Jonnyboy Rotten Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Hey guys, I am about to replace and re-fit the bridge on my P build (see thread here:[url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/209842-squier-precision-mic-re-birth/"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/209842-squier-precision-mic-re-birth/[/url]) And I was wondering if you have any advice about which to get. I am considering Badass, Schaller, Gotoh 201 and Babicz. I will be getting a black one to fit with the rest of my hardware. As far as I can tell each one of these will be a straight swap with the same screw hole spacing etc as the factory fit unit. As far as I can tell the most favoured aftermarket one is the Gotoh - seems popular and has good reviews. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141150883953?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141150883953?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649[/url] Babicz for me looks great and all things being equal (including the price) it would be my choice. However it is more expensive. It says it strings through body but from what I can tell you can also top-load it if you prefer (?) [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Babicz-FCH-Full-Contact-Bass-Bridge-4-String-AM-Black-American-Model-New-/231139232016?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item35d0f8c910"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Babicz-FCH-Full-Contact-Bass-Bridge-4-String-AM-Black-American-Model-New-/231139232016?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item35d0f8c910[/url] Schaller seems to get good reviews and offers more adjustablility than some other brands but not many people on here tend to talk about it. Any particular reason for that? [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-SCHALLER-HIGH-MASS-BLACK-BASS-GUITAR-BRIDGE-ADJUSTABLE-WITH-ROLLERS-/121142972656?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item1c34af10f0"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-SCHALLER-HIGH-MASS-BLACK-BASS-GUITAR-BRIDGE-ADJUSTABLE-WITH-ROLLERS-/121142972656?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item1c34af10f0[/url] Badass seems to be the 'go-to' (not gotoh! ) upgrade though many people think gotoh is better not just for the price but period. Any ideas, advice etc!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si600 Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 I've had both the 4 and 5 string versions of the Schaller 3D and rate them very highly. Lots of adjustment up and down, back and forwards and side to side. The string path is nice and simple as well so restringing or intonating is easy as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 I've also had a Hipshot. That's good too. As Si600 says, it's worth using one that has side adjustment in the position of the strings. (The Gotoh you linked to doesn't appear to) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamtheelvy Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 I bought a bass with a Badass ready fitted. Wouldn't say it was the best, but a good study bridge nonetheless. Looks good, sounds good, easy to set up. Would put it down because its a 'standard'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 I`d go with the Gotoh as it is more in keeping with the original Fender bridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 [quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1390314369' post='2343908'] I`d go with the Gotoh as it is more in keeping with the original Fender bridge. [/quote] Shockeroonie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Two videos to consider. With this first bridge test (stock vs high mass) the results are minimal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAz5b-0GE_E The second (Gotoh vs Badass) shows a greater difference (to my ears): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANiEWEQel4U I've read stories of people trying out high mass bridges and later going back to the stock (BBOT) bridge because it sounded better. As always YMMV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 I've tried Gotoh, Badass and Hipshot. Of those I think Hipshot is the best but Gotoh is the best value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 [quote name='Jonnyboy Rotten' timestamp='1390311987' post='2343861'] ....Any ideas....? [/quote] Why are you doing this? Are you seeing a problem with the original bridge, or lack of sustain or problems in the tone of your bass? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnyboy Rotten Posted January 21, 2014 Author Share Posted January 21, 2014 (edited) [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1390317106' post='2343958'] Why are you doing this? Are you seeing a problem with the original bridge, or lack of sustain or problems in the tone of your bass? [/quote] I originally replaced the stock Squier Affinity model in the summer with a black one bought from China via Ebay that is ok but basically pretty rubbish - it cost me about £3,50 new. One of the screw heads has also popped off through merely tightening and loosening once. So.. I need to move the bridge forward or back by 5mm or so and use the saddle adjustment to keep the bridge point in the same place (makin' sense?!). I thought while I am at it, I would get a decent bridge. So I am not really looking to change anything other than something that is more secure and looks the mutts dangly's. I am also going to take this opportunity to do a refin on the body and it would be a shame to have a cheap, sub-par bridge with only 4 screws when the rest of it is going to be lovely. Kind of a thorn in the side... Edited January 21, 2014 by Jonnyboy Rotten Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si600 Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 I'm not keen on the bridge on my P V. It's a cast BBOT if that makes sense but the saddle on the B is being pulled in towards the E and the G isn't quite in line with the poles on the pickup. I'm sure it's not a problem but I'd like some more adjustment if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 I have tried a few bridges and always seem to go back to a BBOT but I think the Gotoh 201 is the best value replacement Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete1967 Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Of all the bridges I've tried, the Schaller 2000 remains my favourite. It's endlessly adjustable, rock solid once properly set up and is a direct replacement for Fender 5 hole bridges. OK it's a little more avantgarde in it's looks but might be worth a look if you fancy something a little less obvious.... [url="http://www.touchstonetonewoods.co.uk/products/schaller-2000-series-198/schaller-2000-series-bass-guitar-bridge-tailpiece-1051.aspx"]http://www.touchstonetonewoods.co.uk/products/schaller-2000-series-198/schaller-2000-series-bass-guitar-bridge-tailpiece-1051.aspx[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertbass Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 I like the look of that Schaller. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 Couple things: * If you haven't already perused it, thread [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/193-badass-bridges/"]here[/url] about Badasses, the different types and the need to get the right one. * I stuck a Gotoh on my Jazz bitsa and it worked fine. Cheap, well-made and they come up S/H in the BC marketplace every so often Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 Since you've decided to replace/move the bridge (because of that sheared mounting screw with the existing cheapo bridge) you're no longer having to get a bridge with 5 matching mounting holes for what was there orginally; this opens up your choices and also means you might only need to move the new bridge mounting holes a few millimetres fore or aft of the existing holes and still have plenty of wood to go at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnyboy Rotten Posted January 22, 2014 Author Share Posted January 22, 2014 [quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1390403119' post='2345017'] Couple things: * If you haven't already perused it, thread [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/193-badass-bridges/"]here[/url] about Badasses, the different types and the need to get the right one. * I stuck a Gotoh on my Jazz bitsa and it worked fine. Cheap, well-made and they come up S/H in the BC marketplace every so often [/quote] Thanks for the comments. Yeah I had read that Badass thread but TBH if I was going to spend that much on a bridge I would probably get a babicz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnyboy Rotten Posted January 22, 2014 Author Share Posted January 22, 2014 [quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1390404454' post='2345041'] Since you've decided to replace/move the bridge (because of that sheared mounting screw with the existing cheapo bridge) you're no longer having to get a bridge with 5 matching mounting holes for what was there orginally; this opens up your choices and also means you might only need to move the new bridge mounting holes a few millimetres fore or aft of the existing holes and still have plenty of wood to go at. [/quote] That is indeed true! What other options are there? I know you can get 3 screw BBOT's but that doesn't help me really! Are the three screw options the same as above but a variants of each or are there some good (and not too expensive) bridges which come in other forms? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave_the_bass Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 I've not long since replaced a BBOT with a babicz that I picked up from here. The difference between the old a new bridges on my yammie was like night and day! I don't think it did anything significant to the sustain, but all of a sudden the low frequencies came to life. An added bonus is the that I no longer shred my hand on the saddle adjusters when playing metal sixteenths. I would recommend a Babicz, but, they're expensive and the black ones never appear used. It's a lot of cash to drop on something that you can't really try before you buy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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