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5 string bridge options (19mm spacing)?

Tony G

Tony G

Supporting Member
Jan 20, 2006
11,211
1,649
#1
I'm thinking about getting a new bridge for my Nordy, as I'm not really a big fan of hipshot bridges. I'm very fond of the Sadowsky/Gotoh style bridge, but I can't seem to find one with the necessary 19mm spacing for sale anywhere. There doesn't seem to be a very good selection for 5 string bridges with 19mm spacing. Any suggestions?
 
#4
I'm not exactly a premier expert on bridges, but one thing you need to be aware of (you probably already are, but I'll say it anyway) is that different bridges require different mounting holes to be drilled into the body. If you switch from Hipshot to, say, a Gotoh, there is a good chance that the holes will have to be redrilled (and possibly the existing holes would have to be filled if there is some overlap).

Good luck. Out of curiosity, why don't you like the Hipshot? And have you considered Carey's standard bridge? I remember there being some discussion about his bridge being too 'warm' or something like that, but if my Nordy (with Carey's bridge) is any example, it could tear your face off if you EQ'd it as such. Just a thought.
 
#5
Hollow Man said:
I'm not exactly a premier expert on bridges, but one thing you need to be aware of (you probably already are, but I'll say it anyway) is that different bridges require different mounting holes to be drilled into the body. If you switch from Hipshot to, say, a Gotoh, there is a good chance that the holes will have to be redrilled (and possibly the existing holes would have to be filled if there is some overlap).

Good luck. Out of curiosity, why don't you like the Hipshot? And have you considered Carey's standard bridge? I remember there being some discussion about his bridge being too 'warm' or something like that, but if my Nordy (with Carey's bridge) is any example, it could tear your face off if you EQ'd it as such. Just a thought.
Click to expand...

Yup, I'm aware I may have to do a redrill. I've had three different Hipshot vintage bridges on my Nordy now (which is Carey's standard bridge), and two of the three have had issues. The first one was missing the ball milled seating for the string balls to sit in, causing the strings to go over the saddles at weird angles. The second one I'm having a problem with the saddle from the B and E aren't touching when the bass is brought to full tune. I can push the B saddle back to touching the E, but as soon as I start playing they seperate again. I'm not sure if this is really a sonic issue or not, but it bugs me.

I had a Roscoe with a A style bridge on it, and the saddles would vibrate in their space as they weren't machinced tight enough so that they didn't move.

The B style on my MTD seems to function fine but, and this may seem shallow, it is kind of ugly. :D
 
#7
Wow... either you're having a lot of issues with your bridges, or I'm just not paying close enough attention to mine!

I don't have any helpful advice for you, except to just wish you luck. Also, I agree that the Hipshot B is about the ugliest bridge out there.
 
#8
Hollow Man said:
Wow... either you're having a lot of issues with your bridges, or I'm just not paying close enough attention to mine!

I don't have any helpful advice for you, except to just wish you luck. Also, I agree that the Hipshot B is about the ugliest bridge out there.
Click to expand...

I probably pay far more attention to detail than I should sometimes. I gets to the point where if it isn't at least near perfect, it really bugs me. If I don't find anything, I may try an "A" style bridge again.
 
#9
I wasn't happy with the bridge spacing on a Jazz at home so I ordered a Fender Deluxe bridge online which has extra string slots in it which allowed me to space the strings in a way more in line with what I wanted. The bridge is available in 4 and 5 strings. I didn't use the whole bridge as I wasn't in the mood to fill holes and drill new ones, but I ordered some factory ferrules in case I decide to. I just moved the saddles over to my existing Fender bridge and the problem was resolved. Here's the bridge I'm referring to:

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