Let the Battle for the Best Bridge Begin!

[Blackjac97]

A Schaller 3D-4 bridge, a true classic

P.s. Not a drop on for the Fender five hole setup, sorry just saw this after posting

No drop taken. Letting it go expands my options. Other configs aren't out of the question for me.

 

[Freedok]

My own CNC cut bridge in QC11 aluminum with triple nickel plate.

 

[Blackjac97]

My own CNC cut bridge in QC11 aluminum with triple nickel plate.View attachment 958117 View attachment 958117

Gorgeous! What's the string spacing?

 

[MarkoYYZ]

My own CNC cut bridge in QC11 aluminum with triple nickel plate.

Beautiful work. Did you machine the saddles also, or just the custom base plate to work with "available" saddles (which are trickier to machine)?

 

[vin97]

My own CNC cut bridge in QC11 aluminum with triple nickel plate.View attachment 958117 View attachment 958117

nice!
is the third screw in the saddle for intonation?

 

[tbplayer59]

Simple bent plate bridge for me. When I've built a Franken or replaced one on a Squier, I buy the Wilkenson. I have a 4 and a 5 (on the Squier). Simplicity!

 

[MrMoonlight]

I like the original "bent plate" bridge for the vintage sound, but I also like the Hipshot "B" and the higher mass Fender bridge that currently ships on the American Standard P- and J-Basses.

I've actually been jonesin' for one of those Fender RSD hi-mass bridges that come on some CS models. I tried a CS Proto P-Bass a few weeks back at a local studio and that bridge on there was really nice. Didn't Fender say a while back that these would be made available to all? Still waiting. I'll grab one right away if Fender ever decides to sell them to the general public.

 

[Turnaround]

The spacing of the 4-string bass bridge with slotted saddles is .750 which we find works well for many customers P and J basses. We do sell an unslotted version as well to be able to achieve different spacing.
What spacing are you guys seeing with your P vs J basses? Typically we see the same stock bridge on both basses.

It works OK for many folk, but those who are fussy about their strings lining up with the pickup pole pieces on Jazz basses aren't going to be so happy.

19mm works right for P basses and will allow the strings to line up with the poles on the neck pickup of Jazz, with just slight deviation. But to be lined up better at the bridge pickup the spacing needs to be 20mm. Many stock basses do use the same bridge on both P's and J's. But many (most?) of the higher-end J makers have moved to 20mm bridges (or have always used them).

 

[walterw]

nice!
is the third screw in the saddle for intonation?

that third screw unlocks the little sliding black saddle piece in the middle so it can be moved around to tweak the string spacing, then re-locked in place.

 

[Pilgrim]

The Fender bent metal bridge established its claim to win the contest of most popular and most functional in about 1951.

 

[MovingPitchers]

Omega Bass is a reincarnation of the BAII is it not?

Probably my favourite high mass bridge to use but I would stick with a vintage threaded saddle Fender L-bent bridge

 

[Billy Dutton]

Installed a Babicz and never looked back.

View attachment 2502611

There's nothing wrong with the Hipshot "A" or Schaller roller bridges either. However, since I rest my hand on the bridge when I play with a pick, I find the standard Fender bridges and clones uncomfortable. Sonically, I don't think there's much difference between them.

Hey, is that thumb rest on your p bass glued on?

 

[mapleglo]

Hey, is that thumb rest on your p bass glued on?

Doublestick tape. It's been on there for several years now and hasn't budged.

 

[maturanesa]

Schaller

 

[Bolsyo]

Gotoh 201B-4:

 

[jbrew73]

Fender threaded saddle for me.

 

[ComeHomeShane]

Agreed. I like the Hipshot for that very reason, as it offers adjustable spacing.

which hipshot do you use?

 

[two fingers]

I actually prefer the old bent plate. Call me crazy.

 

[1bassplayinfool]

I agree with the bent plate threaded saddle Fender bridge. Never had an issue with them. They work for me anyhoo.

The Hipshot Vintage is my 2nd choice.

 

[mapleglo]

which hipshot do you use?

It depends on the application.