Hipshot 5-String Bass Bridge

Rebuilding a bass and adding a string-through body feature was fun but the added stability, adjustability, sustain and tone that this bridge added is not to be understated. Well worth the price. Very solidly built and a fine upgrade to an inexpensive stock bridge.

I bought this bridge as a replacement for the MIM Fender bridge on my 5-string Jazz bass. I have many years of experience in the guitar repair trade, and I am able to do this procedure with a seasoned-pro's expertise. But for a beginner, I don't think that Hipshot provides enough instruction for proper bridge placement and alignment. Installers beware: the holes in the Fender bridge plate may not line-up with the Hipshot's mounting holes. You need to evaluate carefully for proper intonation considerations. The Hipshot did cover-up the Fender's old screw holes, which is nice. It is very important to note that with the Hipshot's adjustable spacing I was able to align the strings properly over the pickup magnets and fingerboard. However, the spacing needed to be "squeezed" inward all the way in order for a proper fit. I could see a scenario where a player might want an even tighter spacing profile, and this bridge only allows for a wide spacing, even at it's most narrow settings. Other criticisms are: the springs on the E & B string's saddles needed to be cut in half (shortened) in order to allow for the saddles to be adjusted back far enough for proper intonation. Furthermore, these main saddle screws have 'fragile' threads, prone to cross-threading and poor operation. This is especially annoying for a screw that needs to operate easily and effectively. Overall though, it is a sleek bridge and it is adjustable within the parameters that are needed. The mere fact that you can easily install and remove the strings without fishing them through holes in the bridge is worth the price of the bridge. Just make sure you know what you're doing when you position the bridge for installation.

This review will be short, because I already put one on my 4 string. Harmonics, cleaner; overall tone, hi-fi, almost piano like. Don't buy a new bass, buy a new bridge.

This bridge allows you to have perfect notation and alignment of the strings with the pickups!

I've made a few 5 string basses now using these bridges and they are great. Finish has lasted well on all 3 finishes. Sustains great. Solid as a rock. Yes, a little bit more than you pay for other bridges but with solid brass and excellent workmanship - worth the money for a high end product.

I've set it and played with no picks yet. but the sustain is great. only its plate cover has worn out a bit, being in its plastic bag. hope it does not get worse.

I bought the gold bride for my first build and it is a nice piece of equipment, but I'm mad that I had to pay $120 for it! The only other frustration, which was minor, was the fact that when you tighten the screw for the string spacing, it pulls the spacer in the same direction that you tighten the screw. This was a MAJOR setback...like 5 minutes. Overall a great product.