Badass II for a MIM Jazz?

[jbailes]

Hello All,

Forgive me if this has been talked about to death. I did a search and didn't find anything.
I'd like to replace the current bridge on my MIM standard jazz bass with a Badass II. Will this be a direct replacement or do additional holes need to be drilled? Thank you.

 

[klaus486]

Badass II with five screw holes should be a direct replacement for the Fender bridge. It will require a professional luthier to cut the saddle slots. If this is not done you will be very unhappy. See http://www.leoquan.com/index.html for all the info you need. I think the Leo Quann website is under renovation and there may be preslotted saddles available for that bridge.

These guys are great to work with - http://www.bestbassgear.com/badass-bridge.htm

 

[walterw]

yep, tons of threads on the subject, with lots of folks saying the bridge makes little to no difference, or even preferring the tone of the low-mass original.

i do like that the leo quan saddles don't slide around, and will let you correct the string spacing so that the strings ride right between each pair of jazz pickup magnets (either by properly notching the blank saddles or by getting the badass "II2​", with the multi-slotted saddles).

thing is, for my money a set of vintage threaded-rod saddles will accomplish the same thing and are like $20.

 

[Hopkins]

I'm not a huge fan of the BA bridges. I prefer the Gotoh 201, or the Fender High Mass, both of which are less expensive. The Hipshot A style is a great bridge as well. I haven't heard anything bad about the Babicz either.

All of these I think are a better option than the BA II

 

[walterw]

yeah, but the 201 doesn't have the right spacing for jazz pickups either; not a huge deal, but i hear a slight difference.

the fender hi-mass is designed as a string-through, and i think the hole pattern is different too. (yes you can top-load it, but it's only held by 3 screws instead of 5.)

 

[Hopkins]

yeah, but the 201 doesn't have the right spacing for jazz pickups either; not a huge deal, but i hear a slight difference.

the fender hi-mass is designed as a string-through, and i think the hole pattern is different too. (yes you can top-load it, but it's only held by 3 screws instead of 5.)

Basspartsresource.com sells the Squier CV bridge for $39.99. It is a direct replacement

 

[Pilgrim]

Basspartsresource.com sells the Squier CV bridge for $39.99. It is a direct replacement

A much better idea. Less expensive and less setup required.

 

[Hopkins]

A much better idea. Less expensive and less setup required.

Looks a whole lot better than a big gaudy BA also, at least IMHO

 

[SlingBass4]

I've had all 3 of the replacement bridges discussed. It's a subjective topic - all 3 are good. I would, however, recommend the multi-groove Leo Quan bridge IF you elect to go that route; it's imperative the strings line up over the pole pieces correctly

 

[Rocky McDougall]

I am just curious. Do you think the BadAss bridges would have been as popular if they were called something like "Sweetie Pie Bridge" Names do have an effect on people.
Rocky

 

[Hopkins]

I am just curious. Do you think the BadAss bridges would have been as popular if they were called something like "Sweetie Pie Bridge" Names do have an effect on people.
Rocky

I doubt it, I'm sure the name alone has sold a ton of bridges.

 

[96tbird]

Naughty Bum. Hah!

OT, the second iteration, the BAII, is indeed a direct fit.

 

[jbailes]

I am just curious. Do you think the BadAss bridges would have been as popular if they were called something like "Sweetie Pie Bridge" Names do have an effect on people.
Rocky

That's too funy, man
I really appreciate all your input , guys. Thanks alot

 

[klaus486]

I have found the Squier CV bridge IS NOT a direct replacement. The screw holes almost line up but I could not fit the Badass II on my Squier CV P bass. Nor did the CV bridge fit the hole spacing for the bass that had the BAII.