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Which 4-string basses have "hook" bridges?

K

Kuskah

Jul 6, 2023
50
41
#1
Due to running low tunings with thicker strings, even those with tapered ends tend to struggle to fit through a lot of regular bridges where the entire string needs to be threaded through. So I'm looking for something where the ball end of the string is just hooked into the bridge (don't know if there's a more specific name for it). While the regular advice would be going for 37" multiscale for low tunings so that thinner strings can be used, I don't really want to spend Dingwall kind of money and also want to stick to 4 strings for this. Playing with guitars low enough that I wouldn't use the basses' higher registry anyway, so I don't need a 5th string and the weight added by a wider neck.

So far I believe Ibanez SR series have hook bridges and based on pictures, possibly Solar basses as well. Any others?

Or specific recommendations where you can put on at least a .160 tapered, without modifying the bridge? (nut filing is fine)
 
#2
Budget Cort C4 deluxe and B4 Element have stock quick release bridges
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Are you tuning ADGC or something?
 
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#4
Search on the phrase "quick release bridge", or threads on using extra-heavy strings, you'll get some previous threads.

Part of the problem is going to be that even when a bridge has a quick-release anchor the compartment between the anchor and saddle might not fit a .160 string.
 
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#5
ardgedee said:
Search on the phrase "quick release bridge", or threads on using extra-heavy strings, you'll get some previous threads.

Part of the problem is going to be that even when a bridge has a quick-release anchor the compartment between the anchor and saddle might not fit a .160 string.
Click to expand...

The .160 I'm currently using, and also typically .175 (in for example Warwick Dark Lord Set) are tapered for this reason, assuming we're talking about the same compartment.
 
#7
Kuskah said:
Due to running low tunings with thicker strings, even those with tapered ends tend to struggle to fit through a lot of regular bridges where the entire string needs to be threaded through. So I'm looking for something where the ball end of the string is just hooked into the bridge (don't know if there's a more specific name for it). While the regular advice would be going for 37" multiscale for low tunings so that thinner strings can be used, I don't really want to spend Dingwall kind of money and also want to stick to 4 strings for this. Playing with guitars low enough that I wouldn't use the basses' higher registry anyway, so I don't need a 5th string and the weight added by a wider neck.

So far I believe Ibanez SR series have hook bridges and based on pictures, possibly Solar basses as well. Any others?

Or specific recommendations where you can put on at least a .160 tapered, without modifying the bridge? (nut filing is fine)
Click to expand...
What bass are you playing now? and have you considered an aftermarket bridge, like the Hipshot mentioned above. With a replacement bridge, you can have the bass you want and the features you want. No need to limit yourself to instruments that have the feature stock.
 
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#8
Kuskah said:
The .160 I'm currently using, and also typically .175 (in for example Warwick Dark Lord Set) are tapered for this reason, assuming we're talking about the same compartment.
Click to expand...
What bass are you playing now?

To answer your original question: The lower-end Ibanez Soundgears have bent-plate bridges, you have to look at the SR300 or above (if you're shopping new -- older models have different specs) for the slot-loaded bridges in the AccuCast series.

iirc some people have had problems fitting extra-wide strings on certain monorail bridges regardless of how they anchor the string because they don't provide enough room around the housing and intonation screw unless the taper extends significantly beyond the saddle. But I can't recall specific examples right now.
 
#9
As a side note, there are companies that offer 4 string multiscales that will give you a bit more scale length, even if they don't necessarily always go all the way up to 37". For example, Kiesel has 4-string multiscales that go up to 35.5", which is a significant difference from 34" even if it isn't 37". They aren't cheap, but they are lower than Dingwal range depending on the model and options you choose. Other companies may also have more affordable equivalents.
 
#12
HueyFreeman said:
They're called top loading bridges. And there are plenty of them around.
Click to expand...
Top loading just means the strings are not through body loading, irrespective of how the string is anchored at the bridge. A bent plate bridge on 58 onwards pbass for example is top loading. I think ‘quick release’ is the better terminology for differentiating the anchoring on a top loading bridge from the typical ‘holes in the bridge flange’ kind of top loading
 
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#16
Kuskah said:
Due to running low tunings with thicker strings, even those with tapered ends tend to struggle to fit through a lot of regular bridges where the entire string needs to be threaded through. So I'm looking for something where the ball end of the string is just hooked into the bridge (don't know if there's a more specific name for it). While the regular advice would be going for 37" multiscale for low tunings so that thinner strings can be used, I don't really want to spend Dingwall kind of money and also want to stick to 4 strings for this. Playing with guitars low enough that I wouldn't use the basses' higher registry anyway, so I don't need a 5th string and the weight added by a wider neck.

So far I believe Ibanez SR series have hook bridges and based on pictures, possibly Solar basses as well. Any others?

Or specific recommendations where you can put on at least a .160 tapered, without modifying the bridge? (nut filing is fine)
Click to expand...
One point of caution for you, since I own 2 Ibanez SRs. Beware of the single rail bridges, because thicker strings may not seat properly on the saddles, and can roll off if you play aggressively. I don't find this to be an issue on their conventional bridges.
 

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