String-through-body bridge recommendation?

[TimBosby]

I'm looking for a string-through-body bridge that will fit a standard Fender-style 5-hole bridge rout. I usually use Gotoh 201s and Badass IIs - thinking about drilling holes in the back of a bass to accommodate a string-through-body bridge, but I don't want to modify the bridge rout/holes on the top of the bass. Any suggestions/links to where I can buy one? Must be chrome.
Thanks!

[DeliriumTremens]

Badass III? Looks like it's for a 3 hole bridge though, like the modern Fender USA bridges

[TimBosby]

Yeah a Badass III would only work on a modern Fender deluxe I believe.

The weird thing is, I saw a Hipshot "A" on Ebay (it was black) that claims to be a 5-hole bridge, direct Fender replacement, with a strings-through-body option.

But looking at Hipshot's website, all their "A" bridge, while being string-through-body, are only 4-holes, and make no mention anywhere of being Fender replacements.

Originally Posted by DeliriumTremens

Badass III? Looks like it's for a 3 hole bridge though, like the modern Fender USA bridges

[DeliriumTremens]

http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/bridge_hipshota4.htm

There's top load 5 hole ones and 3 hole strings through ones also, but no 5 hole string through... Have you thought about dowling the holes you have currently and redrilling for a 3 hole bridge?

[TimBosby]

Yeah, I could do that, but was just wondering if there were any direct replacements

Originally Posted by DeliriumTremens

http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/bridge_hipshota4.htm

There's top load 5 hole ones and 3 hole strings through ones also, but no 5 hole string through... Have you thought about dowling the holes you have currently and redrilling for a 3 hole bridge?

[walterw]

since it would involve a good bit of drilling for the through-holes and the ferrules on the back anyway, "direct replacement" kinda loses its meaning.

anyway, i like the older fender american standard through-body bridges; low mass, with adjustable string spacing. since the strings anchor in the body, the mass of the bridge doesn't matter so much, so you get high-mass sustain with low-mass warmth and tone.