Babicz vs Fender HiMass Bridge

#41
ASQTec said:
You would actually have to play a bass with one of these bridges to fully understand the palm muting issue.

The point at which the strings make contact with the saddle is so deeply recessed that it is impossible for the skin of your hand to make contact with the strings to offer any usable muting. Any attempt to mute just deadens the sound because you would be making contact with the vibrating part of the string.

This problem has been documented on this forum by people who have purchased this bridge not realizing the palm muting (or any other kind of muting) issue.

If muting is not your thing, then go for it. The bridge is a fully functional work of art.
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I've never had a palm muting issue on the Babicz. Actually I find it easier because there are no saddle screw sticking out.
 
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#42
Warning: Bridge Rant

I know this is probably TB/general musician heresy, but it's been on my mind lately.

Bridges are overrated. Most stock bridges that come on an instrument nowadays are fine, and I fail to find any real positives you may get from a number of aftermarket/replacement bridges. Honestly, replacement bridges are usually worse and/or look very weird, in my opinion. The Badass (and many Hipshot replacement bridges) being a prime example, although I know it isn't being mentioned here anyway. The HiMass is a fine bridge that I wouldn't bother changing. However, I wouldn't change to a HiMass from a standard Fender bridge either. I get by just fine with an old style 2-saddle Fender bridge, to be honest. The 2-saddles along with 3 point bridges and Ric bridges for starters all get knocked, but they are fine if you just take the time to learn the differences about them.

TL;DR
I'm not too keen on the looks of the Babicz. I'm sure it's a nice piece of equipment, though. Either way, I don't think you'll get any real benefit over the HiMass with it. I wouldn't bother, personally.
 
#43
Hello everyone. Sorry for bothering, I just got one question to ask. Will Fender HiMass bridge fit my Fender Standard P-Bass? I just can't find a dimensions anywhere.
 
#46
bassplyr5150 said:
So, after reading this whole thread, the answer I would get to my question is "Don't worry about deciding between a Babicz or a BadAss II, and just enjoy the bridge on your Mike Dirnt Squire?"
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The Squier bridges are OK. The saddle height screws may have a tendency to slip. That is easily fixed with some Loctite, but it's nearly as easy to just throw a better bridge on there. I had a chrome Schaller laying around, and it went on my Squier Dirnt body rather nicely. Had to drill a couple holes, I'm fine with that and my Squiers.
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#47
ASQTec said:
Babicz makes a great bridge, but kiss your palm muting days good bye. It was a deal breaker for me.
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I've played basses with this bridge and palm muting wasn't an issue.

It probably has more to do with the palm-muting technique used. I tend to palm mute like Daric Bennett does in this video:


My palm never actually touches the bridge saddles and I pluck with my thumb and index finger.

The bigger issue - to me - is the lack of ability to top-load the strings.
 
#50
ryevick said:
I believe a bridge that makes more contact with the string in a solid way to the body will help your tone & sustain. Fender seems interested in making a 'HiMass' bridge of their own, hence the comparison. I agree about the logo being too big, without a doubt but I'm not too concerned with that.

Is this upgrade necessary on this particular guitar? Absolutely not, I'm sure it will sound fantastic right from the factory. It's just a little perk that might help.

This guy does a fair job explaining some of the benefits of the Babicz.

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