badass bridges

Leo Quan makes them and here is the website:

http://www.leoquan.com/html/welcome.html

They are supposed to add sustain and note clarity. I can't really give an opinion on them since I have never tried a bass with one installed, but from what I hear they are very well built and good replacements for the cheapo fender style bridges.

 

I have a Badass 1 on my fretless.

Damn good bridge. Very massy. Adds sustain to it, which is good because it is a fretless.

Very good bridges.

 

How are the screw holes on a Badass I spaced in comparison to the Badass II? Can you put a 1 on where a Fender style bridge was, or should you definitely use the 2? How do they compare soundwise?

 

If your are replacing a fender style bridge you want the BA II. The BA I is too tall to be installed on a Fender without routing the bass and thus the BA II. On my old Gibson, the BA I made a world of difference. Be aware that you will have to notch the bridge after installation at the proper string spacing.

 

The BA 11 will screw exactly into the holes of the original vintage fender bridge. No mods needed. Not sure about the BA 1.

 

Exactly.

BTW, check out the Gotoh bridges, they are reliable and fit without drilling.

http://www.stairwaytokevin.com.au/dept.asp?deptid=309


Treena

 

Too tall to install without routing? Why would you have to rout the bass for a tall bridge?

 

The Gotoh 201 is a direct fit for Fenders. It cost about 25.00 from Warmoth. No string notching required.

 

"Too tall to install without routing? Why would you have to rout the bass for a tall bridge?"

Because the strings will sit about a 1/2" above the neck if you install the BA I on a Fender. The BA I does not adjust downward enough to get playable action. When Leo Quann realized this he built the BA II with a thinner block. Its pretty evident if you look at both bridges.

 

I've got a Badass II on my fretless. It's great. Very Heavy...I didn't realize this until i took it off to refinish.

 

Another good point. If you purchase a NEW BAII bridge, you will need to have someone notch the saddles for you (or do it yourself.) Gotoh makes a great bridge and they're considerably either.

I like both bridges alot, so you'll have to decide.

G'Luck.
-Mike

 

there is some controversey over the overall effectiveness of the badass II
some say they have used it on their fender and noted loss of bottom end
i used one and noted a more clean and sonorous open A..the bottom end was satisfactory...
i have reverted to the fender bridge prior to sale of the instrument but thought the badass II was a good upgrade..
the badass I i have seen on a bass but it wasnt a fender..it looked like it was brass and very chunky...
it is a simple design and not as well engineered as say a schaller...
but mass wise is just the ticket.

 

The BAII is a nice 5-string bridge too. I played a parts-built custom of a friend's not too long ago and the right hand string spacing was as comfy as a classic Fender.