/ Register

Will a Hipshot A bridge fit on a ~2009 Ibanez SR-700?

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by andybp85, Jan 3, 2015.

  1. Jan 3, 2015 #1
    andybp85

    andybp85

    Jan 3, 2015
    Jersey City, NJ
    Guitar Center (employee in the family)
    Been a lurker on here for a while, and this is my first post! Woot! :)

    I have a 2009 (I think) Ibanez SR-700, and for years now the bridge has been snapping strings. It's definitely related to a burr in the saddle, which every time I put new strings on I try to file out. That seems to make strings last longer, but I shouldn't be snapping strings once a month! It's mainly been the 4th string, but I just had the 2nd break, which is scary and to me says it's time for a new bridge.

    I was pretty much settled on a Hipshot A, but I talked to my local luthier and he said before you buy it make sure it fits, as manufacturers will use tight tolerances and odd sizes to try and lock you into their parts. I was wondering if anyone knows if this bridge will fit on this bass, or, if it will raise the action much above what it is now without major surgery. I love this bass; I get compliments on how well it plays all the time (and I run an open jam and let people use it weekly), and I'm not quite yet ready to get a new bass, so I'm really hoping this works out!

    Here's a shot of the bass if it helps. Would be glad to provide measurements, close-ups, or anything else that might help. Thanks so much in advance!

    sr700-FamJamily2014.jpg
     
  2. Jan 5, 2015 #2
    ReneB

    ReneB

    Dec 6, 2014
    Ithaca, NY
    I have an Ibanez SR400 but it looks like the same bridge as yours. I think they call it "Accu-cast" B20 or something like that. Anyway, I too was thinking of replacing my bridge with a Hipshot A. Not, however, due to a breaking string problem, thankfully. In my case it's just cosmetic. The Accu-cast was blackened chrome which is all worn off and looks bad.

    I called Hipshot and they explained that the bridge would fit, but it's not a perfect fit because the original bridge has slightly different size (slightly smaller) and that I will need to drill some holes in the SR 400 because the Hipshot's mounting holes are in different places. Those drilled holes won't show of course, but if there's any routing under the original bridge, that may show. In my case, the original bridge is just screwed on top and not routed in anyway, so all I have to do is drill new holes.

    I haven't done it yet because Hipshot is not far from my home and I figured I'd just drive up and visit so we can look at the bridge and my bass at the same time.

    Also, I think you can see better pics of the Hipshots at Bestbassgear. The pics on Hipshot's site aren't as detailed re. the holes.

    Hipshot's phone numbers:
    Toll Free: 800-262-5630
    Phone: 607-532-9404
     
  3. Jan 7, 2015 #3
    Solarmist

    Solarmist

    Jul 24, 2007
    near Mt. Rainier
    I've spent my whole life with Ibanez SRs, and I think the B20/B25 bridges are some of the best and so easy to adjust.
    Never had a problem with the B20/25 series bridges, but I'm not really a fan of the new redesigned (2012) Accu-cast B300/305 bridge.
    I'd much rather have B25 rather than the B305 on my SR705.
     
  4. Jan 8, 2015 #4
    andybp85

    andybp85

    Jan 3, 2015
    Jersey City, NJ
    Guitar Center (employee in the family)
    Thanks! I'll definitely see if I can find a B20 floating around, that makes a lot of sense. Appreciate the info!
     
  5. Mar 11, 2015 #5
    PlanBfromOuterSpace

    PlanBfromOuterSpace

    Nov 13, 2014
    Hey old thread here but I thought I’d post my experience. I bought a used 2001 SR485 that had what looks like a b-style aluminum Hipshot Bridge installed. It fits perfectly and the action is spot on and I have to say it is one of the nicest playing basses I’ve ever played. I took off the bridge to do some re-wiring and noticed that the mounting screws used the holes in the bridge that I think are meant for the through-body string option and there was only one hole in the bass body that wasn’t used (six holes for five screws). So I’m not sure if this bridge was factory installed or if these holes just happened to line up with the holes from the original bridge. Not sure how this compares to your sr700 but anywhoooo…..
     
    andybp85 likes this.