Which replacement bridge for a SBMM SUB Ray4?

[Philthy]

I'm looking to replace the stock bridge on a SBMM SUB Ray4. Let me preface this with my reasons are purely cosmetic. I know some say if the original bridge works, why change it? For me, its an eye sore. I just don't like it. It looks cheap. With that said, I'm trying to decide on a replacement and go with one that requires little to no modification.

I think I've narrowed it down to 3 choices. They seem like they would work. Would love to hear others opinions. I'm sure there are other TBers that were in the same boat.

1. Import Musicman style short bridge with side bolts - this looks closest to an authentic MM bridge but probably same quality as stock. Only place I can find one is on Ebay from China.

2. Hipshot Vintage style bridge - comes in .750 string spacing. Seems like the 3 middle holes might line up. Looks more Musicman-esque. Not worried about the original bridge side screw holes showing. I can fill them.

3. Hipshot Kickass bridge - again, seems like 3 middle holes would line up. Not worried about side holes showing. String spacing is adjustable.

 

[Lesfunk]

I had a badass 2 in my parts drawer, so I used it.
The three middle holes do line up perfectly.
Came out great

 

[Philthy]

@Lesfunk - I would have to think that if the badass lines up then both hipshots would work, since they are supposedly all drop in Fender replacements. No?

 

[Lesfunk]

Yes they are the same hole pattern

 

[Lesfunk]

Also, the Omega bridge is a priced than the Hipshot and is essentially @ rebranded badass 2

 

[skyline_01]

I'm looking to replace the stock bridge on a SBMM SUB Ray4. Let me preface this with my reasons are purely cosmetic. I know some say if the original bridge works, why change it? For me, its an eye sore. I just don't like it. It looks cheap. With that said, I'm trying to decide on a replacement and go with one that requires little to no modification.

I think I've narrowed it down to 3 choices. They seem like they would work. Would love to hear others opinions. I'm sure there are other TBers that were in the same boat.

1. Import Musicman style short bridge with side bolts - this looks closest to an authentic MM bridge but probably same quality as stock. Only place I can find one is on Ebay from China.

2. Hipshot Vintage style bridge - comes in .750 string spacing. Seems like the 3 middle holes might line up. Looks more Musicman-esque. Not worried about the original bridge side screw holes showing. I can fill them.

3. Hipshot Kickass bridge - again, seems like 3 middle holes would line up. Not worried about side holes showing. String spacing is adjustable.

Curious as to which one you ended up doing, and do you have any pics? I'm in the same boat right now. Thanks!

 

[Philthy]

I actually bought both the hipshot kickass and vintage to A/B them. However, i haven't gotten around to installing either I got sidetracked with things and haven't been able to focus on the project. Once I can devote the time and get back around to it, I'll post a pick.

 

[skyline_01]

I actually bought both the hipshot kickass and vintage to A/B them. However, i haven't gotten around to installing either I got sidetracked with things and haven't been able to focus on the project. Once I can devote the time and get back around to it, I'll post a pick.

Thanks! It would be interesting to see the finished product, and if the two side screw holes from the original bridge would be covered by the replacement.

 

[Lembia]

My measurements indicate the Kickass bridge may hang off the body in the corners a tiny bit. Also, the Gotoh high mass bridge may be a little high on the minimum string height.

 

[Philthy]

I know it's been a while but I finally finished my SUB Ray4 mods. Kickass bridge fits perfectly. Comes to the edge but doesn't hang off. Filled the side screw holes from the old bridge. They don't bother me. I did other mods like route a neck pickup, change the pickup covers to fit a real MM Stingray 4HH pickguard, installed a side jack and a 3 band ToneMonster preamp. Pickups wired in parallel to a blend pot. Going to give her a run at band practice today.

 

[skyline_01]

I know it's been a while but I finally finished my SUB Ray4 mods. Kickass bridge fits perfectly. Comes to the edge but doesn't hang off. Filled the side screw holes from the old bridge. They don't bother me. I did other mods like route a neck pickup, change the pickup covers to fit a real MM Stingray 4HH pickguard, installed a side jack and a 3 band ToneMonster preamp. Pickups wired in parallel to a blend pot. Going to give her a run at band practice today.

Wow, those are some great mods, and it looks awesome! I still haven't changed out the bridge on mine but this gives me some inspiration and a good idea of what the Kickass option would look like.

You said you swapped out pickup covers? May I ask where you source them? Thanks

 

[Philthy]

I bought the covers directly from Musicman. Called them up and BAM! Great customer service. I think they were 7 bucks each

 

[skyline_01]

I bought the covers directly from Musicman. Called them up and BAM! Great customer service. I think they were 7 bucks each

That's good to know. I actually ordered a white Stingray pickup cover (to go on a Nordstrand pickup) for my SUB Ray/Stingray "hybrid" fretless a while back but it was the one with the "Mickey Mouse" screw tabs on the top side, not the long beveled "thumb rest" style like you installed.

I have a Sterling SB14 that uses the beveled pickup style so I may call EB and see if they offer a white one in that shape. Thanks again for the info!

 

[brushfirewolf]

Wondering how the bridge saddle height is affected with the kickass or omega bridge?

Thinking of upgrading mine also because of the cheap look but want to be sure it doesn't raise the action too high. I remember putting a hipshot bridge on an old p bass I had that the bridge action, even with the saddles as low as they could go, was too high.

 

[Philthy]

I find no issues with the action being too high. The thing I like about the Kickass bridge besides the adjustable spacing is the inserts are cut to different heights so you can swap them around and tweak saddle height further.

 

[skyline_01]

FYI for anyone seeking an anchor-bolt style Sterling bridge - just picked up one of these up a couple weeks ago. Still 2 left on the 'bay. There's one 5-string available too if you search for it.

Music Man Sterling Bass Bridge 4 String | eBay

 

[P Cheen]

Reviving this thread because of the AlBridge bridges. @LowEndLobster used one on his Ray4 project he calls Code Red and I think it’s a great mod. I would really love to grab a Ray4 for modding purposes, but the bridge has always been the biggest turn off for me.

Is there really no problem to only using 3 screws instead of the usual 5 or even the side studs?

 

[LowEndLobster]

Reviving this thread because of the AlBridge bridges. @LowEndLobster used one on his Ray4 project he calls Code Red and I think it’s a great mod. I would really love to grab a Ray4 for modding purposes, but the bridge has always been the biggest turn off for me.

Is there really no problem to only using 3 screws instead of the usual 5 or even the side studs?

I used the 5 on code red but I don't think 3 would be a problem. The SR specials use 3.

 

[JamesWhiteBass]

Does anyone no if the Schaller 4 string bridge would work for the sterling sub? From the pics i have seen it looks like there is a 3 screw pattern but i could be missing something.

 

[Lembia]

I put the Albridge on. A noticeable improvement in ring and definition. I really did not think this would be the case. However, despite the drawing dimensions showing 20mm string spread, this has 19mm. You can see it in the pic. Communications with the seller have been kind of odd. (They went right into talking about Sire bass string spread...... huh?) Despite the "satisfaction guarantee" it doesn't look like I'll be getting the right bridge or 20mm saddles, the only offer is the return. I do like it, I just haven't decided on living with the spacing. What do you think, acceptable over the poll pieces?