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Badass Bridge: Worth It?

B

blankstare77

May 19, 2006
467
1
#1
I'm going to purchase the lovely Squier Vintage 70's Modified Jazz Bass, and I was planning on switching the bridge out when I get the bass.

I've heard that it really doesn't need to be switched unless I truly feel it does, but I haven't played many basses, so I'm unsure as to exactly how good each particular bass is. Also, when I buy it online I get free shipping and no taxes, so it is more economical to purchase it initially. I am planning on installing it myself with the help of a friend who has a father that is very knowledgeable concerning guitar and bass guitar modifications.

Anyway, although this is a simple question, I have yet to find a concise answer to the following question on this site:

Does the Badass Bridge significantly enhance the performance of your bass? And in what ways does it achieve this?
 
#4
saxnbass said:
The nice thing about the BA is that it's direct replacement in Fenders. I'm not sure if this hold true for the Squier VMs too.

I'm gonna get a BAIII for my MIA and put the MIA bridge on my CIJ bass (it'll fit no modification). I'm doing it that way cause I want a drop in replacement.
Click to expand...

I bought a BAIII for my MIA J Deluxe...waste of money, the MIA bridge is good enough and allow lower action that the BA.
 
#7
All a Badass bridge is going to do for you is make your tone more compressed, brighter, quicker attack.
They are not the end all in bridges. Some (I) prefer standard bent plate bridges for most basses. More open, rounder tone.
Those basses are maple/maple so they have plenty of attack/brightness all on there own

Play the bass first. If you like it, leave it stock.

I used to plan to alter/mod basses before they even hit my front door. I learned this is foolishness.
 
#9
I say play the bass first and decide if you need it. I like mine because I wanted more sustain from my p-bass. But if you are not looking for more sustain and stability, why spend the money?

To answer your question: Yes it does make a difference in the performance of the bass. It improves the sustain because the bridge is larger and heavier than the stock. Other than that I have noticed no difference.
 
#11
Modern Growl said:
All a Badass bridge is going to do for you is make your tone more compressed, brighter, quicker attack.
They are not the end all in bridges. Some (I) prefer standard bent plate bridges for most basses. More open, rounder tone.
Those basses are maple/maple so they have plenty of attack/brightness all on there own

Play the bass first. If you like it, leave it stock.

I used to plan to alter/mod basses before they even hit my front door. I learned this is foolishness.
Click to expand...
+1,000,000
 
#12
the_fonz said:
yeah, but "i have a badass on my bass" sounds better than "i has a gotoh201!!!111"
Click to expand...

+1 If they would just name it something like SKULLCRACKER 9000! I'd get one.
:D

Seriously, The BA did a world of good on my Pbass but mainly in the mix. I had a hard time hearing a defined note on the lower end of the E string (to the point of not using the bass anymore in a heavy 2 guitar band). After swapping, it sounded much clearer. It seems that the differences vary from bass to bass quite a bit from what I've read. If you like the sound you get in the mix, I'm not sure the change is worth it, but it was for me.
 
#14
lug said:
+1 If they would just name it something like SKULLCRACKER 9000! I'd get one.
:D

Seriously, The BA did a world of good on my Pbass but mainly in the mix. I had a hard time hearing a defined note on the lower end of the E string (to the point of not using the bass anymore in a heavy 2 guitar band). After swapping, it sounded much clearer. It seems that the differences vary from bass to bass quite a bit from what I've read. If you like the sound you get in the mix, I'm not sure the change is worth it, but it was for me.
Click to expand...
Did you notice any loss of low end with you swap? That is something that a badassII will do and there is a possibility thats what you are hearing, if that's the case then a better set of pups would give you an all-around better sound than a bridge that will give you more sustain and take away lows at the same time!
 
#17
pyrohr said:
Did you notice any loss of low end with you swap? That is something that a badassII will do and there is a possibility thats what you are hearing, if that's the case then a better set of pups would give you an all-around better sound than a bridge that will give you more sustain and take away lows at the same time!
Click to expand...


I wouldn't say any loss of lows but more harmonic frequency content. Basically, think of it as a slight treble boost on your current signal with better sustain (if you are using a topload fender style bridge). Drop the treble and your bottom end should be the same.
 
#19
I just put a BAII on my schools MIM jazz... I like it, but the action is ungodly high (DB+ action)!!! does anyone know what size allen wrench i need to lower the saddles? i grabbed the smallest one in my shop and it was still too big! so does anyone know what size it is? :help:
 
#20
lug said:
I wouldn't say any loss of lows but more harmonic frequency content. Basically, think of it as a slight treble boost on your current signal with better sustain (if you are using a topload fender style bridge). Drop the treble and your bottom end should be the same.
Click to expand...
Well I own basses with badasII bridges and a Geddy which I removed the badasII. I beg to differ with your findings, removing the badassII on my Geddy gave it more low end and made it sound less mid heavy and clanky in the process, The other two basses a Marcus Miller and a mim dlx bass have active pre's so I can compensate for low end loss there. BadassII bridges will change you sound and not alway's for the better!
 

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