Danuman Posted August 15, 2016 Share Posted August 15, 2016 Hi all, Sorry of this has been asked before, but I couldn't find much on it. Does anybody know whether there are some readily available four-string bridges that have narrower pitches than the standard 19mm ones found on most basses? I'd like to experiment a bit, since I like the tone I get when I play fingerstyle nearer the bridge but my hands don't seem to agree very much with the string spacing there. It seems a lot easier to play at the point Leo intended us to, but I'd very much like that level of comfort when playing where I like the sound best. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartelby Posted August 15, 2016 Share Posted August 15, 2016 Sounds like a Schaller 3D bridge would fit the bill: http://guitar-parts.biz/hp135061/Bass-Bridge-3D-4.htm?ITServ=C2ca3d3d6X1568f8d1ba4X4ef6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danuman Posted August 15, 2016 Author Share Posted August 15, 2016 Finally! Thanks so much! Doesn't look like a drop in though, so maybe I need to think it over. Not sure if I can drill with the appropriate accuracy using just a hand drill... And why on earth did they put in flat head screws? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ikay Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 (edited) How about a vintage style Fender bridge with threaded saddles? Only a simple BBOT but the threaded saddles provide some flexibility for string spacing. [url="http://www.allparts.uk.com/products/vintage-bass-bridge-assembly-w-threaded-rod-saddles-fixing-screws"]http://www.allparts....s-fixing-screws[/url] Alternatively,Hipshot A and style bridges come in a variety of string spacing options. Edited August 16, 2016 by ikay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Schaller 2000 is even better than the 3D. I have this on a couple of basses. You can get the spacing down to just over 15mm, and the ballend moves with the saddle so no sideways pulling. 5 screw fitting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 [quote name='hubrad' timestamp='1471337057' post='3112172'] Schaller 2000 is even better than the 3D. I have this on a couple of basses. You can get the spacing down to just over 15mm, and the ballend moves with the saddle so no sideways pulling. 5 screw fitting. [/quote] The Schaller 2000 might get you a narrower string spacing than the 3D but IME it's a complete bastard to get set up. I'd think twice about ever owning another bass which had one fitted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trueno Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 [quote name='ikay' timestamp='1471333930' post='3112128'] How about a vintage style Fender bridge with threaded saddles? Only a simple BBOT but the threaded saddles provide some flexibility for string spacing. Alternatively,Hipshot A and style bridges come in a variety of string spacing options. [/quote] I've got a fair bit of wiggle room with my F threaded saddles... in my case I adjusted the strings to optimise pole piece thingy in the pickups. I've also used a Hipshot A before.... solid bridges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted August 17, 2016 Share Posted August 17, 2016 [quote name='Danuman' timestamp='1471291065' post='3111936'] Finally! Thanks so much! ...Not sure if I can drill with the appropriate accuracy using just a hand drill... [/quote] So not only do you have Parts Acquisition Syndrome, but now you've become infected with Tool Acquisition Syndrome! Welcome to the pack. https://www.bosch-do-it.com/gb/en/diy/ergo-home.jsp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted August 17, 2016 Share Posted August 17, 2016 [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1471342324' post='3112241'] The Schaller 2000 might get you a narrower string spacing than the 3D but IME it's a complete bastard to get set up. I'd think twice about ever owning another bass which had one fitted. [/quote] Not actually that hard; I use a drill bit between the saddles for consistent spacing. A feeler gauge would be just as good. I have a couple of 4ers and a 5er with the 2000. I think it's one of those parts where if you really want what it gives you, you'll work it out. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danuman Posted August 17, 2016 Author Share Posted August 17, 2016 [quote name='hubrad' timestamp='1471426234' post='3112935'] So not only do you have Parts Acquisition Syndrome, but now you've become infected with Tool Acquisition Syndrome! Welcome to the pack. https://www.bosch-do-it.com/gb/en/diy/ergo-home.jsp [/quote] Haha, thanks, I guess. I'm really only looking to increase playability. I prefer to be as lazy as I can get away with when playing, so this whole endeavour could be considered amusingly oxymoronic. I'm leaning towards the Schaller 2000, provided it would fit without any further work on the bass. The 3D bridge is a fair bit cheaper, but I'd have to see whether one of my mates has a drill press. I haven't found those a-style Hipshot bridges yet. I did find some cheap other solutions, but I very much doubt that's a good idea in the long run. Anybody know if Wilkinson do a 3D bridge? Thanks all, for some great suggestions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iiipopes Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 I purchased one of these 18mm string spacing bridges for a similar project and have been very pleased. It is very similar to an Ibanez bridge: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chrome-4-String-Bridge-For-Bass-Guitar-L-Shape-Saddle-Parts-String-Spacing-18mm-/181287137942?hash=item2a358e3296:g:YQcAAOSwbqpTt7SY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Wilkinson.. good point! I have one of those also. I don't know if it is still a current model, but they crop up on Ebay occasionally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2elliot Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Hipshot Kickass looks interesting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danuman Posted August 18, 2016 Author Share Posted August 18, 2016 [quote name='2elliot' timestamp='1471541395' post='3113869'] Hipshot Kickass looks interesting [/quote] Yes it does! I like that it's a retrofit. However, I wonder how flexible those little inserts will be, although I measured the string spacing over by the neck and 17.5mm seems about right. Unfortunately hipshot resellers are a bit scarce over here, and none of them list this particular model (nor the a-style bridge). I'll see if I can order one the old-fashioned way. Does anybody know whether the Schaller 3D fits the regular... Gosh, I really don't want to say... screw holes? (I'll be upfront; I'm twelve years old ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danuman Posted August 31, 2016 Author Share Posted August 31, 2016 Follow-up: I went for the hipshot kickass. Easy to install and setup. Sounds good, although perhaps a little dark, but that's apparently what they were going for with the brass inserts. Looks great and plays just like I wanted it to! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 How about a Badass-a-like ? I've got a string spacing of ~17mm on my jazz basses by not cutting grooves and allowing the strings to pull themselves straight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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