kinds of stuff. You want something with more substance to it where you put your hand, which will not move around and you won't unintentionally change settings!

In my experience, the classic Schaller Roller bridge is an outstanding piece for this particular pick technique. I've had three basses with that bridge in one form or another and it is quite a good piece. However, as it is not a 5 screw "drop-in" replacement for the Fender, it will require drilling to install.

The Gotoh is not a good choice, the saddles are so similar to the Fender. The Badass is better, but still may have height adjust screws sticking up, which I personally don't like. I'll bet an ABM bridge would be great, but they're very expensive!

[agreatheight]

Originally Posted by lowendgenerator

BTW, Size Of The Ocean is tight!

Mucho gracias! I appreciate the kind words!

[agreatheight]

Thanks for the reply guys! I *think* I am gonna go with the Schaller bridge, even though it requires drilling. I don't care much about the resale on a $250 bass - I am looking for a player. The more I think about it, the more I am sure that my Kawai bass from days past had a Schaller roller bridge on it, and I picked that bass with no issue (I recall it was a super comfortable bridge). I have been a mostly fingerstyle player for a while, but now that I am doing a cover band I really like the idea of using the technique the original player used. I am sure that no one cares except for me, but it's a fun way to mix it up in the name of authenticity.

[Human Bass]

Dude, i think that the Schaller 2000 is a direct replacement!! And it has a super adjustable design, much more like fancy bridges like Hipshot A, not just a "big mass" bridge.

[Medford Bassman]

i useto own a MIM jazz bass. I had the same problem. The bridge on those are worthless. I went with a BAII. That made a HUGE difference. Just make sure you have the grooves filed in the bridge and make sure whomever does it knows what they're doing.