Bridges...let me know if this is nuts

munnkyboy · #1 12-21-2005, 09:45 AM

I am taking my Juzek for some repair work..fix a crack, new endpin and new adjustable bridge. My is warped!

My quote on the bridge (adjustable) was $450.

I've never had this done in 20 years, so I just need to know if this is in the ball park.

Thanks
MK

(Taking it to David Gage)

godoze · #2 12-21-2005, 10:25 AM

$450 just for an adjustable bridge or $450 for an adjustable bridge that is being installed ?

hofner · #3 12-21-2005, 10:52 AM

my luthier usually charge me 300 euros for bridges..
its include the bridge itself, Despiau, and all settings related if needed, adjusters included if i want them....(i let the bass at his shop and he work on it)

nicklloyd · #4 12-21-2005, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by munnkyboy

I am taking my Juzek for some repair work..fix a crack, new endpin and new adjustable bridge. My is warped!

My quote on the bridge (adjustable) was $450.

I've never had this done in 20 years, so I just need to know if this is in the ball park.

Thanks
MK

(Taking it to David Gage)

That's in the ballpark.

Jeff Bollbach · #5 12-21-2005, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicklloyd

That's in the ballpark.

Time to raise our prices!

glivanos · #6 12-21-2005, 03:42 PM

I recently inquired about having an adjustable bridge installed on my Strunal.

I spoke with Bob Riccardi located in Pennsauken, NJ, and he quoted me $250 for the bridge plus installation.

nicklloyd · #7 12-21-2005, 05:05 PM

$250 plus installation? What's the installation charge?

ToR-Tu-Ra · #8 12-22-2005, 12:17 AM

I recently got a new bridge and soundpost installed for a bit under US $220. No adjusters on mine, couldn't find it at any store here and it would have taken about 4 weeks to get them from the internet and I REALLY needed a new bridge. Maybe next year I'll get the adjusters and a compensated tailpiece.

munnkyboy · #9 12-22-2005, 12:08 PM

This would be installed. I called. Like I said, I haven't had to do this ever, so I have no idea.

thanks
M

Tbeers · #10 12-22-2005, 12:58 PM

$450? Eh... I guess that's possible.

How good is Gage's work? Is it really first rate? Will Gage do it himself? (The answer to the last question should be obvious)

I had a new bridge made a few years back, by one of the luthiers who visit this forum. It was certainly well over $300, may even have been $400 or close to it. I can't remember for sure.

If you are absolutely certain you will end up with flawless work, then $450 is on the high end of reasonable. But that bridge had better be solid and fit everything perfectly.

Mike Goodbar · #11 12-22-2005, 01:53 PM

According to her online price list Michelle Fiore in Chicago charges $285 for an adjustable bridge.

nicklloyd · #12 12-22-2005, 02:22 PM

Simply put, different shops in different areas charge different prices. However, the ballpark for bridges (from what I've seen) is $200-$500.

Some gigs pay $50 and others pay $300.

FredH · #13 12-22-2005, 03:26 PM

Harmmond Ashley did my bridge last year for around 150 but I supplied the bridge blank. Ben did a beautiful job on taking the excess wood from the blank. It would look like a rococo sculpture if it had goldleaf on it. A while back I had adjusters installed and I seem to remember it was around 50, 60 dollars plus the cost of the adjusters.

ctcruiser · #14 12-22-2005, 04:06 PM

I just paid $50 for a new despiau adjustable bridge. I also had a Fishman Full Circle installed along with a set of new Obligatos. My total cost of the three items installed was $320.

flatback · #15 12-22-2005, 04:22 PM

Two things: Soho rents are unlike rents anywhere else in the country (except here in the bay area) so if David charges a premium I wouldn't directly compare it to the prices elsewhere.
Any of the cats in Davids shop are gunna make a great bridge for you. They are perhaps the busiest bass luthiers in the country. When I take my bass to Gage often it is Sprocket who I end up working with and he is a fine luthier.
That said, if you go upstate to one of the guys who frequent these pages (jeff B?) you will be pleased for sure.

My luthier out here n the Bay area is $350 for a new bridge cut with adjusters.
good luck

Nuno A. · #16 12-22-2005, 04:48 PM

3 years ago i paid $270 for an excellent bridge with adjusters here in the south of Switzerland, in January i will go near Milano in Italy to have a bridge with ebony adjusters fited into my new bass and it will cost me between $250/$300 . Just to give you guys an idea about prices on this side of the pond.

NUNO

Tbeers · #17 12-22-2005, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatback

Any of the cats in Davids shop are gunna make a great bridge for you.

I'm sure Gage's shop is all great luthiers. But there is something about knowing exactly the person you're dealing with, and knowing that he/she is the only one who will touch the instrument, that I find comforting.

basscrazy72, are you anywhere near Erlenbach? I have a friend there.

drurb · #18 12-22-2005, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tbeers

I'm sure Gage's shop is all great luthiers.

Really?

arnoldschnitzer · #19 12-23-2005, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatback

Two things: Soho rents are unlike rents anywhere else in the country (except here in the bay area) so if David charges a premium I wouldn't directly compare it to the prices elsewhere.

David Gage is in Tribeca.

Did you know that rent is taxed in NYC for commercial space?!

That's one of the reasons I've stayed out of the city. (I also prefer my commute)

drurb · #20 12-23-2005, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnoldschnitzer

David Gage is in Tribeca.

Did you know that rent is taxed in NYC for commercial space?!

That's one of the reasons I've stayed out of the city. (I also prefer my commute)

Personally, if I needed a new bridge I'd prefer the shop in Brewster over the one in Tribeca. Just MY opinion based on the work I've seen from both. I will NOT elaborate.