Need Opinions on High Mass Bridges

[GravyGoodness]

So look, I know this isn't as hotly contested as "tonewood" or even poly vs nitro. BUT! Is a high mass bridge worth the cost?

I design water and sewer systems now, but I ran a machine shop for 15 years before and I appreciate nice machine work. I think it's cool, so a nifty hunk of metal is just beautiful to me. I really want to buy a Babicz bridge ONLY because it looks awesome - tone is not the priority here (despite the poll option).

Do you like high mass bridges? Hate them? What's your faves? Also if you have a Babicz let me know how you like it.

If you're wondering it's going on a Blonde Fender Classic 50's PBass.

 

[buldog5151bass]

In about 1983, I bought a used Fender jazz. Like many of the era, they had added a Badass II bridge. Two years ago, I restored it with a vintage bridge. I can't hear or feel any difference.

 

[ChronicPyromaniac]

I replaced the bridges on my MIM Fenders with Badass bridges, and they seemed to be an improvement overall. Tried installing one on my MIA Fender and found that I preferred the stock bridge on that one. So for me, I guess it depends on the bass and your tone goals whether you consider it an improvement or not.

 

[CallMeAl]

I’ve tried a few, and haven’t really noticed any difference in tone. BUT I was very happy when I put one on a light weight body and it helped balance the bass out, resulting in better playability. (FWIW it was a Fender Deluxe Bridge.)

Even if you don’t care about the tone, you can still justify getting one. If you like the look, the feel & function of the thing when you change your strings, make adjustments, and just plain makes you like the bass more- that’s enough in my book!

 

[MCF]

So look, I know this isn't as hotly contested as "tonewood" or even poly vs nitro. BUT! Is a high mass bridge worth the cost?

I design water and sewer systems now, but I ran a machine shop for 15 years before and I appreciate nice machine work. I think it's cool, so a nifty hunk of metal is just beautiful to me. I really want to buy a Babicz bridge ONLY because it looks awesome - tone is not the priority here (despite the poll option).

Do you like high mass bridges? Hate them? What's your faves? Also if you have a Babicz let me know how you like it.

If you're wondering it's going on a Blonde Fender Classic 50's PBass.

I’m a Thunderbird player and have the Babicz replacement for the Gibson three point on two birds. It’s a huge improvement over the standard bridge, mostly for adjustability. I don’t see the need to replace the bent bridge on my Fender P.

 

[chris_b]

. . . . . . . . Is a high mass bridge worth the cost?

I'd vote for the benefits that high mass bridges bring, but don't worry what we think. Just put a Babicz on your bass and appreciate it.

 

[Kro]

Is a high mass bridge worth the cost?

Not in terms of tone.

I think it's cool, so a nifty hunk of metal is just beautiful to me. I really want to buy a Babicz bridge ONLY because it looks awesome

Aesthetics and engineering appreciation, on the other hand, are worthy reasons on their own.

 

[Yahboy]

If you love your current pbass tone, I am not suggest any modified on it.

But..... if you have problem E string lacking definition or blur tone on any different E string you try , it is worth a try on himass bridge.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

If you want to give your bass some new jewelry, go get some.

 

[JRA]

i buy bridges based on what i want them to do on a particular ax (e.g., schaller 3D roller bridge = set my string spacing per a given instrument, and move on).

IME: bridges are the most hyped of any EB part aside from the tonewood bull- . your technique + pickups = mean more. i've used bent-steel bridges forever. they work. except for the string spacing thing: schaller 3dD = bent steel = any other competent bridge.

per the OP: looks are for kids: but if you like the way the babicz looks = it's only money. if you think that some bridge would make you sound better =

 

[shredace]

I have a Fender Ultra Jazz bass which has Fender's latest version of the high mass bridge. The punch and sustain from this bass is amazing and well worth the slight additional weight.

 

[scuzzy]

my opinion is...they offer whatever they show on the surface. adjustability, size, weight-change. if there is a tweak that your current bridge won't offer, and another bridge does, go for it. if you are looking for it to change the character of the instrument, you will either be disappointed or will experience the placebo effect. my opinion only. worth very little.

 

[Fender_Bender]

I m a fan of solid bridges and have milled a few from billet brass. The Babicz design in particular in regards to how the saddle heights are adjusted does carry the possibility of improved tone. Unless you are worried about maintaining a vintage look go for it. Hopefully there will be no visible holes if you switch back.

 

[La Faro]

My Squier, seemed to be a dirt magnet, and fiddly to clean. Saw the Fender option on Thomann and it was just 29 quid. I'm not sure there is a tonal difference but it looks tidier and easy to clean. What I didn't count on was palm muting being more comfortable. Something I explore when trying Bobby Vega's pic style.

On my Squier it was worth it.

But if I had a vintage looking bass, I'm not sure a would.

 

[selowitch]

Depending on what you replace it with, many aftermarket bridges can provide conveniences like greater ease of setting string height and intonation. Some even allow you to lock those settings in place. Still others let you adjust the string spacing. If those features are helpful to you, the replacement may be worth it.

As far as sustain, punch, tone, etc. those things are pretty subjective. Any improvement in those areas is likely to be small.

 

[charlie monroe]

Every bass is different.

You won’t know until you string it up.

 

[Dark Horse]

If your bass is neck divey a high mass bridge can help balance it

 

[Iridescentone]

So look, I know this isn't as hotly contested as "tonewood" or even poly vs nitro. BUT! Is a high mass bridge worth the cost?

I design water and sewer systems now, but I ran a machine shop for 15 years before and I appreciate nice machine work. I think it's cool, so a nifty hunk of metal is just beautiful to me. I really want to buy a Babicz bridge ONLY because it looks awesome - tone is not the priority here (despite the poll option).

Do you like high mass bridges? Hate them? What's your faves? Also if you have a Babicz let me know how you like it.

If you're wondering it's going on a Blonde Fender Classic 50's PBass.

No comment on a high mass improving tone, not my jam.

I like a nice piece of machine work too, including how it's finished. The Babicz is nicely made, well designed, and looks the part. I have a couple and like them a lot.

On the basis of looks, in the high mass dept, I like Fender's Big Block bridge. It's just beautiful.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

So look, I know this isn't as hotly contested as "tonewood" or even poly vs nitro. BUT! Is a high mass bridge worth the cost?

I design water and sewer systems now, but I ran a machine shop for 15 years before and I appreciate nice machine work. I think it's cool, so a nifty hunk of metal is just beautiful to me. I really want to buy a Babicz bridge ONLY because it looks awesome - tone is not the priority here (despite the poll option).

Do you like high mass bridges? Hate them? What's your faves? Also if you have a Babicz let me know how you like it.

If you're wondering it's going on a Blonde Fender Classic 50's PBass.

I like the looks and quality. I see no actual purpose for them though. That being said, I have aftermarket massive bridges on all my basses. Hahahaha. Not for tone though. Just because they're dope.

 

[Kro]

No comment on a high mass improving tone, not my jam.

I like a nice piece of machine work too, including how it's finished. The Babicz is nicely made, well designed, and looks the part. I have a couple and like them a lot.

On the basis of looks, in the high mass dept, I like Fender's Big Block bridge. It's just beautiful.

View attachment 3839592

I agree, that's one of my favorites as well. They call it high mass, but more than anything it just seems like a classically styled bridge that is engineered as the next evolutionary step up from the completely acceptable bent plate design.

"High mass" = marketing gimmick, though that doesn't mean that high mass bridges can't be great bridges.