Replacing a bridge? questions

abcdefranklin · #1 09-02-2010, 04:44 PM

I have a squier classic vibe jazz bass and a squier special. I'm debating on changing the bridge is there any modifications I'll have to do other than just screwing it on? I mainly want to put the bridge on the squier special because of it's neck dive will the bridge make alot of difference?

Warrior_Bass · #2 09-02-2010, 04:45 PM

Many bridges are a direct replacement...just a matter unscrewing the old one and putting in the new one using the existing holes in the body. I would stick with those. Will it fix neck dive? Probably not. Light weight tuners have a much better chance of fixing that.

tangentmusic · #3 09-02-2010, 04:48 PM

The bridges are interchangeable. The added weight of the high mass bridge is not so much that it will correct your neck dive tho...

abcdefranklin · #4 09-02-2010, 05:43 PM

how does replacing a bridge make the bass sound better is it really worth the money?

tangentmusic · #5 09-02-2010, 05:53 PM

The thinking is that a higher mass (heavier) bridge like the Leo Quan Badass II will give you more punch & sustain. I have BA's on my Jazzes & I have found this to be true. They are drop in replacements on the 5 hole Fender / Squier basses. They can be pricey. To me they are worth the $

ethnotime · #6 09-03-2010, 03:23 PM

Might depend what kind of bass you have. I have a cheap Japanese fender jazz bass and the original bridge is crappy: couldn't adjust the action properly, intonation was screwed up etc. But with a badass I don't have any of those problems and my bass sounds amazing! A simple, easy mod but definitely worthwhile.

billiam5billion · #7 09-03-2010, 04:26 PM

Keep in mind though, with a Leo Quan you'll need to file your own saddle notches or pay a luthier to have it done. Unless of course you buy it used, but then who knows what the guy before you did.

abcdefranklin · #8 09-03-2010, 05:59 PM

Is the Leo Quan the heaviest bridge? Is filing the saddle notches hard what would I need?

Burlington · #9 09-03-2010, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abcdefranklin

Is the Leo Quan the heaviest bridge? Is filing the saddle notches hard what would I need?

It is one of he heaviest, but I reall don't know much about the weight of bridges.

As for filing the saddle, it's really simple. All you need is a small triangular file. You don't need such deep notches as the nut on your bass has, just small notches so the string cannot move side to side. If you do file them yourself, make sure not to leave any burs that could snag strings!

Awkwardturtle! · #10 09-03-2010, 06:09 PM

Neck dive on the squier special? I have one and mines is pretty darn balanced eh oh well

Since he might want to replace the tuners, I might as well ask
What tuners will fit in a squier I can't get any info on that

Rookwood · #11 09-03-2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burlington

As for filing the saddle, it's really simple. All you need is a small triangular file. You don't need such deep notches as the nut on your bass has, just small notches so the string cannot move side to side. If you do file them yourself, make sure not to leave any burs that could snag strings!

What he said ^^^ ! If you believe what the Quan website says, you'll need round files that match the gauge of each of your strings, and they recommend having a pro do this. Then, after you buy the bridge, there's no instructions for it. Just do what Burlington says.

By the way, it looks like the supply of chrome and black Badass II are sold out. I think something happened to the production in recent months and all that's available new are gold.

Jaco D · #12 09-03-2010, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rookwood

By the way, it looks like the supply of chrome and black Badass II are sold out. I think something happened to the production in recent months and all that's available new are gold.

I was looking for a chrome/nickel BAII for months and couldn't find one! I don't know if it's true but one dealer told me that Fender gets first dibs on the supply (for their Geddy Lees and Marcus Millers, etc.) and anything that's left goes to the usual distributors. Eventually gave up and got a Gotoh 201. Not only was it at least half the price of a BAII and stocks are available, but it's already pre-slotted. Might have been a better choice after all.

abcdefranklin · #13 09-03-2010, 06:33 PM

What's the weight difference on the gotoh and Leo Quan I just want a really heavy bridge Anyone try the babicz? I'm leaning towards the Leo Quan cuz the sound is more bright and than the gotoh I've heard sounds of the gotoh and it sounds kind of muddy