'Bridge Replacement'

[mustBmtd]

My bass is a 5string KSD Design, which already as somewhat of a high mass bridge. I've done a large amount of upgrading already. So now I'm down to the bridge. Our GC store, here doesn't have a good qualified bass tech. And there are hardly any freelance setup guys around here. So to make this plain, I'm not good at all with measurements. But I only need now to mount this Ken Smith Badass style bridge. And remove the stock bridge. So everything will be all Ken Smith including the preamp. All but the pickups which are Nordys. How do I go about this without any knowledge. Please help in what to do and steps to take.

 

[sissy kathy]

Does the BadAss mount in the same place as the present bridge (IME they don't) Are the bridges the same length?

From what you have stated pictures of the bass with the present bridge TUNED and the proposed bridge are needed for a reasonable response. My present knowledge and information I've gleaned don't paint a pretty picture. There may be something going on I don't know about and pictures will help clear the water.

 

[sissy kathy]

Here are copies of the pictures you sent me. So. the question is are the bridges measured along the string path the same length. And are the holes in the same place relative to the length of the bridge. That looks to be 'yes' in both cases. The only other question is are the screw holes spaced the same across the bridge. To check simply lay one bridge atop the other and see if you can see the screws on the bass through the mounting holes on the replacement bridge. IF you can, remove the strings on the bass and remove the old bridge. Position the old bridge over the mounting holes and attach using the original holes. Restring the bass and tune. You'll have to do a set up at least for the action. Relief should be ok as is.

 

[mustBmtd]

Here's a picture of the front top of the original bridge that's already mounted. And the one I want to remove. Also when you see the front top of the bridge you'll see 6 screws and how their mounted. I'm sure I can put the two outside screws from the top of the old Bridge as the two outside screws to the Ken Smith bridge.

 

[sissy kathy]

Do you have two screw holes that line up?

 

[sissy kathy]

Here are three different places that can help you, if you feel you are in over your head:
Luthier Memphis, Luthier Memphis, Scoby Guitars Oakland, TN Home
Martin Music
Memphis Guitar Spa: Memphis Guitar and Stringed Instrument Repair

 

[testing1two]

The four mounting holes from the current bridge will need to be plugged with dowels + wood glue and new holes drilled for the Smith bridge. It's not rocket science but it does require attention to detail and accurate measurements which you mentioned aren't your strong suits. Probably best to seek out a pro for this job and practice your shop skills on a cheaper bass where you can be free to make a few mistakes and not ruin your nice gigging bass.

If you continue down the path of upgrading and tinkering, these will serve you well: Invalid Link Removed