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Which bridge - Fender, Schaller or Hipshot

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by jcburn, Jul 8, 2013.

  1. Jul 8, 2013 #1
    jcburn

    jcburn

    Oct 11, 2003
    Tasmania, Australia.
    Hi folks - looking to replace the bridge on my bitsa P/J. I need a bridge with 3 hole mount and have narrowed it down to 3 different bridges...the current Fender USA bridge, the Schaller with the adjustable roller string guides and the Hipshot A.
    I would like some feedback on any of the above - mostly around complications with installing (I.e bridge saddles wouldn't adjust low enough to get decent action, intonation screws didn't have enough adjustment length).
    Also is use fairly heavy gauge strings (EB power slinks 110 to 55) and it would be handy to know that they will accommodate these through the back of the bridge.
    Thanks everyone.
     

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  2. Jul 8, 2013 #2
    jcburn

    jcburn

    Oct 11, 2003
    Tasmania, Australia.
    Schaller...
     

    Attached Files:

  3. Jul 8, 2013 #3
    jcburn

    jcburn

    Oct 11, 2003
    Tasmania, Australia.
    And Hipshot ...
     

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  4. Jul 8, 2013 #4
    f.c.geil

    f.c.geil

    May 12, 2011
    I have had the Fender and Hipshot bridges. The Fender is what it is, installs easily, intonates correctly, and sounds great. My Hipshot bridge needed replacement (shorter) screws in order to intonate correctly, but is great in every other respect, and installs in the stock holes. I've never had a Schaller, but have heard nothing but good about them.

    Frankly, there is no reason to replace the stock bridge, but if you're going to, I'd try the Schaller, as getting the Hipshot set up perfectly was a pain.
     
  5. Jul 8, 2013 #5
    Joedog

    Joedog

    Jan 28, 2010
    Pensacola FL
    I have the Schaller on my 4 banger and am very happy w/it. Adjusts and intonates easily, PLUS you can play around with the string spacing. It's over 15 years w/o a snag, and still looks new. I've had some beefy strings on it (not EB's), and they worked fine, except the thread winding on the E was pretty tight to pull through. Why are you looking to change?
     
  6. Jul 8, 2013 #6
    AltGrendel

    AltGrendel Squire Jag SS fan. Supporting Member

    May 21, 2009
    Mid-Atlantic USA.
    +1 for Schaller. I love 'em.
     
  7. Jul 8, 2013 #7
    jcburn

    jcburn

    Oct 11, 2003
    Tasmania, Australia.
    Thanks for the replies folks. I want to change for a few reasons, mostly as I prefer stringing through the back of the bridge. The stock bridge on thhus bass was a Badass III, and the heavy gauge strings won't go through properly.
    Secondly I'm not a major fan of how the saddles are slotted. They are sort of smooth and again I think due to the size of the strings the E string diesnt bed down correctly causing it to have a different tone (this may be my imagination but I have had another bass with BA III and it sounded the same)
    I know its also just cosmetic but for some reason I just don't like the look of the BA.
    So...I had heard the stories about the Hipshot being hard to adjust so that counts that bridge out. I'm leaning towards the Fender, but the adjustability of the Schaller and the fact the bridge only has one slot for the string to sit in is attractive.
    Help me Talkbass - tip me one way or the other. I will have to buy either site unseen.
     
  8. Jul 8, 2013 #8
    JLS

    JLS Supporting Member

    Sep 12, 2008
    Albuquerque, NM
    I setup & repair guitars & basses
    ? I have them on 2 basses. What's hard to adjust?
     
  9. Jul 8, 2013 #9
    Zooberwerx

    Zooberwerx Gold Supporting Member

    Dec 21, 2002
    Virginia Beach, VA
    It's the "mystery" third hex screw which locks lateral saddle movement. The more hex screws, the better I say! Go ABM! Go Warwick!

    Riis
     
  10. Jul 8, 2013 #10
    jcburn

    jcburn

    Oct 11, 2003
    Tasmania, Australia.
    Ha ha - no it's not that I get "hex confused". I've heard a number of users saying that for certain basses the adjustment screws are the wrong length and I don't want that to occur here.
    How would heavy gauge strings go through the back of the Schaller? This would be my choice if I could have some positive feedback on this.
     
  11. Jul 9, 2013 #11
    Zooberwerx

    Zooberwerx Gold Supporting Member

    Dec 21, 2002
    Virginia Beach, VA
    This is true...sometimes...and will become very evident when setting intonation. Hipshot have closed "dead end" saddle blocks and a too-long intonation screw will bottom out eventually. Too short and the screw backs out before achieving the correct position. Good news: Hipshot will send you properly sized replacements with just a phone call. Given the features and superior CS, this is a worthwhile trade-off, IMO. FWIW, all 3 are excellent choices.

    Riis