i currently own 2 5-strings and one six string that have hipshot bridges. I noticed on all of them the b-saddle is maxed out (as far back as possible) and on the six the c is about as far forward as possible. While it’s a fantastic bridge it seems there isn’t much room for adjustment on the b and c string. The Kahler seems to have a rake to it similar to a multi scale. Is this better or about the same???
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6 string bass bridges-any experience with Kahler???
- Thread starter Samuel Newsom
- Start date
I probably should have elaborated. I’m not replacing the bridges on any of my basses, I’m looking to build one
That doesn't change anything. If the Hipshot (or any other well designed) bridge is properly located the instrument you will be able to adjust the intonation.
As far as opinions regarding a piece of hardware goes, they vary by the individual. As does individual knowledge and experience. Schaller is a good company that makes good products. So is and does Hipshot.
As far as opinions regarding a piece of hardware goes, they vary by the individual. As does individual knowledge and experience. Schaller is a good company that makes good products. So is and does Hipshot.
I’m well aware of this. But as I stated I wasn’t comfortable with the settings being maxed out and was wondering if anyone had experience with a different bridge having more play. I never said they were bad bridges, or that I wasn’t replacing them or that they couldn’t intonate.
I have a 5 string version. It works fine. A bit fiddly to set up in the first place and it took a while before I felt the individual string pieces were “really” lined up but that’s probably just me. I made a template and routed for the base to inlet into the body. I don’t think it’s required but it worked out better on that bass.
I have the 6-string version and have been very happy with its design and performance.
Thanks.
Thanks.
I've had a 6-string Modulus bass with that same Kahler bridge shown in Don's pic (above) for over 30 years and it has never disappointed. Works great, sounds great, doesn't rattle or come loose or require constant readjustment.
Well... it's a pretty common phenomenon in nearly any type of system that performance in the middle of the system's range is more linear than performance near either of its extremes. This is true for mechanical, electrical, neuro-muscular, and (iirc) mathematical systems.
So if I had a bridge that could accommodate the intonation requirements of a given string but only with the saddle all the way back, versus one that could achieve that same requirement with its saddle right in the middle of its available travel, I'd expect the latter to be a more stable platform in that situation.
Well... it's a pretty common phenomenon in nearly any type of system that performance in the middle of the system's range is more linear than performance near either of its extremes. This is true for mechanical, electrical, neuro-muscular, and (iirc) mathematical systems.
So if I had a bridge that could accommodate the intonation requirements of a given string but only with the saddle all the way back, versus one that could achieve that same requirement with its saddle right in the middle of its available travel, I'd expect the latter to be a more stable platform in that situation.
I have a hipshot A style on the 6 string I just finished building (see thread in Luther's corner if interested). The adjustment range is just shy of enough, I couldn't get the B string quite long enough. The issue is you have zero wiggle room with a bridge with so little range, even if the spread from top to bottom string is enough, the bridge must be PERFECTLY centered between where your top and bottom string need to be set - which for me, even set at the "right" length for my scale, it wasn't. The solution was easy though, I cut the spring on the b string saddle and used a shorter intonation screw.
Hipshot A style bridges have .35" of intonation range per the dimensions on their website. It's the same for their 4 string bridge as for their 6 string. On a 4 string it's plenty, on a 6 string it's barely enough. I'm not sure why they didn't give the 6 string more range.
If I had to do it again I would use a different brand of bridge with more range.
Hipshot A style bridges have .35" of intonation range per the dimensions on their website. It's the same for their 4 string bridge as for their 6 string. On a 4 string it's plenty, on a 6 string it's barely enough. I'm not sure why they didn't give the 6 string more range.
If I had to do it again I would use a different brand of bridge with more range.
I have the five string version on my only five string, and it's a nice Bridge but I do find it a bit of a pain to adjust.
Hey! Sorry to revive this old thread but I’m curious, what kind of bass / neck do
you have that installed on? I’m thinking about using that bridge for a 30” baritone / bass vi project. I’ve used the 4-string versions on other basses, just curious how narrow the 6-string spacing can get and if I’d need a wide neck or if it could work on a standard 4-string.
Hi hooky...
I built this bass in the early 90's using a Warmoth neck (34") called a "Real Big 5", which is no longer available. It was designed as a wide 5 string neck, but I squeezed 6 strings onto it.
You would have to ask Kahler for the specs on how narrow the spacing can get. I don't have that information anymore.
Good Luck.
It was a revolutionary design when it first got out. I think there are better ideas around nowadays but it works just fine.
It leaves a lot of room for intonation in all directions.
It leaves a lot of room for intonation in all directions.
According to this page the most narrow the 6 string version goes is 0.550” between strings or 2.750” overall to the outside strings. 2440 Series Professional Fixed Bass Bridge System - Kahler International
Thanks, Don. Yeah, I'm aware of how tight the Kahler spacing can get (I have my 4-strings at the narrowest setting); the 6 will be wider than the Shergold-type standard bridge, but it'll be narrower than anything else except monorail guitar bridges.
Probably going to go full custom with this one in any case, unless I decide to go the 4-string route.
For the folks who are more accustomed to seeing bass string spacing expressed in the metric system, that's 13.97mm.
You forgot to convert the 2.75” to 69.85mm.
It's funny that everyone seems to get so hung up on string-to-string spacing -- "oh, I only play 18mm basses, I can't deal with 17mm!" -- and yet I rarely see anyone talking about lowest-to-highest spacing. Which'll bite y'all in da azz the first time you take your "oh, I only play 18mm basses" needs to the store when shopping for a 7-string bass.
It's funny that everyone seems to get so hung up on string-to-string spacing -- "oh, I only play 18mm basses, I can't deal with 17mm!" -- and yet I rarely see anyone talking about lowest-to-highest spacing. Which'll bite y'all in da azz the first time you take your "oh, I only play 18mm basses" needs to the store when shopping for a 7-string bass.
I’ve got a 5 string with nice, wide bridge and nut spacing, although I don’t think I’ve measured it, but the spacing would be pretty unwieldy in a 6 string.
