Bridge Replacement for Mike Dirnt P-Bass/Badass 2

[big-boss-bass]

I’ve acquired an early 00’s Mike Dirnt p bass that looks to have sat in a damp closet somewhere for a while. Taking it on as a project, I noticed the Badass 2 bridge needed a lot of attention, as saddle screws were severely corroded and adjustment screws were missing.

The saddles, sadly, seem irreparable. Some screws have broken off into the saddles and they are nigh impossible to remove. Rather than continue on with the headache, I’m looking for a replacement bridge. I’m not a great fan of the Badass II, too chunky and tall. I’m wondering what sort of bridge would be the most painless replacement for this part? A drop-in would be great, but I’m willing to do a bit of work for the right bridge. I’ve considered a tele-style to bridge to transform the dirnt into a take on a 51, but I’m leaning more towards a gotoh 201. Will these cause issues with placement, intonation, scale length, etc? Just need some guidance on what I need to do here. Thanks.

 

[Slater]

If you’re replacing a BA II, a Gotoh 201 should drop right in.

 

[big-boss-bass]

How about a tele style bridge? Found some cheap ones I’m considering, what kind of issues could I expect with such a swap?

 

[2saddleslab]

How about a tele style bridge? Found some cheap ones I’m considering, what kind of issues could I expect with such a swap?

Oh no you di int. Hold on to your hat, pal cause the 2 saddle police will be along shortly with pitchforks a blazin'. You’ll hear the typical old tropes you can’t intonate, you can’t use flatwounds, and usually from those without any personal experience.

I've use the Tele, early P bass style bridges for over 30 years with damn near every gauge and brand of flat wound string without ever an issue and with proper intonation. I say give it a try and watch mayhem ensue.

 

[big-boss-bass]

Oh no you di int. Hold on to your hat, pal cause the 2 saddle police will be along shortly with pitchforks a blazin'. You’ll hear the typical old tropes you can’t intonate, you can’t use flatwounds, and usually from those without any personal experience.

I've use the Tele, early P bass style bridges for over 30 years with damn near every gauge and brand of flat wound string without ever an issue and with proper intonation. I say give it a try and watch mayhem ensue.

Haha, I love it. I think aesthetically speaking it looks dead on, considering the Dirnt bass is basically a 51 p with a split single pup and a BA2. I’ve stripped the black ploy and am putting on a shell pink, so it ought to really look old school by the time I’m through with it, especially with that old vintage style bridge on there.

Any experience replacing the hi mass with the vintage style? Just curious for fit, routing, intonation, etc...

 

[Slater]

I’ve stripped the black ploy and am putting on a shell pink

I believe ‘51 P-bass bridges only have 3 mounting holes, where the BAII has 5. Since you’re doing a refin, I would plug all but the center hole, then re-drill for the new bridge after the refin. I would leave the center mounting hole unplugged for alignment purposes.

 

[2saddleslab]

Haha, I love it. I think aesthetically speaking it looks dead on, considering the Dirnt bass is basically a 51 p with a split single pup and a BA2. I’ve stripped the black ploy and am putting on a shell pink, so it ought to really look old school by the time I’m through with it, especially with that old vintage style bridge on there.

Any experience replacing the hi mass with the vintage style? Just curious for fit, routing, intonation, etc...

Yes, I replaced the OEM hi mass bridge on my Cabronita with a custom made solid brass chrome plated bridge [thanks, dad!]. I used the center hole, filled and redrilled the other two. It's best to use the pin system when drilling thru the body as a typical drill bit will drift when boring thru, leaving the ferrules out of line on the back side.
Here's a link to my mod:
NBD- CAR Cabronita

 

[big-boss-bass]

You guys rock. Gorgeous bass btw...I’ll post pics here when the refin is complete. Thanks all.