why aren.t adjustable (wrt spacing) bridges more common?

[lomo]

Just picked up an 09 Fender J5 and dig it. I usually avoid Fender Vs (other than the Roscoe Beck), mainly because I like wider spacing, but this bridge adjusts to 18.5mm which is fine for me. Makes me wonder why other makers don't offer adjustable string spacing @ the bridge on at least some models. I bet there are many who are keen on a brand or 2 in terms of tone, price and appearance but who won't buy because of this detail. I know I'd likely have a Ray and maybe an L2500 or Modulus if they were as flexible in this regard, and I know there are many who'd like to try a Sad but want 17.5mm. I know the neck width places some restrictions, but if Fender can do it....

[73jbass]

I cost more money to make a bridge with adjustable string spacing.

[bongomania]

^^^ That's the reason. Otherwise, it's a great idea. I have a spacing-adjustable bridge on one of my basses, and I plan on installing one on a couple of my other basses as well. The one that I have already is a stock Jackson that I don't think is for sale anywhere, and the one good-quality one I've seen for sale around is the Schaller roller bridge. I'd be interested to know of others that have more than the 1 mm adjustment you can usually wiggle with other bridges.

[DerHoggz]

Is that avatar the Basslab bass as mentioned in your profile? Sure is beautiful.

[Hoover]

Originally Posted by bongomania

I'd be interested to know of others that have more than the 1 mm adjustment you can usually wiggle with other bridges.

The Kahler has substantially more than 1mm lateral adjustment...probably closer to 1cm!

[bongomania]

Holy cats, I never realized it but my Jackson bridge is a Kahler! I had assumed it was Jackson's own design because they made that claim in their advertising... but it has Kahler stamped on it in small letters. Here's that Kahler, it's a great bridge:
http://www.wammiworld.com/u7450.html

[Marcus Willett]

Originally Posted by bongomania

I'd be interested to know of others that have more than the 1 mm adjustment you can usually wiggle with other bridges.

I've got a couple 5'ers with the older Wilkinson bridges which can get as narrow as 2.5"; basically tight enough to fit 5 strings on a 4 string neck. Pretty cool, and I have them set at about 16.5mm.

I say about because I am now totally sold on outside edge-to-outside edge spacing as opposed to the usual center-to-center. Doing it that way makes the space between the strings the same, instead of them getting closer together the heavier the string (because obviously the centers remain constant while the diameters increase).

It's not huge difference, but it is noticeable. All my basses will eventually have bridges with adjustable spacing, FWIW.

[amimbari]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Holy cats, I never realized it but my Jackson bridge is a Kahler!

I could have told you that

[Webtroll]

How do you like that Khaler bridge? I like the look but have been hesitant to buy one.

[bongomania]

I have zero complaints, it's rock solid and easy to adjust. It's not light weight, if that's a concern.

[amimbari]

Kahler bridges in it's various forms are nice, but there are others who prefer their favorite brands and dont like Kahlers at all.

IMO the answer to your OP question would be cost, and modifications to the existing mounting to offset the playing difference from being able to move the string spacing around to "match" the users preference.

This fully adjustable bridge is certainly NOT common.....



*(disclaimer) this requires a lot more to "install it", but is the heaviest thing I ever felt, if your into adding lbs, and kills for sustain more than I ever expected, since I have the same model bass with the OEM bridge on it still.