Bench notes:
Fender MIM Bent Bar:
Bridge = 86 grams + (5) screws = 92g
Saddle + (2) adjustment screws = 7g
Gotoh 203:
Bridge = 146g + (7) screws = 154g
Saddle + (2) adjustment screws = 8g
Gotoh 201:
Bridge = 167g + (5) screws = 172g
Saddle + (2) adjustment screws = 12g
Note: all weights measured on a digital scale, accurate to nearest whole gram.
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My opinions after trying all three bridges on a Fender MIM P bass;
First an physics explanation on tone:
Smaller mass vibrates at a faster frequency. Larger mass vibrates at a slower frequency. Bass range frequencies are slow. Vibrations closer to unity compound on each other sounding stronger, louder, deeper. A fast vibrating mass against a slow vibrating mass causes interference waves/energy loss.
The Fender bent-bar style is simply too light to emphasize bass frequency ranges. The tone I best describe as 'airy'. Harmonics breathe while deep lows fail to reach full strength.
Next installed Gotoh 203. Drilled the holes with the bridge already screwed in place along the back. Select a drill bit a few sizes too small and ensure the drill is held perfectly verticle. Use a bubble level on the back of the drill. Use an air can to blow dust out of the cracks, especially underneath the bridge base plate. Tighten screws in a criss-cross pattern.
The Gotoh 203 sounds and feels secure. That airy breath is filled in. Sustain is significantly improved. Bigger strings have 'wider' attack.
Then installed Gotoh 201. The two additional screws drilled for the 203 were filled with toothpicks, yes toothpicks
. Cut the point off, insert it into screw hole, cut to length, even a tad shorter, remove toothpick from hole, wet with wood glue, remove excess glue, push into hole. Use a flat sided tool to carefully push it down (do not force it down). Use needle nose plier tips to force the tip of the toothpick into the wood. If the toothpick was cut long carefully file level with a medium-fine file, protect the area with masking tape.
Gotoh 201 vs. Gotoh 203. Honestly- not much tone difference
:scowl:
The heft of the 201 does seem to give a slightly 'wider & deeper' attack (Punch!) on the low strings. Playability is the big factor. 201 has larger saddles, plus each saddle has channel routes (203 uses thinner saddles, and only outer saddles have channels). You can play much more aggressively without any shifting whatsoever. Another factor is instrument balance. More weight on the tail end causes the headstock to rise while playing standing (as you should be!).
THE BOTTOM LINE: BALANCE & PUNCH & PLAYABILITY
Gotoh 201 is a keeper. Dropping headstocks and horizontal guitar makes for poor instrument control. A bridge with the mass to counter the weight of four heavy tuners improves overall balance. As a avid slap player the stone-solid heft with extra punch gives more power with less strain. The entire bass feels like it's working with my style rather than against me. I do not use a pick, but imagine pick players will really appreciate this enhancement as well.
