Bridge types

CrazyArcher · #1 12-26-2007, 07:02 AM

What are relative advantages/disadvantages of the common one-piece bridges (like on Fender basses) vs. rail-type individual saddles (often seen on higher-end basses)?
It's obvious that rail bridges offer more adjustibility in terms of string spacing and are pretty much the only way to go if one is building an instrument with those cool tilted frets. Are there any drawbacks, except probably increased price?

Lincoln · #2 12-26-2007, 07:10 AM

I'm not sure the rail ones are that much more expensive. Check out Hipshot's web page.

the individual saddles are about $28 per and a 4 string bridge is a little over $100, I think.

Jonsbasses · #3 12-26-2007, 07:22 AM

That's for Hipshot singles, you can buy other kinds of individual saddles for under $10 each (close to $6 if you go bulk). I honestly have no feedback on the drawbacks of using one or the other, besides very simple things. With the individual saddles, you'll have to drill two holes for each individual bridge vs. having to drill 3-5+ holes for a single bridge. Also, grounding each individual bridge may be a tricky task. Again, simple things that aren't necessarily drawbacks.