Vintage bridge upgrade

Sixgunn · #1 06-07-2012, 01:44 PM

I have an all original 1965 Fender Precision with a 5 screw bridge and I would like to put a better bridge on it without causing ANY damage to the finish or prevent it from being able to be returned to bone stock condition. Does anyone have any recommendations for a top quality bridge that will leave no trace of it's self behind? I called Babicz and he said he thinks his bridge has a slightly larger footprint than the stock bridge. Thanks in advance

testing1two · #2 06-07-2012, 02:07 PM

What is your goal here and what are the problems you're having with the stock bridge?

For the record, there is no bridge that is "better" than the stock bridge, only different. The stock bridge is fully adjustable and even has threaded saddles so you can fine tune your string spacing so the strings pass right through the middle of the pickup's pole pieces.

Now, with all that said if you want a bridge that gives more brightness & sustain and is the exact same footprint as your stock bridge try the KTS Titanium vintage bridge. I think I actually have one sitting in the package around here somewhere. PM me if you're interested.

jeffbonny · #3 06-07-2012, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixgunn

I have an all original 1965 Fender Precision with a 5 screw bridge and I would like to put a better bridge on it without causing ANY damage to the finish or prevent it from being able to be returned to bone stock condition. Does anyone have any recommendations for a top quality bridge that will leave no trace of it's self behind? I called Babicz and he said he thinks his bridge has a slightly larger footprint than the stock bridge. Thanks in advance

The best bridge for a '65 Pre is the stock bridge. Changing it will A) potentially damage the finish and B) will not fundamentally change the sound of the bass.

If you really do feel you have to change it then just put on a Babicz or a Badass and don't look back. Have you ever replaced a stock Fender bridge before? Do you really know what the actual benefits are or is this an impulse?

Sixgunn · #4 06-07-2012, 03:25 PM

I am looking for mainly more sustain. I've had the bass for years and it sounds grear but it dous seem a bit lacking in sustain and overall thump. I am not "unhappy" with it but if I can "kick it up a notch" witout devalueing it, it seems worth a try.

jmpiwonka · #5 06-07-2012, 03:33 PM

^ seems like more sustain will equal less thump

doubt the bridge will effect sustain much but i could be wrong i guess

jeffbonny · #6 06-07-2012, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixgunn

I am looking for mainly more sustain. I've had the bass for years and it sounds grear but it dous seem a bit lacking in sustain and overall thump. I am not "unhappy" with it but if I can "kick it up a notch" witout devalueing it, it seems worth a try.

I think you'll be disappointed by how little a bridge actually changes the sound. I went through this with the '57 re-issue Pre I've had for thirty years and eventually removed the Badass and went back to a stock vintage bridge. Do a search here for threads about modern replacement bridges for vintage Fenders and you'll see an overwhelming majority of people saying exactly the same thing. That said it is your bass and sometimes you just gotta try it yourself to really know.

Sixgunn · #7 06-07-2012, 03:53 PM

Maybe thump is the wrong term?? Less hollow sounding. More bottom (thump?). I have others basses with heavier bridges that sound more solid. I'm not looking for a total transformation. I would like a great sounding bass to ound a little bit better.

jmpiwonka · #8 06-07-2012, 03:55 PM

maybe try adjusting the angle of you pickups so the pup is a little closer to your e string?

RBrownBass · #9 06-07-2012, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixgunn

I have an all original 1965 Fender Precision with a 5 screw bridge and I would like to put a better bridge on it without causing ANY damage to the finish or prevent it from being able to be returned to bone stock condition. Does anyone have any recommendations for a top quality bridge that will leave no trace of it's self behind? I called Babicz and he said he thinks his bridge has a slightly larger footprint than the stock bridge. Thanks in advance

If you're paying your bills with this bass, cost-effectiveness might play a role. If only you're out getting a couple hundred bucks every week or so, it's a toy and I apologize for the side issues here. You want to change your bridge, I'm going to assume you're an adult and are doing this for a reason that makes sense to you.

Go get a Hipshot Vintage Bent plate. It's brass, thicker than the old Fender steel plate bridge, should have the same footprint and it's quick-release.

Sixgunn · #10 06-07-2012, 04:01 PM

@Jeff - Yeah I'm sure it wouldn't be a huge difference but if it doesn't help I can take it off. I am greatful for the input from all who of you guys btw!!

darkstorm · #11 06-09-2012, 10:50 AM

Gotoh 201 for nice inexpensive upgrade to that thin bent metal thing. Hipshot 5 hole replacement if wanting easy top load for strings to.

Craig_S · #12 06-09-2012, 12:40 PM

Have you tried snugging up the neck and bridge screws? Don't laugh. I've seen this breathe life into a bass.

Human Bass · #13 06-09-2012, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_S

Have you tried snugging up the neck and bridge screws? Don't laugh. I've seen this breathe life into a bass.

Man, I've thought of trying this someday.

http://www.onyxforgeguitars.com/Insert%20kit.html

sdoow · #14 06-09-2012, 12:54 PM

The stock bridge is capable of all the sustain and thump anyone could ever need. If it isn't, then something else is wrong, ie., loose screws, poor intonation or maladjusted action. Any replacement bridge would devalue the instrument. Take it to a respectable luthier and have it looked over and set up right.

walterw · #15 06-09-2012, 05:20 PM

here's how you can sometimes improve the sustain in a minute or two for zero dollars:

with the instrument tuned to pitch, loosen all 4 neck screws about a quarter-turn;

push and pull the neck to "unstick" it from the body pocket;

hold the neck to line the outside strings up with the edges of the fretboard (make sure they're in the right place on the saddles first), then re-tighten the neck screws.

this old G&L setup trick allows the string tension to pull the neck down hard into the body pocket, often improving tone and sustain through better acoustic coupling.

don't mess with that excellent steel-saddle threaded-rod bridge!

96tbird · #16 06-09-2012, 06:22 PM

If you want modern tone, play a modern bass. I will never be able to own a 65 p bass and I wouldn't mess with it if I did. I'd set it up, set the neck as Walter says and play it. But it's yours so... your call. Just remember how much famous motown music etc. was made with a bass just like that. As has been said many times, if it was good enough...

Whew, gotta keep telling myself "It's his bass".

If you do it, put that nasty old bridge in your safety deposit box so you don't lose it or shuffle it off into the corner of a damp basement, etc.

jeffbonny · #17 06-09-2012, 06:46 PM

Changing the bridge on that bass
is kinda like putting one of these:

on one of these:

tjh · #18 06-09-2012, 07:37 PM

Have you exhausted trying different gauge/brand/type strings in your quest for what you are after?? ... JMHO, but between set-up and strings, you will see monumental changes vs. very minute (if any) by changing that bridge ... its light, its adjustable, and its probably on more all time greatest hits than anything out there

Pilgrim · #19 06-10-2012, 11:38 AM

Walter told you all you need to know in Post #15 above. Don't change things.

bolophonic · #20 06-10-2012, 12:10 PM

+1 on tightening everything down before swapping out the bridge.

Also: what is the story on the strings? Are they too dead for your needs? If you changed them, did you set the witness point? The string situation would be the other thing to address before swapping out a perfectly good bridge.