Should I replace this bridge?

[Agentbenicio]

The bridge in the picture is a WSC standard bass bridge that came on my Maruszczyk Jake. My main issue with it is how the intonation works on it. It’s really a pain. I would also like a more traditional look, but that’s not my main consideration and I’ll be fine with its current look. It’s a 4 hole mount and I don’t have experience changing much beyond strings. Is there anything that would be a drop in replacement? If not, I’ll probably just learn to be content with it.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Nope…looks classy. Leave it alone. Here’s the trick I employ with ABM-esque bridges…

Once the locking grub screw is loosened, tap the saddle sled assembly to or fro with a cast-off chopstick and small mallet or screwdriver handle. It has to be a chopstick.

Riis

 

[202dy]

Eighth inch dowel rod works well, too. I used electrical tape to fasten five pennies to one end for a larger target for the screwdriver handle/mallet. Also, put the other end in a pencil sharpener to narrow the contact point to roughly a sixteenth of an inch.

You will be surprised at how quickly you learn how much force to use to move the saddle into the right spot.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Okay...chopstick or dowel / electrical tape / pennies / pencil sharpener / mallet. Are we going MacGyver or Rube Goldberg here?

Riis

 

[Agentbenicio]

I appreciate the tips!

 

[202dy]

Okay...chopstick or dowel / electrical tape / pennies / pencil sharpener / mallet. Are we going MacGyver or Rube Goldberg here?

Riis

Definitely Rube Goldberg.

The "handle" is comfortable when using your thumb. Also serves as a stop when threading a jack into an acoustic guitar.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I'm working on a down-sized hydraulic ram system akin to those used when moving lighthouses...just trying to figure where to install the Ingersoll Rand pump.

Riis

 

[RSBBass]

keep it, unless you change string types/gauges frequently, intonation is a set it and forget it if you otherwise keep your setup.

 

[obrienp]

Despite what you folks say, I would really like to replace the standard Maruszczych bridge on my Elwood. It’s really a case of spoiling the ship for a hapeth of tar IMO. I am about to try roundwounds on mine and I really don’t want to be messing around with chopsticks, dowels, or anything else like that to set the intonation. Besides the saddle inserts on the Maru bridge seem to be made of plastic, which doesn’t seem like a durable material to use, or one that is going to help the tone. Everything else on the bass is so good, I can’t understand why they put this junk on it.

To repeat the question, has anybody found a drop in replacement for the Maru bridge? I am wondering if the Hipshot B bridge has the right dimensions, spacing, etc? It seems to be one of the few 4 screw mount bridges around.

 

[Turnaround]

Maybe these dimensions will help you figure it out:
https://docs.hipshotproducts.com/5B400-750_4_STG_B_STYLE_BASS_BRIDGE_750_SPACING_DIMENSIONS.pdf

 

[obrienp]

Maybe these dimensions will help you figure it out:
https://docs.hipshotproducts.com/5B400-750_4_STG_B_STYLE_BASS_BRIDGE_750_SPACING_DIMENSIONS.pdf

Thanks for that link. It was very useful but I think it is telling me that the screw holes are not going to line up with the originals.

 

[Agentbenicio]

Despite what you folks say, I would really like to replace the standard Maruszczych bridge on my Elwood. It’s really a case of spoiling the ship for a hapeth of tar IMO. I am about to try roundwounds on mine and I really don’t want to be messing around with chopsticks, dowels, or anything else like that to set the intonation. Besides the saddle inserts on the Maru bridge seem to be made of plastic, which doesn’t seem like a durable material to use, or one that is going to help the tone. Everything else on the bass is so good, I can’t understand why they put this junk on it.

To repeat the question, has anybody found a drop in replacement for the Maru bridge? I am wondering if the Hipshot B bridge has the right dimensions, spacing, etc? It seems to be one of the few 4 screw mount bridges around.

I feel the same as you about the quality of the bridge not matching the rest of the bass. I’ve been waiting to put a set of TI flats on until I decided what to do with the bridge. I also had wondered about the Hipshot B-style bridge. Let me know if you do find a replacement and I’ll do the same.

 

[obrienp]

I feel the same as you about the quality of the bridge not matching the rest of the bass. I’ve been waiting to put a set of TI flats on until I decided what to do with the bridge. I also had wondered about the Hipshot B-style bridge. Let me know if you do find a replacement and I’ll do the same.

Seems I was a bit hard on the bridge: according to one of the online dealers in the UK that sells these bridges for project builds, the saddle inserts are steel. They look and feel like black plastic to me. BTW they sell these bridges for £19! I guess that is about 20 USD and I bet they don’t pay retail for them. If Maruszczych are going to penny pinch, they would have done better to use a classic bent steel ashtray.

I have just ordered a Gotoh 510BO-4, which looks like it will fit without modification. Not cheap for a fairly basic design. I’ll let you know how it works.

 

[obrienp]

OK. I have got the Gotoh on the Maruszczyk and it is pretty good. Rather than repeat it all here, here is a link to a post I made about it on Basschat. Hope that is OK.
MARUSZCZYK BRIDGE ADJUSTMENT

In case you can’t follow the link, I would recommend the Gotoh as a no modification replacement, without bells and whistles.

 

[Killing Floor]

I would replace the inclination to replace it by buying some pedals. Maybe a funky modulated reverb.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I would replace the inclination to replace it by buying some pedals. Maybe a funky modulated reverb.

….or Chinese take-out which comes with FREE chopsticks.

Riis

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

I have to be honest: when I clicked on this link, I was half expecting to see:

Don't worry though, the seller goes on to explain: "Upgrade Schaller 5 string adj bridge is moved back for intonation & overhangs the rounded curved edge by an 1/8" on the bass side edge.Totally cosmetic."

 

[fhm555]

I'm working on a down-sized hydraulic ram system akin to those used when moving lighthouses...just trying to figure where to install the Ingersoll Rand pump.

Riis

In the secret compartment? I realize that requires the nano pump but hey, rams is rams.

 

[GIBrat51]

And - here's another tip. Put flatwounds on the thing. That way, you'll only have to screw with the bridge once every decade or so...

 

[Al T.]

I'm glad I went with a Hipshot vintage bridge on my Elwood C. It adjusts easily and I like the vintage look.