Hipshot Kickass - brass or stainless saddles, and why?

#4
Gorn said:
butts
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When I posted this back in January I had it in mind that there is plenty of butt-talk about sonic changes claimed about different materials, and I figured either everyone would avoid the controversy like they did until today, or that it'd be another popcorn thread. This was not meant to be a troll thread, it's just that I never saw any rants one way or another on this particular topic. While it'd be nice see FFT plots to back up claims, I assume that's not likely, especially because they're just talking about the saddles, and not the material of the rest of the bridge, which you'd think would play a majority role in the sound, if any.

I've always been happy with Hipshot products, so I'm actually surprised by those claims, especially when they make no such claims for their bridges that are offered in ALL brass or aluminum, not just saddles.

But again, as I hadn't seen their claims discussed, I thought I'd ask for opinions. I'm still interested to hear user experiences, but it would be nice to avoid flaming them for having a preference one way or another. The saddles are included and cheap, so it's not like anyone's getting fleeced for an opinion, FFT plots or not.
 
#5
Whether or not there is a difference in tone I can't comment but, based on the composition of brass it would seem to be a less desirable material than steel, other than for it's corrosion resistant properties. Brass is primarily composed of copper with up to 40% Zinc.

So a brass saddle (or bridge) contains a significant percentage of the primary ingredient in pot metal (Zinc). I don't think many people would think pot metal is good for much in a quality instrument.

Given the low friction quality of bronze it would seem to be a potentially better material for a bridge, or nut for that matter.

McMaster-Carr
 
#6
That's not how metallurgy works. Brass has a totally different set of properties from pot metal. They can't be compared in that way.

Also brass is a fine material. Fine as in the opposite of low or common. Like the difference between the art in a museum and the art on your fridge.

Steel and aluminum are common materials. Gold is a fine material, so is brass.

If one artist makes two identical paintings, one with dollar store paints, and one with professional paints, the one made with professional (i.e. fine) paints will generally be worth more. If one sculptor creates two identical sculptures, one made from steel and one made from brass, the one made from brass will generally be worth more. This only really applies to the arts, though.
 
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#8
cdlynch said:
When I posted this back in January I had it in mind that there is plenty of butt-talk about sonic changes claimed about different materials, and I figured either everyone would avoid the controversy like they did until today, or that it'd be another popcorn thread. This was not meant to be a troll thread, it's just that I never saw any rants one way or another on this particular topic. While it'd be nice see FFT plots to back up claims, I assume that's not likely, especially because they're just talking about the saddles, and not the material of the rest of the bridge, which you'd think would play a majority role in the sound, if any.

I've always been happy with Hipshot products, so I'm actually surprised by those claims, especially when they make no such claims for their bridges that are offered in ALL brass or aluminum, not just saddles.

But again, as I hadn't seen their claims discussed, I thought I'd ask for opinions. I'm still interested to hear user experiences, but it would be nice to avoid flaming them for having a preference one way or another. The saddles are included and cheap, so it's not like anyone's getting fleeced for an opinion, FFT plots or not.
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Hipshot provides both brass and stainless for those who think there is a sonic difference. If you think that way you will be pleased to be able to chose your favorite. If you don't think there is a difference you won't care that they offer both. Win/win.
 
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#14
NicJimBass said:
I use brass saddles on the G and D strings, and stainless on the lower 2 or 3, depending on whether it's a 4 or 5. Seems to even the tone across all the strings nicely. I play mostly dance covers, but on my own, a lot of rock. Works well for most genres.
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Same here.
 
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#15
I received my own Hipshot Kickass bridge today. And, I received a set of steel replacement inserts too.
I'll be able to try out both types and see which ones I prefer (or as commented in an earlier post, a combination of brass and steel saddles might be an option I like?).
IMG_20190608_104609.jpg
IMG_20190608_110428.jpg
 
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#17
kevin_lindsay said:
I received my own Hipshot Kickass bridge today. And, I received a set of steel replacement inserts too.
I'll be able to try out both types and see which ones I prefer (or as commented in an earlier post, a combination of brass and steel saddles might be an option I like?).
View attachment 3439917 View attachment 3439918
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How did the experiment go, brass vs steel, or combo of? I have brass on mine, and I'm thinking of trying steel for a brighter tone.
 
#18
Ned Bergerstein said:
How did the experiment go, brass vs steel, or combo of? I have brass on mine, and I'm thinking of trying steel for a brighter tone.
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I've tried both and if there is a difference I can't hear it. If you want brighter tone I think it would be far better off looking at different strings.
 
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