Recommend nice a new bridge

[JamieBenzies]

I am doing up my old Yamaha TRB5 fretless and the time has almost come for a new bridge.

So, I was wondering, what actually defines a good bridge? What factors improve your sound and how?

And finally has anyone got any first (or 2nd?) hand experience of a good bridge that they can recommend me?

Many thanks!

Jamie

[Mr. Foxen]

Kinda depends on the sound you are after. Heavy bridge is all about sustain and harmonics, but if its fretless, probably not what you are after.

[JamieBenzies]

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' post='692673' date='Dec 23 2009, 11:13 PM']Kinda depends on the sound you are after. Heavy bridge is all about sustain and harmonics, but if its fretless, probably not what you are after.[/quote]

What alternatives to sustain and good harmonics is there that is considered beneficial to your sound? I thought in any case that's what you are after?

[Mr. Foxen]

[quote name='benzies123' post='692681' date='Dec 23 2009, 11:19 PM']What alternatives to sustain and good harmonics is there that is considered beneficial to your sound? I thought in any case that's what you are after?[/quote]

If that is what you are after, frets and rounds are your best bet. Since he is fretless, and possibly flats, might not be the priority, when you could have a nice warm thump.

[The Burpster]

Two Makes....

Schaller or Hipshot.

Both very high Quality engineering and Uber reliable.

I'd have anything out of either of thier catalogues.

[JamieBenzies]

[quote name='The Burpster' post='692799' date='Dec 24 2009, 09:27 AM']Two Makes....

Schaller or Hipshot.

Both very high Quality engineering and Uber reliable.

I'd have anything out of either of thier catalogues.[/quote]

I know Gotoh make excellent machine heads, but do you know if their bridges are well rated? If so these ones on Ebay seem quite reasonable:

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GOTOH-201-BASS-BRIDGE-5-STRINGGOLD_W0QQitemZ120460769008QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Guitar_Accessories?hash=item1c0c0576f0"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GOTOH-201-BASS-BRIDG...=item1c0c0576f0[/url]

I think I will stick with the more renowned with the trusted bridge makers if this isn't so good though.

Thanks!

[Deep Thought]

Nothing wrong with Gotoh bridges-I fitted a 201 on my Mex Precision, nice, solid bridge with channels for the saddles for stability. Jon Shuker fits Gotohs on some basses, I have one on my JJ Burnel, but that one is a different design with channels on the outer saddles only. I believe the 201 is probably the better bridge.

[geoffbyrne]

I've a Schaller 3D 4 string on my Frankenjazz - I like the low profile of it. Sustains pretty well too.

G.

[2x18]

I have basses fitted with Badass 2, Hipshot, Schaller and Gotoh 201 plus standard Fender bridges.

My current favourites ( on a P-Bass and a Jazz ) are fitted with Gotoh 201 and Badass 2.

When I fit another bass with one it will almost certainly be the Gotoh!

Will.

[JamieBenzies]

[quote name='2x18' post='694108' date='Dec 27 2009, 08:45 AM']I have basses fitted with Badass 2, Hipshot, Schaller and Gotoh 201 plus standard Fender bridges.

My current favourites ( on a P-Bass and a Jazz ) are fitted with Gotoh 201 and Badass 2.

When I fit another bass with one it will almost certainly be the Gotoh!

Will.[/quote]

So even over the much more expensive Schaller and Hipshot bridges you think you prefer the 201? If so that's good to hear as 201s are available for around £40 as opposed to the £100 for the other two.

[2x18]

[quote name='benzies123' post='694149' date='Dec 27 2009, 10:51 AM']So even over the much more expensive Schaller and Hipshot bridges you think you prefer the 201? If so that's good to hear as 201s are available for around £40 as opposed to the £100 for the other two.[/quote]

Yes --- My personal preference is the Gotoh. ( The Hipshot is useful for the string spacing adjustment tho. )

Will.

[JamieBenzies]

[quote name='2x18' post='694211' date='Dec 27 2009, 12:24 PM']Yes --- My personal preference is the Gotoh. ( The Hipshot is useful for the string spacing adjustment tho. )

Will.[/quote]

What is the string spacing on the 201? I can't find it anywhere.

Thanks

[captainhaddock]

[quote name='benzies123' post='698889' date='Jan 2 2010, 05:43 PM']What is the string spacing on the 201? I can't find it anywhere.

Thanks[/quote]
I fitted a Hipshot A series bridge on TRB1004 don`t think it made that much difference to the tone but it looks a lot better than the standard black chrome finish bridge that Yamaha use!

[WarPig]

[quote name='benzies123' post='698889' date='Jan 2 2010, 05:43 PM']What is the string spacing on the 201? I can't find it anywhere.

Thanks[/quote]
19mm

[url="http://www.warmoth.com/Gotoh-201-4-String-Bass-Bridge-Chrome-P138C718.aspx"]http://www.warmoth.com/Gotoh-201-4-String-...e-P138C718.aspx[/url]

And a +1 to them too, the channels for the saddle legs help stability and the whole bridge just seems ''firmer''.

Edited January 3, 2010 by WarPig

[JamieBenzies]

[quote name='WarPig' post='699333' date='Jan 3 2010, 11:29 AM']19mm

[url="http://www.warmoth.com/Gotoh-201-4-String-Bass-Bridge-Chrome-P138C718.aspx"]http://www.warmoth.com/Gotoh-201-4-String-...e-P138C718.aspx[/url]

And a +1 to them too, the channels for the saddle legs help stability and the whole bridge just seems ''firmer''.[/quote]

Thanks very much evident Sabbath fan!