New hipshot bridge...advice please..

marty · Post by **marty** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 2:47 am

I just received a new Hipshot bridge and just need a bit of advice regarding the chrome in one particular area or the lack of it.

If you look at this picture,in the area where the screws protrude through the bridge there is an area which looks a bit odd to me as though there is no chrome....what do you think?

The are feels smooth, but just wondering if this is going to be a problem with area becoming tarnished or something.

ricosound · Post by **ricosound** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 3:03 am

I wouldn't worry since this area will be filled with strings, dust, and finger goo. I just looks like the plating didn't get down that surface as well, and the pocket couldn't be polished. It will look fine installed.

zoomduck · Post by **zoomduck** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 1:11 pm

From my experience Hipshot has good customer service . Maybe send them the photo ? That tailpiece will transform your RIC into a tone machine !!!!

bobcat · Post by **bobcat** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 2:00 pm

About how much heavier do those things make the bass? Is it like an extra pound? Or only half a pound?

jps · Post by **jps** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 3:58 pm

It's about 1/2 lb. I too, wouldn't worry about the finish as that is a tough area to polish. Before you know it, the hairballs will hide it anyway.

marty · Post by **marty** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:45 pm

I got the bridge installed..it's a serious piece of kit!

Intonation is spot on and adjustment is a piece of cake

It's certainly weighty but reassuringly so and it definately does add a more positive vibe tonewise and the beauty of it all is no permanent alterations needed to put the bridge in place.

I was going to wait and see what RIC have up their sleeves with the new bridge, but I heard so many good things about the Hipshot.

When the new RIC bridge does come out I'm sure it will be great and I'll probably get one for my 4001.....big thumbs up to the Hipshot for the time being though

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 5:03 am

Exactly why I got one, too. They put the effort in to make it resemble the original & line up with the original screw holes. I'd never put something on a Rick that required major changes such as routing out part of the body.
I'd rather live with poor intonation, & none of mine are particularly far off with the original RIC piece.

dwade · Post by **dwade** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:02 am

Like to see a pic of the body with that puppy on it, Martin. Looks more satin than the ric Chrome plating is.

dwade · Post by **dwade** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 1:43 pm

Pics mounted?

marty · Post by **marty** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:03 pm

Here you go Dave:

www.emkay.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/mb001.jpg
www.emkay.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/mb002.jpg
www.emkay.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/mb003.jpg
www.emkay.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/mb004.jpg

dwade · Post by **dwade** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 5:20 am

Thanks Martin, beautiful bass btw...thats a much better trimmer look than the stock bridge IMO.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 7:35 am

I echo the beautiful bass compliment. The maple grain is really nice and the burst blend is spot on. Fine looking bass.

Now you've got me thinking on the Hipshot - I noticed Saturday the end of the bridge on my 2004 4003 is lifting just a bit....

bobcat · Post by **bobcat** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 8:45 am

Argh, when will the new Ric bridge be out?! I wanna see which one is better . . .

geddeeee · Post by **geddeeee** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 9:21 am

The Hipshot looks fantastic. And it's a Monty Brown. I think Martin just sold me on that bridge. It will look great on my Monty too!!

green_us90 · Post by **green_us90** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 3:23 pm

I like my hipshot very much.

http://fenderforum.com/userphotos/index.html?recid=29571