I’m asking this of the experienced Bassheads here. Do “high mass” bridges really make a huge difference in either play quality, or in fighting neck dive?
I’ve calculated the difference between the mass of the bridge currently installed on my bass, and a High Mass bridge, and the delta is like 2.5 ounces. I understand that you’re putting that weight at the far side of the guitar from the headstock, but does 2.5 ounces really make a notable difference?
Or is this more a “might help, and we like to tinker/upgrade our favorite toys” sort of thing?
Often “look at this thread” comments are tangentially on point, but for this, you put a tremendous amount of thought and effort into it. I appreciate it.
My conclusion, reading it, is that the high mass bridge isn’t fairy dust, and could really help when replacing a bad bridge, but probably isn’t essential.
(EDIT)
Oh, here’s a question that didn’t seem to come up in what seems a pretty thorough thread. Did you find that the greater weight of the high mass bridge balanced any neck dive in a notable way?
I’d say that it depends what everyone is searching for. High mass bridges are popular for a good reason, it changes the behavior of the instrument by adding some kind of mechanical compression which feels and sounds very natural. It makes plucking a bit more consistent. Also it can make the notes sound a bit more defined. A lot of people like this.
But it’s not mandatory, and also some people (like me) prefer a different behavior ; something a bit more raw and violent (talking about the attack that are not tamed by a heavy bridge).
Yes somewhat, but neck dive has never been a problem for me, I have an habit for this and I just hold the neck with my hand, it doesn’t bother me at all and to be honest I even don’t really notice it, unless I consciously want to. So, for me, the added weight is a bad point because it makes the overall instrument heavier and less comfortable. But if neck dive is a big issue for you, yes, a heavier bridge can help.
Apple to Apple first. Fenders p bass classic bridge vs Lee Quan style kickass bridge high mass bridge. You’ll see the difference on the graph and hear a little extra pop on the harmonics but in general we don’t listen with our eyes,
That said if you compare the knockoffs fenders with really crappy pot metal you can hear the slight twang some are so bad that you can bend it with your hands. That would be an unfair comparison.
I have basses with light weight single saddle and they sound just as awesome. As the matter of fact, I can take it to the other extreme end, Saddleless bridge, I have them on a few of my basses. They are not only sound as robust but has much better sparkling high end brightness.
As far as neck dive, I don’t notice it either, because I have a wide leather strap with the grippy side on my shoulder, so the bass stays where I put it.
It’s a Sterling Stingray HH, and does neck dive, but not badly in my opinion. The idea of getting more defined mids and highs intrigues me, though. Maybe at some point I’ll try it, when I get tired of making odd pickguards.
Very cool stuff. It seems like if I bought a high mass bridge and didn’t like it I could probably sell it on for a reasonable amount.
The thing that inspired me to get this bass was this video, and maybe I’ll end up making those mods and getting a ridiculously versatile and to me, great sounding, bass for not too much spent. I’ve already got it looking a bit custom.
That’s not a bad bridge if you want to upgrade look for the Ray34 bridge, assuming it’s a 4 string. As is you can just get the mute kit from music man and have yourself unique and retro stingray. It’s called Flea bridge.
Here’s mine with a Sabre neck on it, 1
$1400 neck and tuners on a $300 bass
I like the Fender himass bridge, it’s easy to string and intonate. I would buy one with brass saddles - which are chromed so they look the same as chrome saddles.
I like the Gotoh 201-B. Easy to intonate.
When I buy a bridge it tends to be one of these last two.
My favorite bridge is the Mustang bridge, but you really can’t easily retrofit that.
Well, maybe not then. I’m not in a rush to replace the bridge. I was mostly curious about what was to be gained from doing so. I know there are direct fits available.
I’m not in a rush to replace the bridge. I was mostly curious about what was to be gained from doing so. I know there are direct fits available.