...which features would be important to you? Which materials would you use? If you knew someone with a machine shop who could produce a prototype, would you be interested in being a guinea pig?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
If you could design a bass bridge...
- Thread starter Cap'n Redbeard
- Start date
-
- Tags
- design
Quick string release. Ability to loosen the strings and un-twist them easily. Intonation adjustment fine enough to make intonating a low-B string less of a pain in the behind. Extra intonation range on the G and D strings. A big unplated section on the bottom for a good ground contact.
Little wooden flat areas like on the Dominic DiPiazza bridge so you can get fretless mwah on a fretted bass.
Except... they are raised or tilted into position with a flick of a lever. Also piezo elements installed as an option.
Except... they are raised or tilted into position with a flick of a lever. Also piezo elements installed as an option.
Actually, I've kind of been doing that, trying to come up with a bridge solution for my Ric 4003s/8 (8 strings) that actually can be intonated properly. I think I can handle the design aspect, what I don't have access to (or skills for) is a good machine shop to build it.
You beat me to it. The threaded rod saddles allowing for side to side adjustment was brilliant.
I've always been happy with standard bent steel bridges and adjustable spacing is the only thing missing from the standard standard ones. So these are all I'd ever need on a bass.
Although on the American Standard and the new pros there are (I think) 3 grooves in each saddle allowing some adjustment. They can't tell me that wasn't inspired by the 50's style bridge.
Thanks, registered there, but they apparently have a manual approval process. Last update was last March with an unanswered question whether any were still available, so it's not looking good, but worth a shot. Otherwise, I have a 12 string bridge that I'll use (just using 2 out of every 3 saddles).
Yup thanks, didn't take as long as I feared. Now waiting impatiently for an answer (that may not be forthcoming). tap tap tap tap......I noticed, about 10 minutes ago, that the RRF has a couple of new members, one of them being you, so apparently, you are in!
Welcome!
There was a post just above yours from a new member that posted on 12/26/16, then your post, at 9:33pm on 1/2/17.
If I had any metalwork skills or tools, I'd design a drop-in replacement for the funky "floating" bridge saddle assembly used on Ric basses, with individual string height adjustment and accessible intonation screws. The Hipshot is a good alternative, but changes the look too much for purists. Unfortunately, any company producing a commercial version of such a bridge would probably be sued by JH (The Great Lidless Eye).
Having the option to adjust string spacing a little would be nice, and the lockdown function on my G&L bridge is good too.
Having the option to adjust string spacing a little would be nice, and the lockdown function on my G&L bridge is good too.
The Hipshot also covers the mute compartment, which I don't like, because I hope to use the Bartolini mute compartment pickup (to get even more "jangle" out of my 4003s/8). I guess I could ask a machine shop to mill the additional hole, but I'm still stuck with the 8 string intonation requirement. I do love the Hipshot otherwise, and hope to get one with piezos for my fretless 4003. (I think even wishing for piezos for the 8 string is probably nuts.)
Steel or brass, stainless hardware.. not made in an anonymous Chinese factory... I'd bet TBers would be all over using bridges made by a fellow TBer.
Drop in replacement for standard bridges would be ideal. Also, I think a great idea would be to figure out a system, if you were machining them, to have an included kit for mounting the bridge using stainless threaded inserts and machine screws. Over-engineered? Yep. But that's good. Original idea that would make a product unique? Yep, probably.
