Gretsch Mod

[Frank Blank]

Has anyone modified a Gretsch Junior Jet with a new bridge? Liking these basses but not the bridge.

[Jabba_the_gut]

5 hours ago, Frank Blank said:

Has anyone modified a Gretsch Junior Jet with a new bridge? Liking these basses but not the bridge.

What is it you don't like about the bridge? What are you thinking of replacing it with?

[Frank Blank]

I realise it’s a crap reason but I just dont like the look of these sort of bridges, never have, just a personal taste thing I think. My only real preference is to replace it with something black! I might make it a stealth project.

[Bleat]

I was going to upgrade mine with a Babicz Z-Series bridge. An easy (but pricey) drop in replacement  which I think is in general keeping with the look and style of the Gretsch... I never got round to doing it sadly though.

[Jus Lukin]

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Edited March 3, 2022 by Jus Lukin

[Jono Bolton]

I just had a look to see what bridge it had as I wasn't familiar with the bass. I know that they're the standard bridge used on most types of bass, but I can't get over how much it doesn't fit in with the overall design.

[Low End Bee]

I really like the look of the bass and the bridge never worried me until it was pointed out. Now I will not be able to un-see how  the BBOT looks wrong...

Maybe covering it up with an ashtray would work?

 

[Newfoundfreedom]

@Frank Blank According to a comment in the reviews these Fender high mass bridges from Thomann are a direct replacement and the screw holes line up so no need for re-drilling the body. At about £30 it could be a good option. I'd never even thought about it but I might even get one myself to improve sustain.

 https://m.thomann.de/gb/fender_hi_mass_bridge_iv_brass.htm

Or of you really need to go black. But it's an expensive option. 

http://www.thomann.de/intl/babicz_bass_bridge_black.htm?i11l=en_GB%3ABG.EUR%3ABGN&r=app

They also do a Schaller in black but it might require drilling. 

http://www.thomann.de/intl/schaller_3d4b.htm?i11l=en_GB%3ABG.EUR%3ABGN&r=app

Another option. 

http://www.thomann.de/intl/goeldo_3_d_bass_bridge_hw55b.htm?i11l=en_GB%3ABG.EUR%3ABGN&r=app

Edited January 17, 2019 by Newfoundfreedom

[BigRedX]

It's crying out for a Gibson 3-point bridge. 😉

[Frank Blank]

2 hours ago, Newfoundfreedom said:

@Frank Blank According to a comment in the reviews these Fender high mass bridges from Thomann are a direct replacement and the screw holes line up so no need for re-drilling the body. At about £30 it could be a good option. I'd never even thought about it but I might even get one myself to improve sustain.

 https://m.thomann.de/gb/fender_hi_mass_bridge_iv_brass.htm

Or of you really need to go black. But it's an expensive option. 

http://www.thomann.de/intl/babicz_bass_bridge_black.htm?i11l=en_GB%3ABG.EUR%3ABGN&r=app

They also do a Schaller in black but it might require drilling. 

http://www.thomann.de/intl/schaller_3d4b.htm?i11l=en_GB%3ABG.EUR%3ABGN&r=app

Another option. 

http://www.thomann.de/intl/goeldo_3_d_bass_bridge_hw55b.htm?i11l=en_GB%3ABG.EUR%3ABGN&r=app

Thanks for this Sir. I’m already quite taken with the black Babicz but very interested in the other options, hmmm.

[Jono Bolton]

1 hour ago, BigRedX said:

It's crying out for a Gibson 3-point bridge. 😉

I was thinking a TOM bridge and a trapeze tailpiece

[Newfoundfreedom]

48 minutes ago, Frank Blank said:

Thanks for this Sir. I’m already quite taken with the black Babicz but very interested in the other options, hmmm.

Yeah it looks good, but I can't justify paying half what I paid for the bass itself. I'm tempted to try the Fender though. I've never had a high mass bridge so I'm interested to see if there's much of a difference. 

[Jabba_the_gut]

I quite the look of the Hipshot Supertone bridge, though it isn't a drop in replacement.

https://reverb.com/item/835227-hipshot-supertone-4-string-bass-bridge-gibson-2-point-black-5g410b

I also think that something like this would look good, but again not a drop in replacement.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Quality-open-wired-archtop-jazz-bass-guitar-tailpiece-bridge-in-Chrome-SM402/370912850646?hash=item565c20f2d6:g:sPgAAOSw7PBTn-Nn:rk:42:pf:0

So, not a helpful reply in summary!!! 

[Newfoundfreedom]

5 minutes ago, Jabba_the_gut said:

I quite the look of the Hipshot Supertone bridge, though it isn't a drop in replacement.

https://reverb.com/item/835227-hipshot-supertone-4-string-bass-bridge-gibson-2-point-black-5g410b

I also think that something like this would look good, but again not a drop in replacement.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Quality-open-wired-archtop-jazz-bass-guitar-tailpiece-bridge-in-Chrome-SM402/370912850646?hash=item565c20f2d6:g:sPgAAOSw7PBTn-Nn:rk:42:pf:0

So, not a helpful reply in summary!!! 

I have that second one on my semi acoustic. The problem is, unless you are extremely lucky and the saddle section falls in exactly the right place to get the intonation right you would be left with exposed screw holes in the body from the old bridge. 

[Frank Blank]

2 hours ago, Newfoundfreedom said:

I have that second one on my semi acoustic. The problem is, unless you are extremely lucky and the saddle section falls in exactly the right place to get the intonation right you would be left with exposed screw holes in the body from the old bridge. 

I’m not looking for anything that doesn’t drop in. I won’t be fitting it so more drilling is more work and, as you said before, it will cost a lot anyway with the Babicz!

Edited January 17, 2019 by Frank Blank

[Newfoundfreedom]

How do the other owners find the sustain on the Gretsch? If I can find one small fault with mine it's that the notes die a little more quickly than I'd like, but that could well be down to the strings. 

I'm hoping a restring (I'm thinking of going nickel wound) and a high mass bridge might help. Does anyone know if a high mass bridge really makes a difference to sustain? 

[Frank Blank]

12 minutes ago, Newfoundfreedom said:

How do the other owners find the sustain on the Gretsch? If I can find one small fault with mine it's that the notes die a little more quickly than I'd like, but that could well be down to the strings. 

I'm hoping a restring (I'm thinking of going nickel wound) and a high mass bridge might help. Does anyone know if a high mass bridge really makes a difference to sustain? 

I’ll let you know onc mine’s on!

[Newfoundfreedom]

3 hours ago, Frank Blank said:

I’ll let you know onc mine’s on!

Thanks Frank. Did you order the Babicz then?

[Frank Blank]

On 18/01/2019 at 15:33, Newfoundfreedom said:

Thanks Frank. Did you order the Babicz then?

Typical me, speaking too soon, not got the Gretsch yet. Haven’t had a chance to get up to Bass Direct yet, there are a couple of short scales I’d like to try up there first.