Hipshot Replacement bridge redux

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 4:55 am

Well, I just finally got the opportunity to play out with my 4001 with the Hipshot installed, & it made a big difference in the sound.
I've used it at practice, but it's not at the same level as our stage volume, so I couldn't really give it a full appreciation 'til now.
The mids stand out much more clearly. The guitar player commented on how much it stood out on stage.
Bear in mind that this '77 4001 was fairly trashed & now has SD pickups & sounded quite dark before installing the new bridge/tailpiece.
I have RIC higains on the way courtesy of Mr. Sergio Silva (many thanks!), so soon I will get to hear it as it was meant to sound, but I must say the Hipshot was well worth installing (thanks Ron!).

alanz · Post by **alanz** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:06 am

Yep, and they are easier to adjust and look better, too.

ghs_boomer · Post by **ghs_boomer** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 1:41 pm

I'm working on getting one my self, as soon as i start getting paid!!

zoomduck · Post by **zoomduck** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 1:52 pm

Hipshot........There is no substitute !!!!!!!!!

jps · Post by **jps** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 2:46 pm

"Hipshot........There is no substitute !!!!!!!!!"

Well, a new bridge design from RIC would be a nice substitute!

I do like the Hipshot on my 4003FL very much, but I got it as I needed a greater range of intonation adjustment than the stock bridge offered.

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 4:02 pm

Umm, if there are no frets or markers, what's to intonate? Ok, maybe they have markers, I don't know. It just struck me odd is all.

jps · Post by **jps** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 4:49 pm

When I intonate a fretless bass, I check the 12th position harmonic against the fretted note at that position to get them to match up as I press down on the string.

alanz · Post by **alanz** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 5:17 pm

I suppose it allow for lining up the finger positions for each string, too, yes?

jps · Post by **jps** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 1:59 am

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 3:30 am

You're welcome, Kevin. I'll try and ship the pickups tomorrow morning. Regards.

teeder · Post by **teeder** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 3:31 am

I really want a new bridge for my gigging V63. There's a lot of lift to the original bridge, and I think it's soaking up my sustain and tone. Been holding out for the new version, but may have to go with the Hipshot if the RIC bridge doesn't come out soon.

rickaddict · Post by **rickaddict** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 4:04 am

"Yep, and they are easier to adjust and look better, too."

Well, I don't know about that, Alan. What looks cooler than a 4001 bridge/tailpiece?

Excluding hot chicks and '57 Chevys....NOTHING!!

jayfbv · Post by **jayfbv** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 6:35 am

Question for Cole: Can you lower the bridge pieces too low? The last time I looked into it, Hipshot was quoting a minimum string height off the deck of the instrument that seemed a noogie too high. Thanks ahead.

alanz · Post by **alanz** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 6:56 am

I can adjust the bridge height on mine with a precision of 0.5 noogies.

bobcat · Post by **bobcat** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 10:01 am

When is Rickenbacker's new bridge projected to be done? I don't wanna spend money on the Hipshot only to have Ric come out with an "official" replacement bridge . . .