High mass vs low mass bridge

[JakobT]

Thanks for the info. Admittedly that's considerably more mass. By Fender HiMass you mean the one on the AmStd since 2008 and current AmProf models?

No, I’m actually referring to the Fender HiMass bridge found on the Player Plus series, which is also readily available separately. I have never seen the AmStd/AmProf bridge available on it’s own. And as it’s a string-through bridge, it doesn’t have the standard 5-bolt mounting which makes it a less relevant comparison to the standard bent-plate bridge, as you wouldn’t be able to swap one for the other.

I imagine an AmStd/AmPro bridge to be somewhat lighter than the Player Plus bridge (I haven’t actually weighed one, so this is conjecture), so the mass difference would be less compared to the standard bridge, but I think it could still easily approach a 75-90% increase.

 

[Kindness]

The weight of the bridge has no effect on tone. The stability of the witness point is what matters most with respect to a bridge.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Interesting video. I like the tone of the high mass better.

I like high mass bridges. Although, my extremely low weight bibicz bridge also sounds extremely good. So, I really think it doesn't matter. I personally feel that each bridge itself affects your tone more than the mass of it.


And yes, your bridge affects your tone. I have tested this thoroughly. If you don't think so, buy three different bridges, and keep each one on for while, then swap it out. You'll see.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Thanks for the info. Admittedly that's considerably more mass. By Fender HiMass you mean the one on the AmStd since 2008 and current AmProf models?

The Fender hi mass bridge is a Fender branded leo quan bad ass bridge. They come in either brass or zinc. And they are great bridges. Although, they give you a warmer sound.

 

[Bent77]

Hi, my name is Bent, and I endorse bent plates

 

[vvvmmm]

I don't always replace my bridges but when I did it was cuz what was on was bad; I twice used a HighMass and once a BadArse2.

The replacement was obviously functional onna bad Japanese Rick copy (which now also has a nut-riser for slide).

The others ('73 P got the BA; Epi Goth FireBird got the HM), not so much except looks (no rust) on the former and adjustability on the latter.

So, 2/3 bennie.

 

[lomo]

Much ado about nothing. As long as the bridge is rigid and properly attached its mass matters as much as bugs on the windshield.

 

[J-Mags]

I like using hi-mass bridges even though they don't sound significantly different. I feel like they have a more responsive, immediate feel, and they look cooler.

 

[Barticus]

When this silly topic comes up (again) I always think of this. Not related at all and not a good comparison… more about aesthetics.

 

[HardNHeavy]

i took my hipshot HM bridge off one of my basses and put the bent plate back on.

 

[C Stone]

Ugh, I use whatever is in my parts bin be it a high-mass or a regular mass…
It sounds perfect EVERYTIME whichever. I don’t sweat the small stuff just play it.

 

[J Wilson]

The original Leo bent plate bridges reduce unsprung weight vs high mass replacements. Now if I could just find gas-filled spring struts for the pickup height adjusters . . . .

 

[40Hz]

And yes, your bridge affects your tone. I have tested this thoroughly. If you don't think so, buy three different bridges, and keep each one on for while, then swap it out. You'll see.

Have to respectfully disagree. I’ve installed and used: Badass, Badass II, Babicz, Gotoh, Fender and a few other high mass bridges. And I did see.

It had zero affect on tone.

Just out of curiosity, what experimental design did you use for your own testing? All the genuinely scientific studies I’m aware of agree with my own purely subjective conclusion after using my ears. Which is to say it made no difference.

 

[Yahboy]

To me, Himass bridge if i only using nickel wound bass string. I favor with full brass bridge plate and brass saddle, so old baddass bridge and CIC Squier classic vibe bridge(old fender modern player ) work for me . Both give me enough tone energy without sacrificed the heft. I din't like zinc meterial himass bridge, she has less bottom omph.

I only use Flatwound bass string on all my bass guitar currently, so Fender vintage bend bridge work for me. IF i need more grind, EB cobalt flat and 500K pot do help.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I’ve installed and used: Badass, Badass II, Babicz, Gotoh, Fender and a few other high mass bridges. And I did see.

It had zero affect on tone.

Mind telling me what experimental design you used for your extensive testing? All the genuinely scientific studies I’m aware of agree with my own purely subjective conclusion after using my ears. Which is to say it made no difference.

Had a bridge on one bass, put another bridge on it. Instantly more articulate. Played it for a few months. Put another bridge on it. Instantly less articulate, more meat. Played it for a few months. Put another bridge in it, Instantly sounded thin. Swapped it back out for the other one. Instantly more meaty. Played it for a few months. Put another one on, mids got more airy and bitey. Played it a few months. Put another one on, Instantly more articulate with less high mid bite.

 

[40Hz]

Had a bridge on one bass, put another bridge on it. Instantly more articulate. Played it for a few months. Put another bridge on it. Instantly less articulate, more meat. Played it for a few months. Put another bridge in it, Instantly sounded thin. Swapped it back out for the other one. Instantly more meaty. Played it for a few months. Put another one on, mids got more airy and bitey. Played it a few months. Put another one on, Instantly more articulate with less high mid bite.

Fair enough, although I could argue there are a few potential flaws in your methodology.

Either way, that wasn’t my experience at all.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Fair enough.

That wasn’t my experience at all.

Well, it has been for me. Although it's not half as drastic as new pickups, or a new neck, it does affect more than you'd think it would. But set up, and intonation are the real key points to any bridge. For me, I've found three to be insanely consistent in all areas.

Hipshot kickass

Fender hi mass

Bibicz full contact.


Everything else I've tried (and it's been quite a few, from 20 buck off brand cheapies to 300 dollar KTM bridges), have been a crap shoot between tone/quality/set up.

 

[wysiwyg248]

I’ve been thinking what a bridge made of livermorium would sound like, with a scary atomic mass of 292.

This one is more than adequate, the instrument sounds out of this world but you must have a good muting technique because it has huge sustain.

 

[Kindness]

This one is more than adequate, the instrument sounds out of this world but you must have a good muting technique because it has huge sustain.

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I have two, v1, 5-string 2-Tek bridges. They are ridiculous.

 

[Longwheelbass]

I’ve never ever used a hi mass bridge. I’ve bought a few P Basses over the years with BAII’s on them and immediately got rid of them coz they’re so fugly and heavy. In over 1000 live shows and dozens of recording sessions, no sound guy has ever said “Your tone is lacking from that dirty old Jazz/Tele/Precision bridge. Have you considered using a hi mass bridge?”