upgrading a MIM jazz

[yoimb0b]

So I have recently started a project of mine. I got a Fender MIM Jazz bass that I am going to be upgrading. Plans include:
badass bridge 2
hipshot xtender
chrome covers
and ill prolly change the pickups. My question is, will the normal chrome bridge covers fit over a badass bridge? has anyone done this or have experience? I love the look of the chrome covers on fenders, but I was also hoping to upgrade the bridge, and if this will not work with the covers, i want to know before i spend the money on them.

so anyone know?

[Scott in Dallas]

The normal ashtray covers won't fit. Someone makes one that will. There are a couple of threads that mention it. Hope this helps.

[Angus]

Maybe it's just me, but I think the Badass bridges suck. It's a pain to have to file the string groove into the saddle, and I've never seen one installed where you could lay the strings flat down on the neck.

Just my opinion, but there are better bridges out there if you don't care about it being original. A Hipshot A-style is only a little bit more than a new Badass and way better.

[Steve'r]

I have a badass II on my MIM fretless J. It's been a marked improvement. Everything from sustain, to the actual balance of the bass has been effected, (as it was juuust a touch neck-heavy.)

Granted, I got it used, so the saddles were pre-cut, but I really can't imagine it would be any harder than filing a nut from a raw bone blank.

Also, I've had no issues getting the action NICE and low. And I'm talking fretless nice and low.

That being said, I really do like Hipshot stuff, and it's not like I think the BadAss II is some kind of perfect machine. I just scored one for free and tried it out. Good bridge, but I'm sure there are plenty of equivalents/betters

[DocBop]

I have and love the BadAss bridges on my Fenders better sustain and note clarity. I never seen a cover that fits over it, but why just adds hassle to changing strings and if you change often they you will strip the screw holes in awhile.

I have a Fender MIM fretless I plan to update soon. BadAss II and probably a set of Nordy PUPs. I can tolerate the tuners for now. When I change the PUPs I will replace all the electronics and shield everything.

[contakt321]

I have two jazz basses, one of them has a badass. I am able to get super low action on both through a proper set up. My badass came installed, but so far no issues with it. As for comparing the tone - I really cant: one bass is alder/rosewood, the other ash/maple. I will say that the bass with the badass has a different feel, the strings feel spring-ier in a good way (if that makes any sense).

[yoimb0b]

what other bridges are available for the mim jazz basses? links?

[Scott in Dallas]

You've done a search, right?