Hipshot A-Style bridge alternatives?

[maple_machine]

Hello folks, I'm looking for a replacement bridge for my Squier Jazz Bass. I want a bridge that allows me to put in strings from the top, instead of threading the entire string through a hole. There's the Hipshot A-Style bridge that does this, but it's kinda expensive and from searching the forum, it seems like some people have trouble intonating with it. Is there another alternative? I'm even contemplating to just buy an Ibanez Soundgear replacement bridge (~40€ instead of ~120€ for the Hipshot bridge) and have a guitar tech drill the additional holes, though I'm not 100% on whether it actually fits, I think it's about one mm higher. Does anyone know other bridges like this?

For reference, I looked up an image of a Soundgear bridge.

As for why I want this: I find it easier to go back and forth between strings on my Soundgear, and it damages them less in the process. Sometimes I just want to slap a set of flatwounds on a bass for a week, or maybe a set of bright rounds for recording.

 

[zortation]

Hipshot Vintage bridge works great, they're drop-ins, I've used them on Fenders...they look nice to.

Full disclosure I hate high mass bridges on anything vintagey...

 

[maple_machine]

Hipshot Vintage bridge works great, they're drop-ins, I've used them on Fenders...they look nice to.

Full disclosure I hate high mass bridges on anything vintagey...

Except it works the exact same way as the stock bridge.

 

[zortation]

Ah...right. Their "B" bridge would be an excellent choice. It's quick load and easy to adjust. I've also used these and they're actually my favourite bridge overall. I would recommend the aluminum version.

 

[Bob_Ross]

The Invalid Link Removed bridge allows drop-in stringing.

 

[Turnaround]

Except it works the exact same way as the stock bridge.

It loads from the top, not threaded through the bridge like the stock one.

 

[maple_machine]

It loads from the top, not threaded through the bridge like the stock one.

This is an image of the Hipshot Vintage bridge: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1574/0577/products/5C400_COVER_800x.jpg?v=1504663737

How exactly does this load from the top?

 

[Turnaround]

Slip the ball end through the round hole in the back of the bridge and slide the string to the side in the slot. Look at the black bridge.

 

[maple_machine]

Slip the ball end through the round hole in the back of the bridge and slide the string to the side in the slot. Look at the black bridge.

Oooh, now I see it. Thanks!

 

[PeckBass]

What’s up everyone! Reviving an old thread here-
My Hipshot B style 5 string bridge has an issue where the B and E saddles tend to drop on their own.
Has anyone had this happen?
Any recommendations on a different bridge with the same 5 hold pattern as the B style?
I love Hipshot but these saddles are driving me crazy! My tech says I should look at a different bridge.

 

[Zooberwerx]

What’s up everyone! Reviving an old thread here-
My Hipshot B style 5 string bridge has an issue where the B and E saddles tend to drop on their own.
Has anyone had this happen?
Any recommendations on a different bridge with the same 5 hold pattern as the B style?
I love Hipshot but these saddles are driving me crazy! My tech says I should look at a different bridge.

No problem, happens all the time. Save your money:

*Remove the height adjustment screws from the problem saddles.

*Put a small dab of blue Loctite on each and re-introduce.

*Here's the trick: with a hex key, rotate each one back 'n forth 360 degrees until the assembly begins to squeak (...usually 2-3 minutes).

*Re-set your action as desired and you're good-to-go. This will prevent the saddle from slipping but still allow for future re-adjustment. Cost: what do 5 drops of Loctite run?!?

Riis

 

[PeckBass]

Thanks for the hot tip, I will try that!! I am still curious about the whole high mass vs. vintage bridge scenero. Anyone here think a hipshot 5 string vintage bridge might be better than the A or B or Kickass?

 

[Turnaround]

Thanks for the hot tip, I will try that!! I am still curious about the whole high mass vs. vintage bridge scenero. Anyone here think a hipshot 5 string vintage bridge might be better than the A or B or Kickass?

Better in what sense? The tonal difference is hotly debated, so there is no consensus. That says to me that if there is a difference it is really minimal. If you are talking about sustain, there is some evidence that a higher mass bridge can support more sustain, but typically at the expense of transferring energy to the body. Whether that's desirable or not puts you back into the debate about tone.
Better in the sense that the saddles are less likely drop on their own? Maybe. But Riis gave you the best solution in his post. I believe I am the originator of the Loctite procedure he mentions. I posted it in TalkBass somewhere around 2005. It has been my go-to procedure for the very problem you describe for well over 25 years.

-UPDATE-

Looks like my first post about the Loctite procedure on TalkBass was actually much later - 2013. I guess the 2005 date may have been in a different forum or some publication. But I do remember coming up with the procedure for the first time on a bass that I sold in 2001.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I believe I am the originator of the Loctite procedure he mentions. I posted it in TalkBass somewhere around 2005. It has been my go-to procedure for the very problem you describe for well over 25 years.

Yes, you are...stolen and used with pride. When tolerances are way off (really cheap hardware), I've gently deformed the screw threads with needle-nose pliers with suitable results. This mortifies many.

Riis

 

[Zooberwerx]

Thanks for the hot tip, I will try that!! I am still curious about the whole high mass vs. vintage bridge scenero. Anyone here think a hipshot 5 string vintage bridge might be better than the A or B or Kickass?

I replaced a Babicz lock-down bridge with a Wilkie bent metal bridge (Amazon / $30)...didn't notice any difference but the Wilkie gave me addt'l height adjustment. Michael Pedulla made a similar statement when addressing the plain-jane bent metal bridges installed on Rapture basses: they just sound better in his opinion.

Riis

 

[PeckBass]

Sustain perhaps but I’m more curious about the articulation and overall response with that bridge comparison. Thanks for the avdive everyone!