Hopkins
Commercial User
BA bridges are pressure cast out of really cheap pot metal with a high zinc content.
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New Bridge Decision
- Thread starter NOLA Bass
- Start date
BA bridges are pressure cast out of really cheap pot metal with a high zinc content.
Oh, didn't know that. Thanks.Badass bridges are not and never have been made of solid chrome.
They are and always have been made of zinc or zinc alloy.
This is exactly why I changed the stock Fender bridge on my new (to me) Precision. I play with a pick and the stock saddle screws were tearing up my hand. It was a direct replacement.
I agree with Hopkins - it's the best designed bridge on the market. I also like the way it looks over any of the alternatives.
I used the string-thru version on one of my builds as well. It's a great bridge.
Tight.
The Allparts quick release bridge is very comfortable & affordable too:
http://www.allparts.com/BB-3533-010-Chrome-Quick-Release-4-string-Bass-Bridge_p_662.html
Wow, thanks for the link. That does look like a nice bridge, and at a significant savings over the Babicz. I'll have to give it a try.
It's an immo of the Hipshot which looks very similar. I've owned two of these clones. Very pleased.
If you look on their list of bridges you'll find the one it's imitating.
If you look on their list of bridges you'll find the one it's imitating.
BUMP up this thread. Any update on the change of bridge? Also, since I own one of these basses, I'm interested in hearing what the Geezer EMG's sound like over the stock pickups...
I bought my all black JBS new in 1985.
Some years later I changed the bridge out to a BAII.
For some reason, I didn't really like the tones, so I traded the BAII for a black Gotoh 201, and liked it better.
The 201 bridge saddles are fairly big, but otherwise I like the bridge.
I would consider swap to a black Gotoh 203 which has smaller saddles, but has 2 extra mounting holes.
I could use it without drilling the 2 new holes, but I might just put the original bridge back on one of these days.
The bass also has Seymour Duncan SPB-1 and STK-J2 pickups and a newer TBX tone control; all worthwhile changes for me.
Some years later I changed the bridge out to a BAII.
For some reason, I didn't really like the tones, so I traded the BAII for a black Gotoh 201, and liked it better.
The 201 bridge saddles are fairly big, but otherwise I like the bridge.
I would consider swap to a black Gotoh 203 which has smaller saddles, but has 2 extra mounting holes.
I could use it without drilling the 2 new holes, but I might just put the original bridge back on one of these days.
The bass also has Seymour Duncan SPB-1 and STK-J2 pickups and a newer TBX tone control; all worthwhile changes for me.
Last edited:
- Feb 3, 2005
- 7,331
- 10,197
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Bergantino Audio Systems and GHS Strings
The new Hipshot bridge is installed and the pickups are in. My friend and tech was on the road, but is back and soldering the input jack and setting it up (I'm putting .55-.115 on and tuning to "C" standard tuning for my band). I should have it back as soon as today! I'll definitely give a report.
Quite honestly, my biggest concern is whether I'll like the basswood body over alder.
NOLA - any update on the swap? Sound better, worse or the same? Sustain improved? Inquiring minds want to know.
- Feb 3, 2005
- 7,331
- 10,197
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Bergantino Audio Systems and GHS Strings
NOLA - any update on the swap? Sound better, worse or the same? Sustain improved? Inquiring minds want to know.
Ha, the bass is gone already. Found out it had some neck issues and I just parted the whole thing out at that point. I just shipped the bridge off last week.
- Feb 3, 2005
- 7,331
- 10,197
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Bergantino Audio Systems and GHS Strings
Plus, I really didn't like the tone of the basswood body. I can see how it works for certain situations and tones, but just does not fit my tastes at all. Every time I play a P style bass, I seem to only like alder.
Sorry to hear about the neck snafu. I hear ya on the Pbass with Alder. That's the only way I like mine as well. I did have one of the original Stingray SUB basses made out of basswood and loved how it sounded with that pickup and preamp configuration.
Is your hipshot an A style and aluminum? If so would you say it's have the weight of say a badass. I want to shave weight and considering replacing the heavy (but well built ) schaller roller bridge. I have a fretless I don't play much so I can always put the schaller on it. I find even just one pound lighter makes a difference to me (I have a nerve issue in my neck and shoulder). I have tried badass, gotoh, schaller, fender high mass, two piece on a Warwick, and found when you swap out a bridge brand you like it can sometimes not sound as good on every bass. Sometimes badass is an improvement but sometimes not.
You do realize the weight you are talking about is a few oz, right? I used those Schaller bridges for years - they are good. What I really dig about hipshot are that they make changing strings easier - otherwise, Schaller are the bomb.
I think I will lose more weight changing the heavy cast tuners to the ultra light series. I do realize that bridge change alone will not make a big difference. I made a plastic plate in place of the metal one (frankenjazz bass). I am hoping bit by bit I may drop a half pound or so. From other threads here I have read you can drop half a pound going hipshot ultralites. Thanks for your input
I think I will lose more weight changing the heavy cast tuners to the ultra light series. I do realize that bridge change alone will not make a big difference. I made a plastic plate in place of the metal one (frankenjazz bass). I am hoping bit by bit I may drop a half pound or so. From other threads here I have read you can drop half a pound going hipshot ultralites. Thanks for your input
I think you'll spend a lot of $$ and see little result (I too have walked this path) - the wood of the body & neck is what really makes a difference; That said, ultralight tuners are good because they change the CG of the bass a bit - making it more comfortable (less neck dive). Funny, back in the '70s, a heavy bass was considered *good*. We were high. And yes, we were.
