In Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass, he talks about how he just installed a Badass II on all his basses in part to fix the Ric's intonation issues and later to get the sonic benefits of high mass of the Badass. He says that after he started collecting vintage basses though, he couldn't find any benefit to the higher mass bridge, the ones with lower mass vintage bridges sounded just as good.
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NEWB QUESTION ALERT!!! - How does the bridge affect sound?
- Thread starter Bottom Hammer
- Start date
i think that some bridge change-ups might actually help some instruments sound/play better, however: on most instruments, most of the time = no difference!
maybe never. if it's not broken.....
all of my bridge changes in the last dozen years were done for "looks." i wanted black bridges! that said: i have different bridges on each instrument and i cannot tell the difference in sound or playability. some are handier than others for string changes, string spacing, etc., but they're all competent ($20 - $90).
i'm with the group who says: "a bridge is a bridge." forget the hype!
And still, most bridges are less convenient to adjust than a stock Fender.
I have changed bridges on enough basses to know that changing the bridge can have an affect on sound, but that change isn't always predictable, or desirable.
To the original question, there are probably 4 aspects to it - functionality, fit, tone and appearance - and probably in this order of importance. Honestly, I wouldn't change out a bridge unless you were having issues with intonation or structural stability (aka functionality). Several years ago, I had a Ric and the original bridge gave me some trouble with intonation and tail lift. I chose to replace it with a Hipshot drop in replacement bridge (no need to drill new holes - aka no problems with fit), which fixed the functionality issues. I did choose the heavier brass version of the Hipshot bridge, thinking that the higher mass bridge would give me something extra in terms of tone, but I couldn't really hear any differences. To some the new bridge looked cool, to others, it didn't look right because it wasn't the original bridge. I didn't care because everything worked and fit correctly and sounded fine.
Today, I play a Lakland, and the bridge has no structural, fit or tonal issues. There are some people who don't care for how a Lakland bridge looks, but for me it's fine.
Today, I play a Lakland, and the bridge has no structural, fit or tonal issues. There are some people who don't care for how a Lakland bridge looks, but for me it's fine.
sound ... i'd say , like others , more sustain as it transfers vibration back/forth between body/strings ...
that plus having more adjustability ...!!
that plus having more adjustability ...!!
A different bridge will affect the tone about as much as a different coloured pickguard. Purely cosmetic from my point of view, assuming you can get the adjustment you need.
This is what I was going to say, minus the nimbly pimbly part. Which was a real improvement on what I would have posted.
I change bridges on basses to remove a high mass bridge if one had been previously installed. IMO, the Fender threaded bent plate is all one would need. It’s light, it’s adjustable, and you can dial in the desired string spacing on the fly.
Maybe it’s just me, but a high mass sounds more sterile. It could all be in my head, but I guess I am just not a fan of the weight or the look as well.
20 dollar bent plate and I am happy.
Maybe it’s just me, but a high mass sounds more sterile. It could all be in my head, but I guess I am just not a fan of the weight or the look as well.
20 dollar bent plate and I am happy.
It doesn't, provided it works properly.
Provided it works properly, adjusts to your liking, and satisfies your aesthetic preferences, never.
There are innumerable better uses of your time & money that will yield far better - and real - results in your tone and playing.
I just love how some people here always criticize other members for speaking in absolutes about things like this. That is until it is a subject that they feel strongly about, then they themselves have no problem speaking in absolutes. The hypocrisy is mind blowing.
I like the Hipshot vintage style bridge for the quick change feature. I also use the Fender vintage/saddle bridge.
No noticeable difference in tone or sustain to me, just convenience.
No noticeable difference in tone or sustain to me, just convenience.
I personally don’t hear a tonal benifit from swapping to a meaty bridge. It doesn’t mean there isn’t one. Hell, if anyone hears a benifit from a bridge swap I am all for it. Swap away and find that tone in your head!
Yes, the bridge will affect the sound, but often not significantly. Everything affects the sound. Ease and accuracy of adjustment are the important things. I have never found high mass bridges worth the trouble.
Compared to a old school original fender type bridge. You will get more sustain and better tone and a somewhat more modern sound with a high mass bridge but as others have said if you want the thud old school thing stay with what you have. But other things do more to chnge the sound. Woods. Pickups. String through the body. Neck through vs bolt on. Strings.
I have a 1970 P bass with an original bad ass brass bridge and it definitely has more sustain.
The hipshot kickass is a very good 4 or 5 string bridge but they do not make a 6 string version yet it seems.
I have a 1970 P bass with an original bad ass brass bridge and it definitely has more sustain.
The hipshot kickass is a very good 4 or 5 string bridge but they do not make a 6 string version yet it seems.
