JamieBenzies Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Foxen Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieBenzies Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share Posted December 23, 2009 [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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Foxen Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 [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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Burpster Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 Two Makes.... Schaller or Hipshot. Both very high Quality engineering and Uber reliable. I'd have anything out of either of thier catalogues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieBenzies Posted December 24, 2009 Author Share Posted December 24, 2009 [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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deep Thought Posted December 25, 2009 Share Posted December 25, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbyrne Posted December 25, 2009 Share Posted December 25, 2009 I've a Schaller 3D 4 string on my Frankenjazz - I like the low profile of it. Sustains pretty well too. G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2x18 Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieBenzies Posted December 27, 2009 Author Share Posted December 27, 2009 [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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2x18 Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 [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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieBenzies Posted January 2, 2010 Author Share Posted January 2, 2010 [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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainhaddock Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 [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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarPig Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 (edited) [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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieBenzies Posted January 3, 2010 Author Share Posted January 3, 2010 [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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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