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BadAss Bridge II on Rickenbacker 4001

N

nextcliffburton

Jun 27, 2008
69
0
Bonney Lake, WA
www.myspace.com
#1
Hey guys got a question! I'm purchasing a 1980 Burgundyglo 4001 for $1600 from a guy I know , which is a sweet deal :D, and It has a BadAss Bridge II installed on it. He said he has the original bridge laying around somewhere. My question is... is the badass bridge II better? or should I isntall the original bridge back on it. I don't know anything about the badass bridge II so I'd thought I'd ask all of you! Thanks!
 
#3
It's a matter of opinion. First there's the subjective tone discussion. Some say it improves tone, and there are 2 or 3 threads that discuss the fine points of tone and what effects it. Others say the BadAss II only generates more sustain.

Then there's the whole discussion about modifying Rics and the sacrilege of it all. Most people are ok with removing the bridge pup cover, but much more than that will generate some differing opinions. :ninja:

As far as I'm concerned to each his/her own with their cash. I dropped a BA II on my '80 Ric 4001 a few years after I bought it new, and I love it that way. Coincidentally, Geddy Lee of Rush has done the same with his. :smug:

I don't even have my old bridge, but it doesn't matter, since I've willed it to my son.
 
#5
Been there, done that,,,had a Badass II on my 4001 for 2-3 years. Sound was brighter, a little more sustain and more articulate in higher registers, and of course it was a doddle to intonate compared to the original Ric bridge...

But, it didn't sound quite like my faithful old Ric anymore so I swapped it back about 5 years ago and don't intend to use anything other than the Ric bridge in future even though I hate it's design flaws
 
#6
I like the original bridge. I like the mute pad. A Ric looks funny without the original bridge IMO. I've read horror stories about how you MUST change the bridge on a Ric because the only way to intonate the stock one is to take it off the bass.


People are funny. I bent a small, thin screwdriver near the point. This gave it enough of an angle to be useful for adjustment.

Of course, what do I know... I left the pickup cover on mine too.
 
#9
I have used the stock bridge, hipshot and both bada$$ I and II....if I am going to make a change, I would go with either of the bada$$ bridges...they really tighten it up and I have had some great tones come from those basses...
 
#12
A BAII on a Rick worked for this clown for a long time -
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Oop, wait....better pic -

spaceball.gif


EDIT - See post below, Don't know what happened last night and why the post was put up 2x and missing the bottom pic in the first one....too much schnapps maybe?
 
#14
Grissle said:
These bridges look interesting
398.jpg
Click to expand...

Interesting indeed...especially for $145. If I were to part with that kind of loot for a bridge, I'd consider the KSM bridge for $149, which is made by one of TB's own Kevin Moore:

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I was looking at one for my MIM P-bass, and I spoke to Kevin on the phone - damn nice guy. But, in the end, it was just too many dead presidents and I went with a Gotoh 201 for $37 shipped.
 
#17
Hi, I know this is an old thread, but I just got a 1975 Ric 4001 and I have a NOS BadAss II Bridge I want to have installed. Basically, making it a "Geddy Ric"... So my question is, in the pic above of Geddy, does the custom plate that is covering up the old holes and whatnot left over from the original Ric bridge simply fit "around" the BadAss bridge or does it completely go underneath it... (I intuitively guess that a piece of plastic under the bridge is stupid but thought I would ask ;0).. I've seen pics of Rics with a BadAss II with both black and white cover plates (color doesn't matter for this discussion) that all look great... I'm just wondering if its an aesthetic thing or necessary to get this mod right??? I'd like to sounds somewhat intelligent when I bring it in to the guitar store for the work. Thanks all for the help, tips, etc...
 
#18
It's around. Years ago, I did the GedMod, but I've since gone to the Hipshot. It's not 'necessary', but the part of the Ric bridge where the mute is, requires the body to be routed. When the BadAss is installed, its footprint doesn't quite cover that area, so you have to fabricate a block of wood to those dimensions. It looks crappy with all that showing, so most fashion a pickguard, for aesthetics.

Ged's first mod was an original BadAss, for which he used a white pickguard in the shape of a Ric bridge. Later, he used a smaller black piece, so it stood out less.
 
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#19
Engine207 said:
It's around. Years ago, I did the GedMod, but I've since gone to the Hipshot. It's not 'necessary', but the part of the Ric bridge where the mute is requires the body to be routed. When the BadAss is installed, its footprint doesn't cover that area, so you have to fabricate a block of wood to those dimensions. It looks crappy with all that showing, so most fashion a pick guard for aesthetics.

Ged's first mid was an original BadAss, for which he used a white pickguard in the shape of a Ric bridge. Later, he used a smaller black piece, so it stood out less.
Click to expand...

Thanks Engine207! That is great, invaluable information. Exactly what I needed to know!
 
#20
Engine207 said:
It's around. Years ago, I did the GedMod, but I've since gone to the Hipshot. It's not 'necessary', but the part of the Ric bridge where the mute is requires the body to be routed. When the BadAss is installed, its footprint doesn't cover that area, so you have to fabricate a block of wood to those dimensions. It looks crappy with all that showing, so most fashion a pick guard for aesthetics.

Ged's first mid was an original BadAss, for which he used a white pickguard in the shape of a Ric bridge. Later, he used a smaller black piece, so it stood out less.
Click to expand...

Actually, now you got me thinking about going for the Hipshot instead... After checking online it kinda looks to be to be a "BadAss designed for Ric"... Hmmmm... Well, since you have tried both any advice? I love the BadAss II which I had installed on my '72 Jazz Bass, and when I did that project last year I bought 2 NOS BadAss II bridges so that I'd have one when I scored the Ric of my dreams.. But I didn't know about the Hipshot bridge... Thanks again..
 

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