• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Cobalt wraps too big for Badass II . . .

Steve23

Steve23

Mar 5, 2015
46
57
74
#1
. . . Dudes!
Bought a Frankenbass P/J via eBay auction - Precision body, Jazz maple/black block neck (fretted), blah, blah, blah . . .
The guy listed it as used 'cause the Bad Ass II was not new - all else is "new" (was gonna post pix, ask opinions, etc.) . . .
Just received some Cobalt Flats to replace the DR rounds & the wraps are too thick to slide the strings all the way to the "ball" . . .
What's the prescribed method to "fix" this bridge?
Rattail file? Drill 'em out? Burn my equipment & cut off my fingers?
Thanks in advance . . .
 
#4
Thanks, gang . . .
Basically, the agro meter was going toward the red 'cause of the "critical eye" going over stuf not apparent in the "eBay pix". The already bruised Bad Ass II was/is not the only "if I woulda' known" aspect . . .
A rattail eventually prevailed - the "E " string was the only combatant . . .
There will be pix on the "Basses" forum soon of the "character flaws" (mainly of this OP). For instance, the fretboard was re-coated (slopping onto the frets - think "I just picked up a glazed donut" finger residue) . . .
Opinions of actual provenance of the assembled pieces will be appreciated . . .
It kinda plays nice!
 
#5
This is the bridge before I rattailed the "E" string hole . . .
Obviously, someone did some work previously - is this a common problem? Bad Ass II bridges (or any with defined pass-through holes) needing gross alterations?
Bridge_03.jpg
 
#6
Steve23 said:
...is this a common problem? Bad Ass II bridges (or any with defined pass-through holes) needing gross alterations?
Click to expand...

My 2008 Highway One Jazz came stock with a Badass II. During the last six and a half years I've owned it, never once have I had any problem with any strings, many of which with silk at the ball end, not fitting through the holes.

Note: I usually stick with light-gauge strings so the E strings I've used in the past range from .100 to .107.
 
#8
Linnin said:
Never had a problem with my 1985 BadAss II bridge. From the looks of yours I'd say it is a counterfeit.
Click to expand...
Never even crossed my mind . . .
Admittedly, I put a bid in on the eBay auction so that I could follow the "sale" - being "rewarded" as the only bidder did seem peculiar . . .
My post in "Basses" asking for opinions on the various parts (neck, tuners, etc.) has garnered zero responses . . .
It is well-known that I'm an idiot . . .
 
#9
Steve23 said:
It is well-known that I'm an idiot . . .
Click to expand...
Oh no, don't berate yourself @Steve23. After Leo Quan's death, his son ran his company into the ground. The very last batch of BadAss bridges to be manufactured went to F.M.I.C. (Fender) in it's totality. Then lo-and-behold, new BadAss bridges began to pop up all over ebay almost all of which were counterfeit along with some used ones too. As always "Buyer Beware".
 
#10
Yeah . . .
I was interested in finding a maple neck P/J - the rattail assault on the "E" string access port of the bridge seems minor . . .
The condition of the fretboard was more bizarre (after removing the "as-is" strings). The re-finish, or whatever ocurred, was very sloppy. And, of course, my fine-grit touch-up certainly isn't the stuff of luthier's lore . . .
Still, the overall playability is good (not used to the "blending" of the p/u's) & the Cobalt's create a pretty cool sound . . .
I'll just continue trying to make you guys proud . . .
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back