Sparky Mark

30+ years old = vintage

I've never been totally convinced about the real benefits of replacement bridges. In the 90's I did the usual high mass bridge "upgrades" to many of my Fender basses but ultimately went back to the original bent metal versions for aesthetics and authenticity reasons. Likewise, I've owned a 2018 Rickenbacker 4003SW for a few years and tolerate the original bridge shortcomings. The intonation and saddle height adjustments are laborious and a bit of a compromise, but the end result is acceptable. So I thought I'd always stick with the original design that I prefer the look of, even above the latest Rickenbacker variant. However, when a Hipshot replacement popped up on here I thought I'd see what gives. Anyhow, all I can say is that this bridge has transformed how the bass plays. The intonation and string height are now perfect and the bass just feels more "alive" somehow. Sustain is improved and there's a bounce to the strings which Hipshot describes as a benefit of this aluminium version. I would thoroughly recommend this bridge for the tonal and playing improvements, and the aesthetics have already grown on me.

I've just bought a bass bridge from Ian. All communications were prompt and clear. The bridge arrived exactly as described, superbly packed and in double quick time. Based on this I would happily deal with Ian again in the future. Thank you Ian.

Alternatively, seeing as my 61P was sold, you could just buy the Pino and have more than £18k left over. You've just saved another £10k! I should add that my advice isn't underwritten by the FSA.

Nice bass but that price is eye-watering! Someone could've got these two and still have nearly £8,000 left over :-

I bought an as new Musicman StingRay Old Smoothie via the website and a phone call. Everything as promised and expected. I've bought amplification from the website too, no issues. Always call them before buying or visiting just to confirm things. I'd recommend the Gallery.

I've owned and gigged my Warwick Thumb NT for over 30 years. Admitted, I'm not a three gigs a week player, and I've always looked after my gear very carefully, so mine is as good as new having replaced the barrel jack a little while ago.

Most Markbass amplifiers have a similar tone by virtue of a common preamplifier. The LM250 is unusual in that it is now the only class AB amplifier offered by Markbass. Some players state that they can hear a difference between the Markbass class AB and class D amplifiers. If you need a physically smaller amp then the Nano will probably be so similar you won't really notice a difference without comparing side by side.

It's possible that the pots are dated 1963 which might explain the previous advertisement. The neck date isn't the only reference point.

I've looked more closely and edited my response above re the nut.

Edit: does your nut look taller on the E side than mine? Maybe the nut needs some attention as well? Here's mine. Looks very similar but I have no issues with string height over frets 1 to 5. Bridge still has room for adjustment either way. Could mean your 4003 truss rod(s) need adjustment?

Do those graphs represent 60's basses only, or all vintage (30+ years old) basses?

Glad to hear that the nut is now staying glued in place. It seems that the friction between the strings and nut was high enough when tuning up, to break the nut away. The strings need to slide through the nut slots when tuning. I'd look in the nut slots for any rough bits grabbing one or more strings, then carefully smooth them away. Applying graphite dust (lead pencil) in all the slots will also reduce friction.