do you wish to expand on bridge types and tonal changes?
I was not aware of the differences.
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I was not aware of the differences.
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Agathis wood?!
- Thread starter FungusHumungous
- Start date
Bent-plate bridges, such as on tradational Fenders, and as would appear to be on the 4-string (but not on the 5-string) in the picture you reference above, are generally considered to give notes less sustain, but possibly more "punch." Solid bridges, such as a BadAss, are generally considered to give more sustain, and possibly a smoother or treblier or more "piano-like" (to use a very over-used phrase) tone.
A bent-plate bridge with the strings strung through-body is generally considered to sound more like a solid bridge. So are heavy-duty bent-plate bridges.
There are also potentially differences in sound between solid bridges made of brass or aluminum, as well as different designs.
While there is some theory supporting these ideas, in the end it is a matter of opinion.
Probably a good way to find some of the opinions on this is to do a keyword search on "badass" or on "BAII" (BadAss II) or on "Leo Quan."
A bent-plate bridge with the strings strung through-body is generally considered to sound more like a solid bridge. So are heavy-duty bent-plate bridges.
There are also potentially differences in sound between solid bridges made of brass or aluminum, as well as different designs.
While there is some theory supporting these ideas, in the end it is a matter of opinion.
Probably a good way to find some of the opinions on this is to do a keyword search on "badass" or on "BAII" (BadAss II) or on "Leo Quan."
I recently put a lightweight bent-plate bridge on my J to replace a Gotoh 201. Same hole spacing, so it was no big deal. Yikes, I couldn't get it off fast enough!! The sound became mushy and dead spots that were just barely there just jumped out. There was no solidity to the sound, certainly not punchier. I think there is something better than the Gotoh 201. It is die-cast and kind of soft. This is a very interesting topic; maybe somebody can start a new thread.
I emailed Cort for specs before it went up on curbows website. this is what they sent back:
34" scale
maple neck w/ rosewood fretboard
agathis body
power sound covered jazz pups
active 2 band eq
nut width 1 9/16"
Also said they use the same nut on all their 4 string basses, so it's a fair guess it the same neck as on other Curbow models.
Bob
Hmmm...According to Greg, it's got passive V/V/T with active pickups. At any rate, I've got one sitting at my desk right now (looks killer), so I'll post what the actual electronics are when I get home, and have a chance to plug it in.
I spoke with somebody at Curbow about it and at best they were vague on the details- also told me it was basswood- that's why I emailed Cort.
Ah, but the proof is sitting their in your office, eh Bassmonkee?
Looking forward to you breakdown of how this thing sounds!
Bob
I sent you a pm with some questions about the retro- sorry didn't realize you are 'live'.
Ah, but the proof is sitting their in your office, eh Bassmonkee?
Looking forward to you breakdown of how this thing sounds!
Bob
I sent you a pm with some questions about the retro- sorry didn't realize you are 'live'.
Same hole pattern as a standard Fender bridge:
Badass II
Gotoh 201
maybe one of the Hipshot bridges?
7 year old zombie!!!! 
might want to check the dates of the posts before yoursAgathis sounds much more like mahogany to me. Same dark tone orientation. It does have bit more treble content and treble isnt quite as refined as mahoganies imo.
Bridge change can affect sound a little bit irregardless of the body wood species. In my expereince himass (at least as massive etc as gotoh 201) bridges give fuller sound. more even balance lows to highs and better resonance with the body. Thin bent metal bridges with string thru body are pretty much like most himass bridges with top load. Himass bridge with both top load and thru body allowance give no sound change to me. But the string thru body option does feel like has little more tension. I prefer top load bridge. BaddassII bridges add a treble zingyness to the sound that I dont like. I believe this is due to the metal formula used. I notice this same treble zingyness add with real floyd rose tremelos on guitars btw. I dont like those either partly due to that sound change. LOl.
Bridge change can affect sound a little bit irregardless of the body wood species. In my expereince himass (at least as massive etc as gotoh 201) bridges give fuller sound. more even balance lows to highs and better resonance with the body. Thin bent metal bridges with string thru body are pretty much like most himass bridges with top load. Himass bridge with both top load and thru body allowance give no sound change to me. But the string thru body option does feel like has little more tension. I prefer top load bridge. BaddassII bridges add a treble zingyness to the sound that I dont like. I believe this is due to the metal formula used. I notice this same treble zingyness add with real floyd rose tremelos on guitars btw. I dont like those either partly due to that sound change. LOl.
