P bass pridge replacement

Fletz · #1 10-08-2010, 02:32 PM

Hey there - quick questions ...

Will a Fender High Mass Bridge replace a standard MIM P-Bass bridge?

Will it make a difference in tone similar to a BadAss?

Thanks all!

darkstorm · #2 10-08-2010, 04:48 PM

Yes it will fit. You may or may not need to plug a previous couple holes and make some new starter holes for bridge screws. It will not result in the treble zingyness that BaddassII bridges add. Thats a real plus imo. Higher mass bridge like the fender high mass one and gotoh can give a slightly fuller sound along with a little more note detail and slowerr note fade out. Compared to the standard thin bent metal fender bridge. A real plus imo. So in simple terms, Id pick that fender high mass bridge over a baddassII any day. Only exception being if it was a bass that was needing a treble boost anyway. In which case the baddassII would be great choice as it'll add fullness of sound etc like other qaulity high mass bridges plus a treble zing boost too. Id go with the gotoh bridge over the fender one though. Cause to me its better resonance and litltle better detail to sound then most. Price is only around $40 thru internet stores. If your willing to spend $100 and also want fast load ease, the Hipshot A bridge brass version would be my pick for best for bucks.

tangentmusic · #3 10-08-2010, 04:53 PM

Total Direct Fit... See above

Fletz · #4 10-08-2010, 08:08 PM

Thanks all. Want more fullness so your advice is great.

C.Linton · #5 10-09-2010, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletz

Thanks all. Want more fullness so your advice is great.

Just so you know, there are some folks I've read posts from here and on other sites who say they swapped out their "vintage" style low mass stamped steel bridge for some kind of high mass bridge such as a Badass, and said it made no difference whatsoever, and some claimed it was worse, and they ended up putting the old bridge back, sayng it was a waste of time and money. Something to consider.

walterw · #6 10-09-2010, 01:07 AM

the fender high-mass versions are 3-screw mounting and primarily designed for string-through-body.

you'd get much bigger returns upgrading the pickup rather than the bridge.

InLeoWeTrust · #7 10-09-2010, 05:41 AM

If you want a direct replacement w/out having to plug holes, I'd recommend a Gotoh 201 (or a copy thereof). I have an '08 MIA Jazz with the HMV bridge, and I've done a bridge replacement on a Squier w/ a cheap 201 copy, so I can compare first-hand. The HMV bridge has 3 screws spaced differently than the "old-style" bent metal 5-screw bridges, and IMO really looks like it is primarily intended for string-through, with the option of top-loading. The 201 (or copy) seems to be a more "solid" platform for top-loading.

Fletz · #8 10-10-2010, 08:33 AM

Thanks guys - I am looking for a fuller sound. I have upgraded the pups to Basslines SPB-3s and the range of tone seems better. I want fuller resonance, if that makes sense. I am leaning toward a Gotoh 201 after reading this. Thanks again.

dmusic148 · #9 10-10-2010, 08:36 AM

Hate to be a party-pooper, but doing this is unlikely to yield the results you're looking for.

C.Linton · #10 10-10-2010, 10:31 AM

+1
As I said in my post, I've seen reports from a number of folks who did this exact same swap hoping for the same results as the OP, and ended up totally disappointed. They were mad that they wasted their money and time and some even switched back to the original bridge because it was better.

gjbassist · #11 10-10-2010, 10:44 AM

Try the Gotoh 201 or a generic equivalent. There may or may not be an improvement in sustain and such but they do IMO look nicer than stock bridges.

Check out the one on the upper left here:
http://www.basspartsresource.com/bridge_economy.htm
It is there version of the 201 at less than half the price!

JLS · #12 10-10-2010, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

the fender high-mass versions are 3-screw mounting and primarily designed for string-through-body.

you'd get much bigger returns upgrading the pickup rather than the bridge.

Listen to Walter...

walterw · #13 10-10-2010, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletz

Thanks guys - I am looking for a fuller sound. I have upgraded the pups to Basslines SPB-3s and the range of tone seems better. I want fuller resonance, if that makes sense. I am leaning toward a Gotoh 201 after reading this. Thanks again.

the 201 will at least have the advantage of not allowing the saddles to slide around like they do on the mexi standard bridges. that might translate to a bit better resonance and sustain.

the thing is, so will a set of vintage-style threaded rod saddles, which you can get for like $15.