Benefits to replacing bass guitar bridge?

[Kurtis Marleau]

Hey folks!

If you've been following along, I have a project bass that I've dubbed the "Iba-Wal" it is an Ibanez SR500 (the old model with no switch) that I've modded with an Underhill preamp and will soon be upgrading to Turner pickups. It's not intended to be an exact replica of a Wal bass, but a bass with a high end sound and lots of growl inspired by the likes of JC and Failure.

I'm teasing the idea of replacing the bridge. I've never done something like this before. The Babicz full contact bridge has caught my eye. It looks sleek and they claim that it will dramatically increase sustain.

One of my first basses was a Traben Array Attack bass, I did notice a lot of sustain from that instrument, supposedly thanks to the oversized bridge. But I found the flame pattern kind of cheesy and I sliced my finger on the sharp ends several times. I ultimately ended up trading it for the SR500.

Does replacing the bridge actually effect sustain or tone? Will it change the way the bass feels? Is it even feasible to replace the bridge on this bass with a different name brand? Is it worth it?

Just looking for some outside opinions here. Thanks in advance for chiming in. See attached photos of the instrument.

 

[jeff62]

That stock bridge appears to be significantly hefty such that any change will not result in a sonic difference. I’d simple restore/polish it and swap in some non rusted screws.

 

[onda'bass]

Don’t waste your $$

 

[kevrex]

i've swapped bridges on four or five basses, in part for cosmetic reasons, and in part to fafo. i've used fender, squier, gotoh, and no-name with brass and steel (i think) saddles. i haven't noticed any difference in sustain or tone. just my experience.

 

[kodiakblair]

That stock bridge appears to be significantly hefty such that any change will not result in a sonic difference.

Don’t waste your $$

i haven't noticed any difference in sustain or tone. just my experience.

All very sensible and honest replies.

If the current bridge holds the strings in place, allow you to adjust the action and set the intonation then you already A-OK.

 

[kyral210]

Your bridge looks fine, so any improvement you’ll get will be minor.

I swapped my Player Jaguar bass’s bridge from the stock bent one for a Fender Hi Mass - as found on their expensive models. The Player bridge had a short distance from the back of the saddle to the string plate and the screws were a little loose when adjusting the saddles. Overall, not good. The Hi Mass has a slightly longer distance from the saddle to the thread, much better quality control and fit for the adjustment screws, and looks, in my opinion, better. The extra mass also helps counter the Hipshot extender I installed on the e string for instant drop tuning. Functionally, it’s much better so I am happy. Is there a tone difference? Maybe. If there is it doesn’t matter.

Change your bridge to solve problems rather than to chase tone.

 

[96tbird]

Take yours off, clean it, and put new screws in it. Why drill new screw holes in your basswhen yours just needs a bit of maintenance?

Be careful removing the adjustment screws. Saturate them in penetrating oil and leave overnight. If any bind while you remove them, STOP and clean them better before trying again. If you jam a corroded screw in its hole, you likely will be buying a new bridge.

But if you’re set on getting a new bridge, that’s your prerogative. Go for it.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Leave it alone. I use the same on my 755. Even has the same addt'l 3 mounting screws to prevent deformation of the anchor points. The only downside is the saddles lean slightly against each other thanks to the single height adjustment screw.

I just upgraded to an OBP-3 and calling it quits.

Riis