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Hipshot Aluminum Bridge experiences?

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by rojo412, Apr 16, 2012.

  1. Apr 16, 2012 #1
    rojo412

    rojo412 Sit down, Danny... Supporting Member

    Feb 26, 2000
    Cleveland, OH.
    I'd like to hears some testimonials from people who've replaced the brass or steel bridge on their bass with an Aluminum Hipshot.

    My bass now has one and I feel like it's deadened its high end frequencies. I think it sounds good, to a degree, but not for my project...
    But if I'm the only one, I'll shut up.
     
  2. Apr 16, 2012 #2
    KingRazor

    KingRazor

    Jun 4, 2010
    Beaverton, Oregon USA
    On paper it seems like the perfect bridge. I've yet to try one in person though.
     
  3. Apr 16, 2012 #3
    ryanfenderbass

    ryanfenderbass Guest

    Jan 15, 2006
    Washington, DC
    I replaced the BAII on my Geddy Lee Jazz with an aluminum A-style bridge and set it up with DR Sunbeams. I love it. Seems super sturdy for aluminum, and I think helps bring out the growl in this bass. YMMV.
     
  4. Apr 22, 2012 #4
    rojo412

    rojo412 Sit down, Danny... Supporting Member

    Feb 26, 2000
    Cleveland, OH.
    So after a few tests, I'd like to share my thoughts on the aluminum vs brass...

    The aluminum bridge made my bass sound less "zingy" and "bright" than the original steel (or brass), but added "classic thump" and "growl".
    And while my initial intent was to build a bass with more zing, I'll say I'm quite happy with the way the aluminum sounds. I may change it, but for now, it's made me a happy guy.

    If you are debating brass v aluminum, I'd say go brass for hi-fi and sustain, aluminum for a more classic vibe.
     
  5. Apr 22, 2012 #5
    Smilodon

    Smilodon

    Feb 18, 2012
    Norway
    I replaced the bridge on my Squier jag to a aluminium Hipshot. I didn't notice much difference except that the Hipshot bridge doesn't rattle.

    I have a brass version on my Fender, but i bought the one for string through, so I can't swap them and do a direct comparison.
     
  6. Apr 23, 2012 #6
    joeyl

    joeyl

    Jun 3, 2006
    El Paso TX (formely New Orleans, LA)
    Funny, I have the Fender style A bridge in both aluminum and brass, and I had the exact opposite experience. The alu made it bright and zingy, brass made it bassy. :eyebrow: Must be some other factors coming to play on my bass.
     
  7. Apr 23, 2012 #7
    rojo412

    rojo412 Sit down, Danny... Supporting Member

    Feb 26, 2000
    Cleveland, OH.
    Eh, it could be my bass, too. Maybe the frequencies get absorbed differently in Basswood vs Alder vs Ash...
    :confused:
     
  8. Apr 23, 2012 #8
    joeyl

    joeyl

    Jun 3, 2006
    El Paso TX (formely New Orleans, LA)
    the body on mine is alder, what's yours?
     
  9. Jul 18, 2012 #9
    lidesnowi

    lidesnowi

    Jan 29, 2011
    This was interesting please continue:hyper:BUMP
     
  10. Jul 18, 2012 #10
    rojo412

    rojo412 Sit down, Danny... Supporting Member

    Feb 26, 2000
    Cleveland, OH.
    Wow, sorry about that! Totally missed the response.

    It's a basswood body on the Squier. I've had 4 or 5 of these basses now and they've all been pretty bright sounding. They come with a steel bridge, very heavy, and as stock or mod'd, they were bright and modern sounding.

    The Aluminum bridge changed that.

    Pickups are Sadowskys, I've run it with an East preamp, a Bart preamp, passive, and soon to be an ACG. Strings are the Ken Smith Tapercore Stainless that I've run on my basses for 10 years (not a ten year old set). I wanted it to be the bright, crisp, modern tone that you'd get from a Super-J...
    .. but it sounds mellow and classic, any way I've done it.
    It records so damn well and does what my US J Deluxe doesn't do, so I'm quite happy with it.

    The X factor for these basses is the bridge, that's all I can figure.