Ungrooved Badass Bridge

[SMILEYSIXX]

Since production stopped on Badasses, I've been looking for them and finally found one, but it's the version without string grooves in the saddles. Is it possible to use it without getting it filed, because the shop I'm getting it from says they can't do it there and the closest place that can is about an hour away.

[Pilgrim]

1) Visit ACE Hardware.
2) Buy small triangular file.
3) Do web research on proper technique for filing a bridge.
4) File bridge.
5) Play the bass.

[ChasBass]

The tech at the store where I bought my Jazz in 1978 just slapped one on with no grooves.

I didn't know any better, but it has been working fine ever since.

[mongo2]

I've played BAIIs without grooved saddles with no problems as long as the string has a good witness point coming off the saddle. However, one issue may arise if your technique is such that the string may shift sideways across the saddle and then it's an issue only of you notice it.

I've also grooved the saddles myself using gauged nut files and also put just enough of a tick mark through the chrome wtih a triangle file to catch the string so it doesn't shift sideways.

[loinmute]

|From experience, it will be fine. Actualy after a few weeks with rounds the strings groove their own 'pilot' grooves.

[SMILEYSIXX]

Guess I'll just try it without grooves. I couldn't think of any inherent dangers, but wasn't sure.

[Electrophonic]

Used the bridge without grooves on two of my p basses for years. Never had a problem at all. I use heavy flats only.

[202dy]

There are three reasons to install a custom groove in the Leo Quan Badass II bridge saddle blanks.

1. The string will speak from the end of the groove allowing for reliable, repeatable intonation calibration.
2. If the player is heavy handed, the string will remain captured in the groove rather than shift.
3. When properly canted the groove cradles the string from the tailpiece at a gentle angle. This may promote longer string life.

There are four reasons not to install a groove in the Leo Quan Badass II bridge saddle blanks.

1. The owner does not possess the skill to work to this tight tolerance.
2. The owner does not possess the tools.
3. The owner cannot afford to have a professional do the work.
4. The owner does not care about the instrument or playing in tune.

[cataract]

Whatever, man. I've been playing an un-grooved BAII for over 10 years with absolutely no problem at all.

[walterw]

202's right.

there won't be a "problem", the bass just won't sound as good or be as stable (or have as exact a string-spacing) as it's supposed to, considering that filing in grooves was the entire point of leo quan's design.

(personally, i'd rather have a low-mass threaded-rod vintage fender bridge, so if it were mine i would leave it un-grooved so i could ebay it for freakin' $250, buy the $40 fender bridge, and put the rest in my pocket )

[cataract]

Oh. my. god.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by 202dy

There are three reasons to install a custom groove in the Leo Quan Badass II bridge saddle blanks.

1. The string will speak from the end of the groove allowing for reliable, repeatable intonation calibration.
2. If the player is heavy handed, the string will remain captured in the groove rather than shift.
3. When properly canted the groove cradles the string from the tailpiece at a gentle angle. This may promote longer string life.

There are four reasons not to install a groove in the Leo Quan Badass II bridge saddle blanks.

1. The owner does not possess the skill to work to this tight tolerance.
2. The owner does not possess the tools.
3. The owner cannot afford to have a professional do the work.
4. The owner does not care about the instrument or playing in tune.

Nicely stated. Nicely summarized...

MM

[slaphappychappy]

I like red frogs. The Green ones aren't nice.

[SMILEYSIXX]

I'm gonna call BS on 202, I talked to some bassists and shop owners in the area and only 2 out of the 7 I talked to said it was worth it because so very little difference is made. Plus, as someone pointed out, rounds will dig in and create pilot grooves after a while.

I've only had mine on last night and this morning, but it intonated flawlessly and plays better than my grooved fender bridge.

[Joshua]

Originally Posted by SMILEYSIXX

I'm gonna call BS on 202, I talked to some bassists and shop owners in the area and only 2 out of the 7 I talked to said it was worth it because so very little difference is made. Plus, as someone pointed out, rounds will dig in and create pilot grooves after a while.

202dy is correct.

[cataract]

Wow.

[mongo2]

BAIII:



With grooved saddles for your convenience.

[Joshua]

From http://leoquan.com/html/news.html:

For years, we have informed builders and players that each of our string saddles must be file cut with round files equal to the diameter of each string. Sometimes the installers or resellers do not inform the players, and the result is a less than optimum sound.

[ChasBass]

Originally Posted by walterw

202's right.

there won't be a "problem", the bass just won't sound as good or be as stable (or have as exact a string-spacing) as it's supposed to, considering that filing in grooves was the entire point of leo quan's design.

(personally, i'd rather have a low-mass threaded-rod vintage fender bridge, so if it were mine i would leave it un-grooved so i could ebay it for freakin' $250, buy the $40 fender bridge, and put the rest in my pocket )

If "filing in grooves was the entire point", why were so many saddles sold without them?

[Sabu]

Originally Posted by ChasBass

If "filing in grooves was the entire point", why were so many saddles sold without them?

To give the player the option of custom-width string spacing.