Bridge Recomendations for Jazz Bass

[jallenbass]

For me, the only way to upgrade that bridge would be to get one that is quick release for ease of changing strings. Something like one of these:

Hipshot Vintage 4 String Bridge String Through - Best Bass Gear

Hipshot 4 String A Style Bass Bridge - Best Bass Gear

 

[C Stone]

Yep, the bent plate with threaded saddles is my preferred bridge on a Fender-type bass. Simple but gets the job done. I've replaced a few high-mass bridges with the bent plate...is that a downgrade?

Well a little lighter bass can't be a bad thing can it? OTOH high-mass bridges are great for countering a bass sufferring from a neck dive issue...

 

[lokikallas]

Hip shot kickass

 

[WillyW]

Gotoh 201

Schaller roller

Fender hi mass

 

[C Stone]

Gotoh 201
View attachment 4400692

Schaller roller

View attachment 4400693

Fender hi mass

View attachment 4400694

 

[DCCat]

For me, the only way to upgrade that bridge would be to get one that is quick release for ease of changing strings. Something like one of these:

Hipshot Vintage 4 String Bridge String Through - Best Bass Gear

Hipshot 4 String A Style Bass Bridge - Best Bass Gear

Or the B style:

Hipshot 4 String B Style Bass Bridge - Best Bass Gear

Both the Vintage and B style can be ordered with threaded saddles for variable string spacing, while the A style has a built-in mechanism for adjusting that.

Quick string loading/releasing is THE discriminating bridge feature for me.

 

[Fernando Costa]

The traditional bend plate Fender bridge would be enouth if barrel saddles were better designed. In the 3 most common types (the vintage with barrel threaded, the one with only one groove and even the modern HiMass with two types of barrel saddles) I never managed to do a good setup. The difference in sound between these and the HiMass is negligible, but the difference in setup is huge. I installed this "Flat" HiMass - brass saddles - in my PJ and setup was much better. Just be careful as these saddles are a little lower than the barrels, they cannot be installed on any bass. Take measurements first. Schecter, Gotoh, Hipshot, Göldo and ABM are great options, but Fender is much cheaper and is good enough.

 

[Corigan]

I've got a fender hi mass on my ultra p and a bent plate on my jazz. I prefer the bent plate, but I don't know why. Maybe its because the hi mass is big, bulky, heavy, and really doesn't seem to add anything over the bent plate except maybe style.

Everyone has their own opinion and there is no right or wrong answer, both function well imho. Im kind of an if it isn't broke dont fix it kind of guy. the bent plate works just fine and holds intonation. Ive heard debate about sustain on hi mass vs bent plate and the difference is negligible at best from what the talk bass experts say.

So I say, if you want a different look, go for it. If you are going to expect some earthshattering tone and performance upgrade, you will more than likely be disappointed.

Good luck on your quest!