Precision high mass bridge, is it worth it?

[Deleted member 165050]

I am thinking of putting a Fender high mass bridge on my old Precision, simple question for those who have already done this - is it worth doing?

[Edit] should probably mention that my P is factory unlined fretless, I use flatwounds, and am after a warmer fatter sound. I play with the tone rolled off.

 

[mongo2]

I don't think so only because over the decades I've used heavy bridges on now vintage P basses and I've always switched back to the original bridge. I prefer the tone with the original bent plate style bridge, preferably with threaded saddles but they're not mandatory. The heavier bridges seem to lose something and sound less "organic" to me.

However, the only way for you to know is to try it and see what you think.

BTW, I used flats for decades but several years ago I switched to nylon tapes.

 

[deernaes]

I've switched to high mass bridges on many of my basses and noticed a distinct difference in tone and sustain.
For the better, of course...

 

[India_Sierra]

I like a high quality high mass bridge like a BadAss II or a Babicz, but unless you think that the tone of your bass is lacking I'd maybe leave it as is.

 

[Amano]

The high mass bridge gave me more sustain and definition. But not a fatter sound and less organic as also mentioned by Mongo2.

 

[lug]

I have added high mass bridges to 4 basses and only one had a distinctive change to my ears. Of course it was my Precision. Glad I could confuse the issue further!

 

[Gorn]

I think there are three good reasons to change a bridge.

1) Your bridge is broken.

2) Your bridge can't be adjusted to suit your preferred string spacing.

3) Aesthetics.


If you're expecting anything else out of a bridge you're wasting your money, IMO.

 

[4andnomore]

Having tried various hi mass bridges, I prefer the vintage style bridge on p-basses. I will admit I do like the looks of the bad-ass style bridge.

 

[alack]

I don't think they ever improved on the 5 bolt, threaded saddle bridge used in the late 50s.

 

[MattZilla]

is it worth doing?

[Edit] should probably mention that my P is factory unlined fretless, I use flatwounds, and am after a warmer fatter sound. I play with the tone rolled off.

almost definitely not worth it for this issue.

Strings and/or cab.

Maybe some OD pedal or distortion with the dirt turned way down.

 

[jd56hawk]

I am thinking of putting a Fender high mass bridge on my old Precision, simple question for those who have already done this - is it worth doing?

[Edit] should probably mention that my P is factory unlined fretless, I use flatwounds, and am after a warmer fatter sound. I play with the tone rolled off.

Although I wouldn't buy a Fender high-mass bridge, my favorite mod was this.

 

[fretno]

I only use them to counter weight a neck diver . Sometimes a few ounces is enough . On a typical well balanced Fender bass I leave the Fender bent bridge or I use my personal fav a KTS Ti bent type .

I also really like the lightweight KSM Foundation

 

[andare]

I don't think so only because over the decades I've used heavy bridges on now vintage P basses and I've always switched back to the original bridge. I prefer the tone with the original bent plate style bridge, preferably with threaded saddles but they're not mandatory. The heavier bridges seem to lose something and sound less "organic" to me.

However, the only way for you to know is to try it and see what you think.

BTW, I used flats for decades but several years ago I switched to nylon tapes.

What do the threaded saddles add to the sound? Or is it just because you can adjust the string spacing?

 

[mongo2]

What do the threaded saddles add to the sound? Or is it just because you can adjust the string spacing?

I just like the original threaded saddle design and the ability to adjust string spacing is a plus.

 

[Volker Kirstein]

I like what it did for my Bronco-like shorty...

 

[wizard65]

EBMM has switched to lightweight bridges on the new Stingray Specials, so they don't think so.

 

[forrestlaw]

I put a Hipshot B style on my Precision bass for two reasons, neither of which is tone. I had this bridge on an older bass and really like the quick release feature. Also, it's quite a bit heavier than the original bent plate Fender bridge and I was hoping to help the balance of the bass at least a little. I've noticed zero difference in sound/tone, but this bridge accomplished what I wanted it to do.

 

[andare]

I like what it did for my Bronco-like shorty...
View attachment 4092335

I love that all your basses go to 11.

 

[JakobT]

I am thinking of putting a Fender high mass bridge on my old Precision, simple question for those who have already done this - is it worth doing?

[Edit] should probably mention that my P is factory unlined fretless, I use flatwounds, and am after a warmer fatter sound. I play with the tone rolled off.

I don't think a Hi Mass bridge will make much difference in that respect. Some say it adds sustain, but that has not been my experience.

 

[4sight]

I've never heard a difference, assuming the bridge is fully adjustable and not damaged in some way, it's just aesthetics to me.

I don't think P basses look good with high mass bridges, whereas Jazzes with their larger offset bodies do to my eye.