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Bridges and Tone

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by FungusHumungous, Jul 9, 2003.

  1. Jul 9, 2003 #1
    FungusHumungous

    FungusHumungous

    Jun 13, 2003
    Brookfield CT USA
    This is kind of an offshoot of my "agathis wood" thread.
    It was suggested someone should create a new thread solely about replacement bridges and tone differences.

    So my basic question is that I have a bent plate type of bridge, what kind of tonal difference would I hear if I changed it to any other kind.

    What are some high quality replacement bridges that may improve sound against stock bridges?
    Any comments,questions, and stories about your experience w/ bridges are welcome...

    GlennMy cort on left w/ bridge
     
  2. Jul 9, 2003 #2
    JMX

    JMX Vorsprung durch Technik

    Sep 4, 2000
    Cologne, Germany
    Changing the bridge will only slightly change your sound, unless the original bridge was really, really bad.

    I'd go for a decent 3D bridge like the ABM or ETS Tuning Fork. The improved adjustability is a bigger advantage than the change in sound IME.

    The Gotoh 3D bridges are good also, and pretty cheap. The Badass is overrated IMO, it's unacceptable that you have to file the groves yourself - and it's not 3D.
     
  3. Jul 9, 2003 #3
    xyllion

    xyllion Commercial User

    Jan 14, 2003
    San Jose, CA, USA
    Owner, Looperlative Audio Products
    This is opening a can of worms. I have heard so many myths about bridges that it isn't even funny. I suspect a few of them will be given to you in reply here.

    Here is my opinion. Any good quality bridge will work for you. Tonal differences? Unless you have superhuman hearing, I doubt that you could tell one bridge from another (assuming that the bridges compared are all good bridges).

    As far as my preferences, I like the Schaller bridge because it offers a side-to-side adjustment. Though I also know of people that don't like the Schaller bridge because of the side-to-side adjustment.
     
  4. Jul 9, 2003 #4
    ColonelZulu

    ColonelZulu Not Impressed By Those Who Flaunt “Authority” Supporting Member

    Apr 14, 2001
    Pennsylvania
    I agree. I like the Kahler bridge on my Acacia. I can adjust it so many ways.
     
  5. Jul 9, 2003 #5
    JMX

    JMX Vorsprung durch Technik

    Sep 4, 2000
    Cologne, Germany
    I totally agree.


    I have the Schaller roller bridge on my main bass, and sound and sustain are top-notch. Adjustability is good, and there's no rattling, contrary to some reports on that bridge.