A Basic Bent Steel 6-String Bridge?

[Brad_Pearson]

I've been looking for a simple, fender (vintage) style bridge that is 6 strings for quite some time now. I've been using hipshot B-styles on all my builds but I really like the simplicity of the old Fenders...


Anyone know of anything?

Anyone ever make their own? How hard could it be? Some ready-rod, drill and tap some holes... Bend a piece of steel... Powder coat...

 

[Vinny_G]

You mean something like this? [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Brad_Pearson]

You mean something like this? [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

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I saw that one. I don't know why they think they need the giant chunk at the back of it.

Close but not quite. Looking for the thinnest, lightest bridge I can find.

Thanks though!

The more I ponder it, the more I like the idea of making my own.

 

[Vinny_G]

If you have some metalworking experience and the tools to do it, it should not be very complicated. But you will have to show us the result.

 

[sissy kathy]

Here are several. If the saddles are too massive, buy some Fender saddles.
Ibanez GIO 6 String Bass Bridge Chrome Don't be scared off by the price, those are Indonesian Rupiah, about 10 USD.

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[Watchootognbout]

You might find one that was on a Steve Bailey model.
But it isn't likey to be a "Fender-ish" bent steel six string bridge.

Even the Fender DR Heartfield sixers had a bridge with a thick "backstop"

 

[Brad_Pearson]

Seems odd that 6 string bridges seem to only come in high mass, which I always equate to a more compressed sound. Odd, since most people playing Sixers are usually playing jazz, and really need the opposite of compression...

Really starting to think about making my own. I have a friend who paints and does powdercoat...

 

[sissy kathy]

Seems odd that 6 string bridges seem to only come in high mass, which I always equate to a more compressed sound. Odd, since most people playing Sixers are usually playing jazz, and really need the opposite of compression...

Really starting to think about making my own. I have a friend who paints and does powdercoat...

??

 

[Vinny_G]

Seems odd that 6 string bridges seem to only come in high mass, which I always equate to a more compressed sound. Odd, since most people playing Sixers are usually playing jazz, and really need the opposite of compression...

Really starting to think about making my own. I have a friend who paints and does powdercoat...

I see a lot of six-string players in Metal, and they usually rely on compression to get their sound, but I didn't know that compression could come from the bridge. It could have saved me a lot of money had I known that earlier.

 

[Brad_Pearson]

From my experience, a high-mass bridge reflects the vibrations from the strings more than a low mass, which allows more vibration into the body, thus absorbing some of the strings energy. This translates to a softer attack and a greater range of dynamics.

My preference is for the low mass ones as I find it results in a softer and more controllable sound. I like running my amp high and play with a light touch. High mass bridges make it easy for the volume to get carried away and allows for more sympathetic ringing.

Ive found the same with body woods. The more dense ones act like a high mass bridge and make the instrument sustain/compress more. I made one with a purple heart and blacklimba body that, while great for rock and metal, is a little to strident to play more sensitively on.

Much the opposite I did a bass with a hollow sappele and walnut body that comes across much more subtle. I find myself adjusting the volume control less on that bass.

I just want to add: this is JUST my opinion. Not trying to open a tone wood debate thread.

Thanks all for the suggestions so far!

 

[maturanesa]

I think there should be one of this bridges anywhere on ebay.
Its an SX.

 

[JimmyM]

Seems odd that 6 string bridges seem to only come in high mass, which I always equate to a more compressed sound. Odd, since most people playing Sixers are usually playing jazz, and really need the opposite of compression...

Really starting to think about making my own. I have a friend who paints and does powdercoat...

I've changed out bridges from bent plate to hi mass and back, and I don't notice even a lick of difference in the sound. But I do get your wanting a bent plate for lightness reasons. So what's wrong with that Schaller bridge or that Ibanez bridge that Sissy Kathy posted? Looks like a bent plate to me.

 

[Brad_Pearson]

I've changed out bridges from bent plate to hi mass and back, and I don't notice even a lick of difference in the sound. But I do get your wanting a bent plate for lightness reasons. So what's wrong with that Schaller bridge or that Ibanez bridge that Sissy Kathy posted? Looks like a bent plate to me.

Nothing wrong with the schaller at all it looks great! The only problem with the Ibanez is that is says Ibanez on it. Don't want to put an Ibanez bridge on a Pearson Bass ya know?