Replacing Rickenbacker bridge

[ocoaibass]

I've seen scattered threads that mention the brass or aluminum Hipshot replacement bridge, & I'd like to get some direct feedback.

Most people seem to say that the brass version, although heavier, doesn't actually add anything to your tone, sustain or otherwise. I know that I've put several BadAss bridges on my Fender basses, & ALL of them were improved by this move. Is the brass Hipshot bridge just not enough mass?

Thoughts...

[ocoaibass]

No one seems interested in this thread, so instead of simply a bump, let me clarify.

Seems like most people who've reported in this bridge have either been discussing the ALUMINUM bridge or just don't specify. Each time someone mentioned that they had the BRASS bridge, there wasn't a consensus.

I'm only talking to the owners if the brass model. I wouldn't expect the aluminum model to change the tone or sustain much, at all.

[ric4682]

I'm also really interested in getting a different bridge for my bass. Soooo, free bump?

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by ocoaibass

No one seems interested in this thread, so instead of simply a bump, let me clarify.

Seems like most people who've reported in this bridge have either been discussing the ALUMINUM bridge or just don't specify. Each time someone mentioned that they had the BRASS bridge, there wasn't a consensus.

I'm only talking to the owners if the brass model. I wouldn't expect the aluminum model to change the tone or sustain much, at all.

I think the problem here is that you may be trying to infer more from your experience on TalkBass than can be reasonably expected. There are all kinds of limitations to using TB as a research tool - including but not limited to: insufficient sample, self-selection bias, inconsistent and insufficient reporting by members, and so on.

IME, any kind of quantitatively-based research is just about impossible. Qualitative research, on the other hand, can be somewhat more rewarding (i.e. in-depth individual views and opinions yielding qualitatively significant insights) - so long as you're careful to not infer too much, or extrapolate too much to a wider or more general population.

MM

[ERMAL]

I replaced the bridge on my Ric Blackstar with the brass version of the Hipshot (in black, of course).
I can't honestly say I've noticed a change in tone, sustain, etc...since I play my Fenders most of the time.
I made the switch mainly due to the ease of adjustment and ability to palm mute with the Hipshot. The few reviews I've read that specifically mention the aluminum version, complained about the saddles slipping during playing. The reviews that mentioned the brass version advised that this wasn't an issue and I haven't noticed it either. It is one heavy hunk of metal though.
It gives the Ric more of a Fender like feel (IMO) and I personally like the way it looks.

[ocoaibass]

Originally Posted by ERMAL

I replaced the bridge on my Ric Blackstar with the brass version of the Hipshot (in black, of course).
I can't honestly say I've noticed a change in tone, sustain, etc...since I play my Fenders most of the time.
I made the switch mainly due to the ease of adjustment and ability to palm mute with the Hipshot. The few reviews I've read that specifically mention the aluminum version, complained about the saddles slipping during playing. The reviews that mentioned the brass version advised that this wasn't an issue and I haven't noticed it either. It is one heavy hunk of metal though.
It gives the Ric more of a Fender like feel (IMO) and I personally like the way it looks.

Thank you. The part about palm muting sounds good, too

[Curmei]

I swapped out the original bridge on my 4001 with the brass hipshot. The main differences, for me, was how much weight it added and how much more control I had over string placement. (The latter is why I made the replacement - being old, I wasn't too happy about the extra weight, but it's not a horrible amount)

I didn't notice a major difference in tone or sustain, but I am not the most technical player in the world, and I use effects here and there, so the limitation on those fronts may be user related and not because of the hardware.

[ocoaibass]

Do either of you play through tube amps? So many people on TB are playing micro solid state amps or combos that I have to ask. Might make a difference... I find there tends to be more noticeable results from subtle changes when played through power tubes.

[Curmei]

My main amps are a solid state Little Mark LMIII with Ashdown 2x10 cab and a tube Garnet Revolution combo. I have run them both at the same time with the Ric and didn't notice any major difference with the new bridge. I have been playing thirty years with loud rock bands, though, and do have a bit of tinnitus. It would have to be a pretty noticeable difference for it to jump out at me these days.

[ocoaibass]

Originally Posted by Curmei

My main amps are a solid state Little Mark LMIII with Ashdown 2x10 cab and a tube Garnet Revolution combo. I have run them both at the same time with the Ric and didn't notice any major difference with the new bridge. I have been playing thirty years with loud rock bands, though, and do have a bit of tinnitus. It would have to be a pretty noticeable difference for it to jump out at me these days.

Idk whether to chuckle of cringe at that statement. I'm coming up on 20 years of playing but luckily I've used ear plugs for the last 5, which is when the real volume began. Hopefully I can remain largely further unscathed. It's just that it sounds so good turned up to 11

[Curmei]

The funny part is that I don't know whether to chuckle or cringe either... I started playing around twelve and was in a metal band at thirteen doing Slayer, Venom, etc. It was all very macho back then - loud as you can, and no ear protection. The 90s weren't any better - different style, but just as loud. I don't lay nearly as loud these days, and not nearly as often. I try to wear earplugs, but often forget, having never got used to having them with me.

I am not a preacher to anyone - I never would have listened in my teens or twenties. But, if someone asks, it's worth a little protection up-front, so you aren't constantly wondering if there's something electrical humming when you get into your 40s. When I go to shows now, it does seem that kids, generally, are better about wearing some type of hearing protection.

[ocoaibass]

There's really no telling kids to protect their ears. It's definitely a bummer when people develop true tinnitus. People think ringing in your ears is a passing thing, but if the damage is bad enough you end up worse than deaf. You end up living in a world full of muffled voices & white noise distracting you from your surroundings.

[Curmei]

Yeah - luckily, at this point, mine is not that bad, but it is a constant high-pitched frequency in my ears at all times (the right ear more than the left, for the time-being). The ironic part, what makes it better is *relatively* loud noise in the background. My wife travels to the UK a few times a year, and during those times, I like to have music playing pretty loudly, constantly, but in another room. So, I am not getting any damaging levels of noise where I am, but just enough that I don't notice the ringing. What is strange, is that if I played music at the same level, as what I am hearing from the other room, in the same room, it doesn't seem to have the same effect. Maybe it is the frequencies lost as the waves travel across space...?

It's not something that is going to get better, though, so hoping that I can control things to the point where it doesn't get too bad. I also know that life is a series of choices, and choices have consequences. I made many not-so-great choices along the way, so there will be some payment due. If I'm lucky, I got myself in control before the debts got too big.

The really tough part is that I got into recording eight or ten years ago. I am just now getting pretty good at it, but not sure how long my ears will allow me to be useful at tracking or mixing. Still Ok for the present - getting some local air play on bands that I've recorded, but not sure what the near-future will bring.

How this relates to the Rickenbacker replacement bridge, I have no idea... I just wanted to be sure that I gave full disclosure on my feedback - and how flawed it may be : )

[ERMAL]

My main gigging amp these days is a GBE1200 thru and Bergantino NV15 with the Tech 21 VT Bass Deluxe in between.
As much as I love that rig, the Ric really shines thru my SVT 8X10 powered by a V4B with and without the Hipshot (YMMV)