pbass stock bridge?

nboyer941 · #1 08-14-2010, 11:46 AM

I've been playing for about 3-4 years now and only foccused on playing. I've never done any mods to any basses.

About 8 months ago I bought a used 08 standard american pbass. Just lately, I've finally started to bond with her. The action is quite low and the saddles on the bridge are raised pretty high. It seems chinsey, and it makes me want to get a new bridge.

Do people do this sort of thing with american pbasses? or is that a nono?

If so, what are some recomendations?

Mine is sunburst with chrome hardware.

treekiller · #2 08-14-2010, 12:04 PM

I assume you have the HMV(High Mass Vintage) string-thru bridge which is stock on the Am. Std. basses. I have an '08 Jazz & a 2010 P with them. The heavier base supposedly allows more sustain. I'm sure it varies depending what strings you are using.
Many folks prefer the original vintage bridge that the 60's basses had and is on the MIM Std. I also have a MIM 'burst P, all strung with half-rounds so I can compare them side by side. There isn't a lot of difference tonally, although the USA does indeed have a slight bit more sustain. The earlier Am. Std. basses used a more standard looking string-thru baseplate, so you may be able to find one of these if that is what you like. I assume they use the same saddles, etc., although I haven't ever played one.
I'm sure you'll get a variety of opinions here.......

darkstorm · #3 08-14-2010, 01:01 PM

People have been replaceing the stock bridges on fender basses since the 1970's on a regular basis. Its the primary company behind the success of baddass, gotoh, schaller, etc. People wanting better bridges for their fenders. Once these companies became well known for their popularity for better bridges for fender basses, other mfg started useing them stock or fabricating their own version of high mass bridges for their own basses. Sure its fine to replace your stock fender bridge with a high mass one. Untill just recently fender didnt offer any basses that came stock with such.

nboyer941 · #4 08-14-2010, 02:01 PM

Can anyone guide me in the right direction? It needs to work for a string thru bass, how do I know it will mount up, etc.

I would prefer for it not to say "badass" on it.....

praisegig · #5 08-14-2010, 04:02 PM

[quote=nboyer941;9561391
About 8 months ago I bought a used 08 standard american pbass. Just lately, I've finally started to bond with her. The action is quite low and the saddles on the bridge are raised pretty high. It seems chinsey, and it makes me want to get a new bridge.[/QUOTE]

If you like the way it plays and sounds, but don't like the saddles so high, you could shim the front of the neck to change it's angle. You will have to reset your action to your liking again.

Here is more discussion on the subject.Shimming more if you already have a shim from factory.