So, what does a Badass II really do for the bass?

[truand85]

It's a gimmick unless you need the extra weight.

 

[Glennbassmann]

Nothing beats a good old well proven Fender bass bridge...Leo got it right..

 

[80jazz]

I play a Fender Geddy Lee Jazz bass. It has a Bad Ass bridge. I have been tempted to replace the Bad Ass with a regular bent plate bridge (just to see) but the bass sounds so good, I figure why mess with success?

I did that to my first GL jazz because the low end seemed a bit lacking.

I have put it on a bass I still have. To my ears, they are a case by case basis (most of the time, I would not mess with them).

 

[God's Favorite Bass]

Pro tip:. Get a new pickguard (Fender) with the bridge. Get one that comes in the cool hard plastic envelope, not the plastic bagged ones. That envelope plastic cut up makes the best shims.
Pro tip 2:. *whispers* The stock bridges are just fine.

 

[packhowitzer]

I have two basses that came with BAIIs installed - a 2008 Geddy Lee Jazz CIJ and a 2009 Highway One P. I don't dislike these bridges enough to remove them, but I also don't think they make any discernible difference to sound or tone or sustain or anything like that. So what do they do for me? Well, I think they feel good under my hand when palm muting compared to a standard bent steel bridge. I also happen to like the looks - big bold chrome bridge looks good to me.

So let's add up here - palm muting is comfortable, and I like the looks.

Is that ANY reason to spend the kind of money these bridges go for? In my mind - absolutely not.

Am I ok leaving them on my basses that came with them? certainly.

Take that as you will.

 

[Titch]

Check this out:

Thanks for the great video Monkeyfinger.
The differences I noticed between bridges were very subtle indeed.
Not sure they're worth the extra $$$ spent trying to get these differences.. I'm sure a few minor tweeks on the amp or pedals could achieve something similar in subtlties.
If I was going to suggest any real reason(s)for bridge swapping it would be for ease of string replacement, better string spacing and to counter neck dive.

 

[monkeyfinger]

I agree with ti

Thanks for the great video Monkeyfinger.
The differences I noticed between bridges were very subtle indeed.
Not sure they're worth the extra $$$ spent trying to get these differences.. I'm sure a few minor tweeks on the amp or pedals could achieve something similar in subtlties.
If I was going to suggest any real reason(s)for bridge swapping it would be for ease of string replacement, better string spacing and to counter neck dive.

I agree. These things are often more flavor than anything. Is it worth it? That is totally up to you.

 

[LoveThatBass]

Yes, adds 6oz to the tail to offset neck dive

Also gives greater sustain. I don't like Badass bridges though. Hipshot and Gotoh are much better

 

[wes stephenson]

Hey guys, only been playing for a few years now, and about to snag my first fender, a jazz. Its used, but in great condition and besides the strings everything is stock. I was planning in the future on doing some upgrades if I ever come across a problem with everything being stock, and one of the most common upgrades I see time and time again is people putting on a Badass II bridge, which seems to be the holy grail of Hi-Mass fender bridges. The only thing is, other than looks, I don't know what I'd be paying 100 bucks for. I understand they increase your sustain but thats about it. Is the difference really that noticeable and am I really better off upgrading? What are some of the main differences one would notice between a MIM stock bridge and a badass ii? And lastly, what even is Hi-Mass? Is it just more bridge? Idk. Please help me out, I've been curious for a little while now. Thanks in advanced!

I replaced the bridge on a Fender 5str Jazz bass Deluxe. I didn’t notice much difference in sound or sustain but it was definitely more aesthetically pleasing and noticeably more stable.

 

[Camaro69]

Also gives greater sustain.

I’ll accept that as opinion. I’ve found the difference to indiscernible to my ear

 

[Hort Elvison]

I find HiMass bridges easier to intonate.

yes!!!

 

[joel406]

I know this is about “kickass”.

But I want a Hipshot A 5 string brass bridge in black for this.

 

[Black Out Jazz]

I have the Gotoh 201 on my Ibanez TMB 100. I like it. Not that it made much difference sound wise but it looks cooler to me.

Same with my MIA Geddy. Looks fantastic.

 

[MrClassicMetal]

Unless your actually having a problem with sustain, or intonation on your new Jazz, its a waste of money IMO...
The factory bent plate bridge on my P's have been doing both just fine for 30 years, so I've never bothered.

Good point. I mean how often is sustain really an issue for bassists? I know it's a thing for heavy metal lead guitarists, but for bassists? Unless of course the current bridge is faulty.

 

[Rockbobmel]

Too many variables. You will never know how it works on YOUR bass unless you try one out. Why torture yourself. Just buy one that retrofits, try it, keep it if you like it. Sell it if you don’t. Maybe at a $25 loss for the lesson.

 

[HelpImaRock]

I installed a Badass on an MIM Precision about 20 years ago and it did make a small tonal difference. However, it made a much larger difference to the feel of the instrument, which I liked. If you dislike the stock Fender bridge because it rattles or has other issues, then the Badass is a good change. If you're looking for tone, you could change the saddles on the stock bridge and be just as happy.

 

[Mr Wilson]

It was a huge improvement on my Pbass . Yes ,on your MIM Jazz it will be a Big difference .
I Too would be fine with the Hipshot KA ,it is a great version .So which ever is better for you (price and availability) .

 

[Gustopher]

Nothing beats a good old well proven Fender bass bridge...Leo got it right..

Then he changed the bridge on the MM and then the G&L (which most people consider one of the best bridges available).

 

[Hillsidebass]

So, what does a Badass II really do for the bass?
nothing...imho

 

[hands5]

Hey guys, only been playing for a few years now, and about to snag my first fender, a jazz. Its used, but in great condition and besides the strings everything is stock. I was planning in the future on doing some upgrades if I ever come across a problem with everything being stock, and one of the most common upgrades I see time and time again is people putting on a Badass II bridge, which seems to be the holy grail of Hi-Mass fender bridges. The only thing is, other than looks, I don't know what I'd be paying 100 bucks for. I understand they increase your sustain but thats about it. Is the difference really that noticeable and am I really better off upgrading? What are some of the main differences one would notice between a MIM stock bridge and a badass ii? And lastly, what even is Hi-Mass? Is it just more bridge? Idk. Please help me out, I've been curious for a little while now. Thanks in advanced!

To me it doesn't do anything better than the stock vintage type bridge that's on my 74 Fender Jazz Bass