Scotticus Posted May 5, 2012 Share Posted May 5, 2012 Hey all, So I've stumbled upon a beaut of a 5 string that I'm going to attempt to refurb. I love the body shape, feel of the neck and finish as it is, not so keen on the electronics (which add a shed load of unnecessary weight) and the flimsy bridge. Given that I can coax a workable sound out of the electronics for now and I'm not yet developing a stoop, I thought I'd change the bridge first. I'm looking for a bridge that wouldn't be a total swine to fit on a flat top body (first refurb project), 5 string obviously, can be strung through, isn't too finicky to get set up, comes in black and can be purchased for a max of about £100. Does such a beast exist? Whoever fitted the original bridge shouldn't have been allowed near a drill, so will probably end up filling those 5 holes and starting a fresh. Any advice welcome... Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumple Posted May 5, 2012 Share Posted May 5, 2012 Hipshot Type A (sometimes called A-Style) is what you need you can pick them up on Ebay from the US, I managed not to get stung for any import duty so it was a bargain, I think Bass Direct sell them if you would rather buy from the UK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumple Posted May 5, 2012 Share Posted May 5, 2012 Here's a picture of one. [attachment=107033:11974230.jpg] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotticus Posted May 7, 2012 Author Share Posted May 7, 2012 Cheers Rumple, that definitely got me off on the right track. Don't suppose you've got any experience of choosing between the brass and aluminium versions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumple Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 I've only ever used the aluminium one's as they are lighter, if you can live with the added weight some people say brass sounds better, I'm not convinced though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotticus Posted May 7, 2012 Author Share Posted May 7, 2012 Yah, my thoughts exactly, can't find an A-B audio comparrison anywhere either. Well, the current electronics in this beast seem ridiculously heavy to me, so I'm expecting to save a bit of weight when I've switched out the pickups and preamp. That said, it's not like I've ever done this before, so no idea what stuff that sounds better will add or subtract to the weight. Maybe every pickup could be used as a blunt murder weapon and these ones aren't unusual after all. I guess I'll go aluminium this time just to be safe... Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumple Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 There's a lot of metal in pick-ups they mostly weigh a ton, put a couple in a sock and you have a bar brawl weapon, I think you can get some with Neo magnets that are a lot lighter but I expect they cost a small fortune. Good luck with the refub. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 I'd throw the Schaller 3D5 into the potentials: Like the Hipshot it gives you string spacing adjustment, but on the other hand it doesn't have through body stringing. Very nice bridge though, I have a 4 string one on one of my basses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 My favourite the [url=http://www.abm-mueller.com/index2.html?bassbridges.html]ABM 3565 bridge[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotticus Posted May 7, 2012 Author Share Posted May 7, 2012 Neepheid - yeah I've heard a lot of good stuff about Schaller. Liking the looks, but I'm hoping to string through body really on this bass, so not gonna be a Schaller this time. BigRedX - aha, I know absolutely nothing about ABM, will check it out. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettsguitars Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 (edited) I have an 'as new' hipshot a-style if you want it. Black brass. 18mm Edited May 8, 2012 by lettsguitars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotticus Posted May 9, 2012 Author Share Posted May 9, 2012 Just taken Lettsguitars up on the offer, so this thread is sorted (at least until we come to the point where I arse up fitting it ) Thanks for the advice all, saved me hours of dithering. Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettsguitars Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 (edited) It's just a few screws. You'll need a ruler, drill with 2mm bit and 4mm to open up the finish so it dont crack. Oh and a screw driver. On the way tomorrow mate. Easy now. edit: and a pencil. Edited May 9, 2012 by lettsguitars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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