Yamaha BB5000a tweak - Need some tips..

[Taylor_Bassman]

So i bought a Yamaha 5000a (Purple Pearl) and the bridge is all tore up !!
There were missing screws, broken parts, but lite natural wear/tear, AND i got it for a great price.. --- I HAVE to replace the Bridge ---

Serial : QX4096 (Japan - 1990, i believe)


Tell me about this Bass --

Question 1 > What is the REAL spacing ? (i was told 19mm/wide)
Question 2 > What would Y O U guys recommend for the best replacement Bridge ?

( ...I dont actually NEED to replace the original Tuners, however, i
thought i would replace both Bridge as well as Tuners )


Advice ? --------------- >

---- Thx, TBM

 

[TrustRod]

15.5mm spacing according to this post

SOLD - 1988 Yamaha BB-5000A - Narrow Neck

 

[ajkula66]

These came in two flavours, narrow and wide. I believe that later models sport the wide string spacing which is no less than 18mm in my recollection, so your 19mm presumption is likely correct.

Is there any way that you can restore the original bridge ? That would be my preferred solution.

If not, I suggest giving the fine people at Hipshot a call and asking for suggestions. They have always been extremely helpful with my inquiries. Obviously, YMMV.

Good luck.

 

[Taylor_Bassman]

Ive considered TRYING to refurbish the original bridge, however 3 of 5 long (spring) saddle adjustment screws were missing, & those same saddles are literally falling apart, broken & chipped.
Its impossible to calibrate.
A,D,G were actually held down by the strings when I bought it.
Finny... looked high & low

 

[Taylor_Bassman]

...opps - hit send by mistake --

I was going to add..
It's funny how it played great on the day of purchase, but it was in worse shape than I originally thought once I took it apart & started to investigate.
I looked high & low for individual saddles, but to no avail.
I just want to get it back to being playable again.

 

[KeithAlanK]

Most rulers have metric markings, if you want to confirm string spacing.

Just replace the bridge. If the cost of Hipshot and other name brands makes it difficult, search the web. I bought a very nice gold plated Hipshot type A semi-copy for $35, and it had a big footprint to cover all original screw holes and finish "squish" marks. There are even better deals out there on standard Fender types and generic high mass bridges.

Good luck and good health!