My Experience with the KSM Foundation Bridge

[TonyRo]

I have been wanting to try this bridge for a while now, having mostly been a Hipshot KA man for my last couple of basses. I reached out to @MDBass (sorry for tagging you while on tour) probably two months ago on IG and asked him if he really believed in the technology, and he was enthusiastic. I know he loves his gear and I trust his opinion on these matters!

I actually tried to get it installed on my Maruszczyk custom Jazz build, but Adrian wasn't all that excited about trying new hardware and convinced me it wouldn't make any difference, so I stubbornly ordered the KSM after I received the bass and installed it myself. He was wrong, there is a noticeable difference. I can't comment on the difference between any of the similar bridge technologies (Babicz for instance), but compared to conventional spring-saddle bridges that make contact with the body through a few hex set screws, this thing murders them. Took about an hour and half to remove my strings, bridge, install the KSM, reinstall strings, and do a full setup - trust rod, action, intonation, tighten up the locking screws on the KSM, etc. Really no problem - the new KSMs don't have the two offset screws that require drilling new holes, so that was a pleasant surprise compared to their installation video. The saddles also adjust super easily along both axes compared to the two-screw models that require adjustments on both sides of the string, etc.

So the results then: my bass sounds fuller, more resonant, and the KSM brings a tighter right hand feel. At least for me, it feels similar to if you take wherever you play and move slightly closer to the bridge - that's probably a downside for some people, but for me I like it. I did a highly scientific (note the sarcastic tone) sustain test in Reaper, basically striking the e-string as I normally would and making sure the initial dB spikes all ended up at the same level (I didn't do an amazing job), 2 times per bridge. The result is the attached image - you can guess which 2 are which. If I knew that there was a way to export these waveforms to Excel I'd normalize the initial heights and do some real analysis, but alas I'm an idiot with recording interfaces. Regardless of the slightly different levels, I think it's clear that the bottom two sustain a more full bodied note for longer.

Also attached is after shot, because why not? Thanks @buttrock21, awesome piece of gear!

 

[60bass]

How comfortable is it for palm muting when using a pick? The tops of the saddles always look like they're a sharp edge that wouldn't feel right when muting. Other that that these KSM's look nice.

 

[Turnaround]

I always have a problem with this kind of review. The OP says that the new bridge "murders" the old one. The implication is that it 's better (aside ... since when is murder better?). Then the conclusions are that the bass sounds "fuller, more resonant...with a tighter right hand feel". Then the measured test results are purported to show "more full bodied note for longer".

So, the big question remains - are increased sustain, increased resonance and tighter feel desirable characteristics? So often I hear players looking for an "upright bass sound". It is characterized by a huge attack and rapid release, with a short clipped resonance. Just the opposite of the OP's description. So from the OP's description, the KSM Foundation bridge indeed murdered the sound - or rather, "destroyed" it.

As with so many things, there is a compromise. Sustain is enhanced by reducing the amount of energy transferred to the body of the instrument. That's simple physics. And many players find that enhanced sustain also results in a sound that they find to be more sterile.

Now before anyone gets their nose out of joint, let me say I am not picking on the OP. He is expressing his opinion and his enthusiasm about the bridge. I am just dealing with the kind of reaction I experience reading this kind of review. The fault is mine, but I suspect there are others who feel what I do.

Don't start a war over this post. Just say "that's interesting" and let it go at that. That's what TalkBass is all about - sharing information, ideas and opinions.

 

[TonyRo]

I'll let you know once I learn how to handle a plectrum! No prejudice, just my first bass teacher saw me get a pick out of my bag at our first lesson and almost kicked me out of the room. I've been a finger style guy ever since!

 

[sheeny]

Believe me when I say I've tried just about every after market bridge available. The KSM is without a doubt the closest to perfect that I've installed. Playability and adjustment are key areas that are often missed in design.

I'm currently replacing my Fender Elite V bridge with a KSM (third KSM purchase now) as I have never worked out why Fender still insist on using those sharp little micro allan key adjustment screws. They cut you while palm muting and fill up with grease & dirt etc so that you can never adjust them later on. They are black steel too, so rust comes to the party as well. Just plain silly.

The only improvement required on the KSM (as I have contacted them about, and notice they still haven't addressed) is the front inside leading edges of the pinch plates on the bridge quite sharp. A few minutes with the appropriate dremel grinding tool and its sorted, but a simple ergonomic oversight by the designers in my opinion. Probably worth profiling the inside edges of the pinch plates like the outside edges?

Other than that, it's a no-brainer. As far as sustain is concerned too, I believe it's always better to have the option to mute it rather than try to create it. (Bit like the sun, if its too hot, walk into the shade.)

Disclaimer: I do not work for or have any affiliation with KSM Foundation.

 

[TonyRo]

Don't disagree with anything you've said. Careful with casting your opinions out into the wild around here though!

 

[sheeny]

Hey TonyRo, yeah, I know what you mean, but it's important not to be bullied into silence. Everyone is entitled to their opinion as long as its not hurting anyone. Peace & Respect.

 

[PleyswethSqwerl]

This bridge is horrible and a gimmick. Please do not waste your money. An aluminum bridge with all aluminum saddles will “Not” and “Does Not” give you the best tone. I put this on my warmoth parts caster and it totally sucked. High end bartolini electronics, and preamp. It made the tone no existent. Not to mention you’re paying $200 for an aluminum bridge made in Taiwan. I’d got for the Hipshot B style bridge or gotoh 303 string through. This bridge is junk.

 

[JLS]

^^^^^^"In my opinion,".

 

[PleyswethSqwerl]

Believe me when I say I've tried just about every after market bridge available. The KSM is without a doubt the closest to perfect that I've installed. Playability and adjustment are key areas that are often missed in design.

I'm currently replacing my Fender Elite V bridge with a KSM (third KSM purchase now) as I have never worked out why Fender still insist on using those sharp little micro allan key adjustment screws. They cut you while palm muting and fill up with grease & dirt etc so that you can never adjust them later on. They are black steel too, so rust comes to the party as well. Just plain silly.

The only improvement required on the KSM (as I have contacted them about, and notice they still haven't addressed) is the front inside leading edges of the pinch plates on the bridge quite sharp. A few minutes with the appropriate dremel grinding tool and its sorted, but a simple ergonomic oversight by the designers in my opinion. Probably worth profiling the inside edges of the pinch plates like the outside edges?

Other than that, it's a no-brainer. As far as sustain is concerned too, I believe it's always better to have the option to mute it rather than try to create it. (Bit like the sun, if its too hot, walk into the shade.)

Disclaimer: I do not work for or have any affiliation with KSM Foundation.

View attachment 3612817

This bridge is horrible. Aluminum base, aluminum saddles, made in Taiwan, sold in America for $200. No major retailers carry it. You must go directly through KSM. This all should be self explanatory.