I’ve got a nyc Sadowsky pj 5, love it so much. One slight issue for the odd faster line with lots of string skipping for me is the 19mm string spacing. So I’m considering getting a hip shot A style bridge with 18mm spacing. I’ve been told 1mm is ok re pole pieces. Has anyone tried it? Any potential issues I should be aware of?
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Anyone ever changed the bridge on a Sadowsky 5?
- Thread starter pjowsky
- Start date
Have you contacted Sadowsky? In the past, they would sell you an 18mm bridge (only for an NYC) if you contacted them.
Yeah I contacted them before I got this bass about a nyc build and asked about 18mm string spacing. Roger recommended the hipshot a style but said the footprint would be considerably larger so reverting back to the original would not be ideal if I wasn’t happy with it. He recommended going with standard spec and see how it goes so I ended up buying a 2nd hand almost new one instead for a bit cheaper. I guess they don’t make their own 18mm bridge anymore that would’ve been amazing if they did!
Hey mate I’m in the same boat I often play my p bass and when need the 5 sting I go to the sadowsky
And the 19 mm over 5 strings Is not fun
can I ask did you find a bridge in the end and was it easy to install ( did the holes line up or way off ?)
Any change in sound?
And the 19 mm over 5 strings Is not fun
can I ask did you find a bridge in the end and was it easy to install ( did the holes line up or way off ?)
Any change in sound?
I have replaced a couple Sadowsky bridges now with this 18mm spacing one from Gotoh (Sadowsky actually used these for the 5-string basses way back before having his own made by Hipshot) - BB-3465 Gotoh J510SJ-5 Quick Release 5-String Bass Bridge
For the Gotoh bridge, two of the screw holes line up, the two outer ones in the row of 4, the rest do not. I didn't notice any difference in sound after the bridge swap.
With that, Warwick will soon be offering replacement Sadowsky bridges if you can wait. They currently say available in 10 weeks, but that has fluctuated some for awhile now. So, I'm not sure if the current 10 week time is going to be entirely accurate.
https://shop.warwick.de/en/parts-fo...78401543A281-D0558724001626834449A3015&c=4016
For the Gotoh bridge, two of the screw holes line up, the two outer ones in the row of 4, the rest do not. I didn't notice any difference in sound after the bridge swap.
With that, Warwick will soon be offering replacement Sadowsky bridges if you can wait. They currently say available in 10 weeks, but that has fluctuated some for awhile now. So, I'm not sure if the current 10 week time is going to be entirely accurate.
https://shop.warwick.de/en/parts-fo...78401543A281-D0558724001626834449A3015&c=4016
You’re a legend thanks so much for the reply man I will check everything out
Have a cool weekend
Have a cool weekend
The two outer holes ! That’s great!!! I don’t mind drilling out two middle holes at least I know it will be in the correct place
I may have installed a bass bridge crocked before don’t tell anybody
I may have installed a bass bridge crocked before don’t tell anybody
If you prefer the Hipshot style bridges, they’re normally very responsive and helpful if you call them. I know there are others that have used Hipshot A-style bridges on their Sadowsky basses, I’m just not sure of the fitment there.
thanks again for the help . I do like the hip shot A style I have a 4 bridge hanging around may have to bite the bullet and get a 5
Would you consider the Gotoh J510BO-5 an upgrade to the Sadowsky bridge?
How would you compare the two in terms of quality?
I like the Sadowsky bridges better overall when it comes to function and looks. But, the Gotoh bridges are obviously well made and of high quality. Tough to go wrong with either.
I just wanted to bump this thread to put this out there, and I hope I’m allowed to since I’m a supporting member, but I have a metro express with 18 mm spacing. I believe it’s the same bridge that Sadowsky puts on their higher end basses. If anyone would like to trade their 19 mm for my 18 mm, I’d love to trade. my Sadowsky is a week old so the bridge is brand new!
