Hollow body bridges 4 string

[Wrc8166]

I’m having a semi-hollow body bass built and I’m trying to get info on the best type bridge to purchase. It’s a full scale bass.

 

[T_Bone_TL]

Typical "semi-hollow-body" construction is solid through the bridge mount location. So probably one that suits your string spacing and whatever other preferences you have...

 

[Aloe]

tune-o-matic style (with a separate tailpiece) usually looks right on a semi-acoustic. if you'd like the best, my bet would be HipShot D Style.

other classic style common for basses is a Gibson-style bridge (like on Epi Jack Casady), HipShot calls that one SuperTone.

 

[Wrc8166]

Thanks for the reply’s. Very helpful.

 

[Engle]

I like the 60's Tbird bridge:
Thunderbird Bass Bridge And Tailpiece Set - 1963-1969

 

[mikewalker]

Another vote for the Hipshot D

 

[mdlewis]

This is something I've spent way too much time thinking about and I realize that but here are my thoughts anyway...please post where you go with this.

1. Are you ADD about precise intonation? If so, you need to go with some kind either a 3 point or tunematic plus tailpiece. I actually cared more about aesthetics so...
2. Are you going for a jazz/traditional/western-style look or a 60's soul or British Invasion look?
3. If the former, go for tailpiece plus either a guild style roller bridge or a wooden acoustic style bridge. Both sit on moveable wooden bridge supports but to me look best for the traditional look (like a Gretsch). One advantage of this direction is if you can't obtain the level of precision you desire in the intonation, there are tuneamatic replacements for the roller and plain wooden bridge that sit on the support.
4. If you're going for the 60's soul/BI look three point is fine (like an EB2),or better, imo, if you can find it, would be a Starfire-like bridge

 

[Rgmxx]

Babicz FCH 3-Point Bass, also looks big and heavy, can help with neck balance

 

[Wrc8166]

This is something I've spent way too much time thinking about and I realize that but here are my thoughts anyway...please post where you go with this.

1. Are you ADD about precise intonation? If so, you need to go with some kind either a 3 point or tunematic plus tailpiece. I actually cared more about aesthetics so...
2. Are you going for a jazz/traditional/western-style look or a 60's soul or British Invasion look?
3. If the former, go for tailpiece plus either a guild style roller bridge or a wooden acoustic style bridge. Both sit on moveable wooden bridge supports but to me look best for the traditional look (like a Gretsch). One advantage of this direction is if you can't obtain the level of precision you desire in the intonation, there are tuneamatic replacements for the roller and plain wooden bridge that sit on the support.
4. If you're going for the 60's soul/BI look three point is fine (like an EB2),or better, imo, if you can find it, would be a Starfire-like bridge

Thanks for your reply. I’m a bit of a tone freak, so I’ll start looking thebridges you suggested.

 

[mdlewis]

Thanks for your reply. I’m a bit of a tone freak, so I’ll start looking thebridges you suggested.

One thing I learned in my hunt is that my usual choice of strings and bridge designs didn’t carryover from the solid bodies because I was looking for a different tone. The last thing I wanted was a hollow body that sounded just like my P-bass.