bridge replacement suggestions

[devindog23]

I just got a Squire VM Jazz bass to enhance my rocksmithiness. I love the bass except for the bridge which feels cheap. Any suggestions on a solid replacement? Bear in mind I will be doing the replacement myself including setup so nothing too complicated. Thanks.

[MVega]

You have to be careful about the Squire line, because the parts are sized differently from other Fender guitars -- everything just a bit smaller, I think. Maybe that's changed wtih the VM line? So make sure you get exact specs.

 

You could replace just the saddles --- slap some GraphTechs on there (if they make bass saddles). Otherwise, that's just a standard type of bridge, a simple slab of steel. It's what made Fender Fender...

[devindog23]

Thanks Marty V, what i want is something with more mass. For half the price of an mim the Squire sounded better. I'm thi king to upgrade some hardware. New bridge and pots. The pickups sound good, and tuners seem fine.

[SkepticSquid]

Unless you know what you're doing, I suggest taking it to a guitar professional. I don't really know much about replacing/changing guitars though, I've never been game enough to try it. :')

[ReiRo]

You could swap the Bridge for somethink like this:

Fender Vintage Bass Bridge

http://images.thomann.de/pics/prod/119582.jpg

 

It should fit your bass but be careful and measure before.

Just be confident and careful by replacing the parts, you can't do much wrong. If you like your current setting, make sure to write it down and set it up the way it was on your new bridge.

[devindog23]

Thanks Reiro, fixing this bass up will be diy project. I don't mind if I have to drill a few new holes. I was looking at the badass II bridge.

[Deviate]

The standard upgrade for Fender-style basses is the Leo Quan Badass Bridge, as can be seen here: http://www.bestbassgear.com/badass-bridge.htm 

 

Here's one installed on a Squier VM Jazz:

http://fenderbass.net/files/2010/09/-78502706346836090.jpg

 

It's a bit difficult to judge by comparing the picture to the VM Jazz hanging on my wall, but I'd expect that you may have to drill new holes for the mounting screws. Or perhaps not.  It's hard to tell just eyeballing it.

 

I just finished watching an awful video on YouTube with a guy that put a Badass on his fretless VM.  It looks like he just re-used the factory bridge holes, but he doesn't specify so...

[naumannf]

I will replace the bridge on my Squire Mike Dirnt Signatur this week with a Babicz bridge.

 

http://www.thomann.de/de/babicz_bass_bridge_chrom.htm

 

Greetings,

Frank

[MVega]

I will replace the bridge on my Squire Mike Dirnt Signatur this week with a Babicz bridge.

 

http://www.thomann.de/de/babicz_bass_bridge_chrom.htm

 

Greetings,

Frank

 

Well, it sure looks nice.

 

If you have to drill, put a piece of masking tape down and use a brand new drill bit. That'll  help prevent the finish from chipping (although with polyester finishes that's probably less of a problem).

 

You might have to fill the old holes before drilling the new ones.

[devindog23]

Thanks Deviate, that bridge looks nice and beefy. Looking into it now.

[devindog23]

I will replace the bridge on my Squire Mike Dirnt Signatur this week with a Babicz bridge. http://www.thomann.de/de/babicz_bass_bridge_chrom.htm Greetings,Frank

Nice! Looks like a string through body. Don't think I'm up for that kind of drilling. I'll stick with a back loader Let us know how it turns out.

[naumannf]

Nice! Looks like a string through body. Don't think I'm up for that kind of drilling. I'll stick with a back loaderLet us know how it turns out.

 

This is not a string through body bridge.

 

http://www.fullcontacthardware.com/fch-4-string-bass-bridge.htm

 

There is also a string through body version:

 

http://www.fullcontacthardware.com/fch-4-am-string-thru-bass-bridge.htm

 

But not with my squire Mike Dirnt signature bass.

 

 

I'm still waiting for my delivery - i am also waiting for a replacement for the pickups - seymour duncan SPB-3 quaterpounder.

 

http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/bass-pickups/pbass/passive/spb3_quarterpou/

[devindog23]

This is not a string through body bridge.http://www.fullcontacthardware.com/fch-4-string-bass-bridge.htmThere is also a string through body version:http://www.fullcontacthardware.com/fch-4-am-string-thru-bass-bridge.htmBut not with my squire Mike Dirnt signature bass.I'm still waiting for my delivery - i am also waiting for a replacement for the pickups - seymour duncan SPB-3 quaterpounder.http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/bass-pickups/pbass/passive/spb3_quarterpou/

The few I saw were all string through body. I'll look for a backloader. Looks to be a great hi mass bridge.

[devindog23]

Thanks for the link naumannf. Exactly what I am looking for.

[naumannf]

The bridge arrived yesterday. The replacement was done in minutes. No drilling - everything fits perfectly. Setting up the bridge was very easy - i was a bit afraight for the intonation, but it was no problem at all. With the new pickups the sound improved a lot.

[devindog23]

The bridge arrived yesterday. The replacement was done in minutes. No drilling - everything fits perfectly. Setting up the bridge was very easy - i was a bit afraight for the intonation, but it was no problem at all. With the new pickups the sound improved a lot.

Awsome, are you getting more sustain and low end? You inspired me to get a babicz in black. It's on the way! I love how the saddles sit on the plate. And revolutionary design to adjust string hight. Can't wait! :-)Also, did you install the pickups yourself?

[naumannf]

Sustain is now somwhat of endless - if you like this. For me it implies, that i have to do more muting. The sound is a lot more punchier (great für punk) whith a better attack. Because of the reason i made the replacement of bridge, pickups and strings (erny balls super slinky) in one place, i cannot say, which part is responsible for the change in character. I realized, that the loudness of D and G strings seems a bit lower. Maybe i have to adjust the pickups a bit.

 

Yes, i installed the pickups myself. But this is no great deal if you are a little experienced whith a soldering iron. On my P bass there are only two wires to connect.

[devindog23]

Nice, I expect mine on Mon. Can't wait. Not brave enough yet to try changing my own pickups.

[devindog23]

The Babicz bridge is a perfect fit. 10 min to install and adjust. Much sustain, and pretty. :-D

Having issues posting pics from my mobile, but thanks naumannf.

[naumannf]

You're welcome - wish you a lot of fun with it.