lowest seup for a new high mass bridge

Oct 17, 2008
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I want to replace the standard jazz bass bridge with a high mass 4 string bridge. I have read that a lot of these replacement bridges have a higher string setup from the thicker bridge plate. Some speak of routing out the body to lower that action and some say they are shimming the neck higher. I don't want to do either of those solutions. So, I ask, which brand/model of high mass bridges, if any, offer the lowest string setup without any further modifications. I actually have a 32" scale URSA J bass. Also, any opinions on the high mass 4 string bass bridge from Rondo Music?
 
I totally understand what you're saying, especially about routing.

But, I think you are very likely to need to use a "rear pocket" shim with a high mass bridge. All a rear pocket shim is, is a piece or two of business card-width cardstock cut to the width of the pocket placed in the pocket nearest the bridge. Usually about 1/2" is wide enough. Definitely not a permanent or complex modification.

That small piece of cardstock will tip the back of the neck up enough to keep the strings off the fretboard.

Best of luck, Bob
 
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thanks all. I understand about all the options for modifying the new bridges. What I am asking is if there are any brands/models of the high mass bridges that offer the lowest setup. You know, like maybe the Gotoh (just an example) might offer a lower setup from the start. If no, then I guess they all require some some shim or routing. Maybe one of them might have a thinner base plate like the original bridge and the mass is put into the tail section and saddles?
 
The specific gravity (sg) of cast zinc is between 6.9 and 7.2; for cast brass the sg is 8.4 to 8.7; and for steel of any kind the sg is 7.7 to 7.83.

Based on those numbers you want a cast brass bridge to get the highest mass packed into as little space as possible. As it happens Fender does make a cast brass high mass bridge: Fender 007-5124-000 Chrome American Series RH P/Jazz Bass Upgrade Bridge Assembly
Just because brass is the densest metal from which bridges are normally made doesn't make the referenced bridge the heaviest though, other bridges have side rails that add to the mass and may make for higher mass. For your purposes, I suspect this is what you want though. It is however a 3 screw mount and won't drop into most bases.
 
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interesting. As far 3 screws, I assume all the holes from before would be under the new bridge. If not, a little black magic marker and some filler works for me instead of a whole new paint job. :) Anybody have any good opinion on what high mass bridge would be good for my bass? Is that Rondo Music high mass bridge good?
 
Here is Hipshot's brass high mass bridge, it does have a Fender 5 hole mount AND side rails:
4 String B Style w/Fender Mount > Store > Hipshot Products.
If you get it w/o the string through option, it will have even more mass. This bridge is a drop in replacement. I can't speak to the advisability of a neck shim on any high mass bridge, I only use the Fender bent plates myself.
 
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