replacement bridge for a reggie hamilton jazz

snapple · #1 09-12-2009, 12:38 PM

I took my reggie hamilton signature out for some practice time this morning and I noticed that the g string saddle was missing it's screw and spring... luckily string tension is still holding the saddle in place, but for how long

I'm not a huge fan of the vintage style bridge on there (the saddles have threading on them so you can set your own spacing, unlike regular saddles that just have the one slot) so rather than mickey mousing a different screw in there I figure I'll just go out and buy a new bridge.

I was originally thinking the Badass II because it seems like the most popular upgrade, but don't like the idea of notching the saddles myself, especially since I play a heavier gauge of string and don't want to swap out the bridge if i switch to a lighter gauge.

Sooo, I was thinking Gotoh, and on here people praise them. I'm just curious if the 201 or the 206 would be a downgrade from my current bridge? I don't want to lose out on tone or stability. Do I need to be looking at higher end bridges? thanks

Steveaux · #2 09-12-2009, 04:16 PM

Most would consider the Gotoh an upgrade.

The 201 is a drop-in. The 206 is a different hole pattern, with a string-thru option, and lateral adjustment.

Good luck finding a 206.

walterw · #3 09-12-2009, 05:56 PM

why is it "mickey-mousing" to replace the screw and spring?

those threaded-rod fender vintage bridges have real steel saddles and are actually pretty nice for tone; the fact that the intonation screw was able to unthread all the way out without affecting playability shows how stable the saddles are.

it's kinda hard to find replacements that drop right in and have the right spacing for jazz pickups; the gotoh 201 spacing is too narrow, for example.

just replace the missing screw and dab a little locktite on all the length screws.

Steveaux · #4 09-14-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

why is it "mickey-mousing" to replace the screw and spring?

those threaded-rod fender vintage bridges have real steel saddles and are actually pretty nice for tone; the fact that the intonation screw was able to unthread all the way out without affecting playability shows how stable the saddles are.

it's kinda hard to find replacements that drop right in and have the right spacing for jazz pickups; the gotoh 201 spacing is too narrow, for example.

just replace the missing screw and dab a little locktite on all the length screws.

I've always found the spacing on the 201 to be just fine.