New bridge: This look good to anyone?

Ezmar · #1 08-25-2011, 01:59 PM

So I have a Fender Squier J bass, and I'd like to get a new one at some point, because it's not the best bass ever. Still, I won't be getting a new one for another couple thousand dollars, because It's not so bad that I'd want to spring money on some intermediate bass. It would be a waste. So I'm planning on my next step being a new bridge. My bass just has the stock bridge, and I have problems with saddles not staying in place, particularly with string height, the D especially keeps slipping, and raising it up all the time isn't good for string life,. and I also suspect that the bridge isn't as nice on the strings as it could be.

So I was grabbing a new amp yesterday, online, (higher priority, Can't gig with a 15W amp :P) and I was looking at Bridges. This one caught my eye.

Full Contact Hardware 4-String Fender-Style Bass Bridge and more Bass Pickups & Parts at GuitarCenter.com.

It's relatively inexpensive, and it looks like it would just be a straight upgrade, in terms of saddle stability, tone, and pretty much everything. I don't want to sink a whole lot of money into this bass, since, as a Squier, I'm only going to be able to get so much out of it no matter what I do to it, and really, with the bridge changed, there's really NOTHING wrong with it, I like the way it sounds and plays, and it should serve me just fine until I have the money to get a MUCH nicer bass, like a Zon or something like that.

So what do you all think of that bridge? I should go ahead as soon as I've got enough money to comfortably spend on it? I'm in college this year, so I'm not going to be making much money.

fhm555 · #2 08-25-2011, 02:36 PM

I've got on on one of my mim j's and I like it a lot.

grendle · #3 08-25-2011, 02:51 PM

Might want to look at schaller. That was the Bad Ass upgrade back in the day . Fully adjustable including spacing. Hi mass too. They don't get much love here though.

Ezmar · #4 08-25-2011, 02:56 PM

How much? Like I said, I just need something that's more stable than the crappy stock bridge I have now that keeps moving around on me. That one is $90, which I think is pretty good.

dmusic148 · #5 08-25-2011, 03:00 PM

Many bridges will get the job done. I suggest Gotoh, or Hipshot.
Or just fix the slipping saddle screws with nail polish, and save your money.
Don't sell the Squier short, though. Remember, any bass is just wood and wire. Many of us, including some real pro's, think quite highly of Squiers, especially late model ones. They're really quite good.

grendle · #6 08-25-2011, 03:13 PM

I believe they are about 120$

Stealth · #7 08-25-2011, 03:18 PM

You might want to check Chunger's bass upgrade thread. He's been on the prowl for cheap, yet quality bass bridges. If this is a Babicz full contact bridge (and I think they're the only ones who call it that way) I think you're in for a treat. It's good.

Ezmar · #8 08-25-2011, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Many bridges will get the job done. I suggest Gotoh, or Hipshot.
Or just fix the slipping saddle screws with nail polish, and save your money.
Don't sell the Squier short, though. Remember, any bass is just wood and wire. Many of us, including some real pro's, think quite highly of Squiers, especially late model ones. They're really quite good.

Eh, I like the idea of getting a new bridge better, I've heard the nail polish fix several times, and it seems a little too DIY and improvised. Seems like it would make the whole thing less adjustable. It's mostly in my head, though. Plus I don't keep nail polish around.

And I'm definitely not selling the Squier short. That's why I said that It would be a waste to get anything short of a Several thousand dollar custom boutique bass, because nothing else is likely to be enough of an improvement in tone for me to spend money on a new bass. If I get a new bass at some point, It will either be an Actual fender Jazz or Jag, or some High end brand like Zon that I spend a lot of time picking out. The squier will serve me until that point is reached. The bridge is really the only thing that makes it feel cheap to me. Get that replaced, and I have no complaints. I love the J style sound.

grendle · #9 08-25-2011, 05:47 PM

I think 90% or better of fender owners use either nail Polish or locktite (the pro way) on their bridges. That's been an issue with those bridges since day 1. Pretty much STD practice for guitar /bass techs on tour with just about any bridge once its set up the way they want it. Just something that most basses are prone to. No biggie.