What is a good bridge?

AllStarRick · #1 11-14-2012, 07:47 AM

Hey there! I've finally joined Talk bass! Glad to be part of the low end community.

I just wanted to ask what a good bridge is. I've got a Squier P + J bass special that I've been modifying. The Squire bridge is pretty terrible... I was looking at the Leo Quan Badass II but I don't know if it will be too big as the Jazz pickup on the bass is already kinda close...

http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~...ed~ID~3432.asp - This should give you an idea.

mcnach · #2 11-14-2012, 07:48 AM

What don't you like about the bridge you have, and what are you trying to achieve with the replacement?

vgbob · #3 11-14-2012, 07:49 AM

I've had a Badass II on a Squier VM Jazz and it was fine.
I have a Babicz Full Contact on my MIM Jazz and it is a
really nice bridge.

atomicdog · #4 11-14-2012, 07:53 AM

What do you want out of the bridge? The stock bridge is hi-mass, right? Those provide a lot of sustain and contribute to what is usually described as "an aggressive attack." The BAII also has those qualities, but on steroids. The traditional bent-metal Fender bridge will smooth out your tone, addd punch and decrease sustain for a more vintage sound.

AllStarRick · #5 11-14-2012, 08:01 AM

I've been using this a lot for my work band (as my Yamaha Trb is getting repaired) and the Bridge slowly keeps changing the angles of the E and G saddles ruining my sustain. I feel that a new and better bridge would help the situation. Some of the metal is very worn out too as I've had it for awhile.

AllStarRick · #6 11-14-2012, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomicdog

What do you want out of the bridge? The stock bridge is hi-mass, right? Those provide a lot of sustain and contribute to what is usually described as "an aggressive attack." The BAII also has those qualities, but on steroids. The traditional bent-metal Fender bridge will smooth out your tone, addd punch and decrease sustain for a more vintage sound.

I really just want a replacement that has decent sustain and good punch. Thanks for your reply. When I first started looking at bridges I was shocked at how big some were. I need something that won't big too big for the jazz pickup.

**Ric5** · #7 11-14-2012, 08:14 AM

Try a Schaller bridge.

HaMMerHeD · #8 11-14-2012, 08:16 AM

The Babicz Full Contact is a great bridge. Hipshot makes an A-style bridge with mounting holes drilled for direct fender replacement. The Babicz is a direct fit too.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,...ss_Bridge.html

I dislike the Leo Quan bridges, simply because I find it tacky in the extreme to have the words "Bad Ass" emblazoned on the front of a musical instrument. They seem like decent bridges, but I just won't go there. Perhaps it would be an appropriate choice if a customer requested a bass with a confederate flag paint job, but until then....

Anyway...this Gotoh is also very nice, and inexpensive, and a direct replacement for Fender bridges.

http://www.warmoth.com/Gotoh-201-4-S...-P138C718.aspx

NYCbassist · #9 11-14-2012, 08:18 AM

I guess it's possible that the metal of your bridge is "weak" or inferior. But for the most Part the stock Fender "Tin Plate" Bridges are fantastic. My Fenders stay in tune for weeks once the strings are broken in. I've never experienced even the slightest geometric changes. Especially a change of angle at the saddles. I'd love to see a picture of what you're talking about.

If I was going to go aftermarket, I would look at Hipshot Bridges. They bolt right on and don't encroach on your J-pickup.

AllStarRick · #10 11-14-2012, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCbassist

I guess it's possible that the metal of your bridge is "weak" or inferior. But for the most Part the stock Fender "Tin Plate" Bridges are fantastic. My Fenders stay in tune for weeks once the strings are broken in. I've never experienced even the slightest geometric changes. Especially a change of angle at the saddles. I'd love to see a picture of what you're talking about.

If I was going to go aftermarket, I would look at Hipshot Bridges. They bolt right on and don't encroach on your J-pickup.

Here - http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/968/imag0823n.jpg

Check out the wear on the G saddle. Pretty mad huh? What happens is sometimes the poles will slip too. This only happens on the E though. It's pretty bizzare I know. It's just a weak bridge. I might just go for a Fender replacement bridge. I just thought it would be worth looking at other makes of bridge to see if they had any different effect.

Thanks for everyone's replies!

LB75 · #11 11-14-2012, 09:02 AM

I like the Gotoh 201 for an inexpensive upgrade. It looks nicer IMO and I noticed increased sustain and more clarity. And it's a direct replacement for most Fenders.

Peepaleep · #12 11-14-2012, 09:10 AM

I'd stick with as fender bent-plate bridge. The BAII will add a lot of weight to the bass without changing anything dramatically. You will not be able to hear the difference between bridges (if there is any difference at all) in a band setting.

Phendyr_Loon · #13 11-14-2012, 09:11 AM

I've had a BA 2 on a Jazz bass and there was no problem with clearance with the pickup.
Bridge selection is all dependent on how much cash you want to throw at the bass. Beyond that these high mass bridges are popular, LeoQuan, Hipshot A, and Babicz. They are all around $100, brass (which I think all of these are made of) is a good material for bridges.
However the American standard bend plate bridges are great too, ive put a few on my basses in the past to retain a stock/vintage look/feel. Plus the string thru option is there if that appeals to you.

NYCbassist · #14 11-14-2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllStarRick

Here - http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/968/imag0823n.jpg

Check out the wear on the G saddle. Pretty mad huh? What happens is sometimes the poles will slip too. This only happens on the E though. It's pretty bizzare I know. It's just a weak bridge. I might just go for a Fender replacement bridge. I just thought it would be worth looking at other makes of bridge to see if they had any different effect.

Thanks for everyone's replies!

Thanks for the Link. I am checking it out right now.

I don't really see a specific problem but if something is moving around while you play that can be a pain. I have seen people "Zip Tie' the saddles together on Fender bridges to "Lock" them in place.
I do recommend putting about a 45* bend in each string directly at the contact point of each saddle. That sort of locks the string a bit and actually lowers the action just a slight bit. It's what Fender does at the factory while installing strings.
Gerry

GBassNorth · #15 11-14-2012, 09:19 AM

Are you a left handed player?

JLS · #16 11-14-2012, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllStarRick

I've been using this a lot for my work band (as my Yamaha Trb is getting repaired) and the Bridge slowly keeps changing the angles of the E and G saddles ruining my sustain. I feel that a new and better bridge would help the situation. Some of the metal is very worn out too as I've had it for awhile.

If the saddles are lowering themselves from vibration, some blue Loctite--or fingernail polish--will fix it.

bassgod76 · #17 11-14-2012, 02:13 PM

Isn't there like 4,000,000 threads on this topic already?

Modern Growl · #18 11-14-2012, 02:15 PM

The best bridges are the ones made out of wood & super glue.

AllStarRick · #19 11-14-2012, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBassNorth

Are you a left handed player?

Yes, I am a left handed player.

Stilettoprefer · #20 11-14-2012, 06:11 PM

The stock bridge plate is fine. Change out the saddles for a set of threaded ones and you'll be set. This also costs much less than a new bridge.

Basspartsresource.com has them for a good price. I use them on my main bass and have never had any problems with it.