Hipshot bridge discontinued?

basse · Post by **basse** » Wed May 23, 2007 9:08 am

Anyone know if the Hipshot bridge would be an exact fit on my 4002?

I'm assuming it will be since it uses a standard Ric bridge... But before I go and order one to try out, it'd be great to have some kind of confirmation from the experts on the board!

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Wed May 23, 2007 9:12 am

The hipshot has the same footprint as the 4003. I would assume it would be the same on a 4002.

teeder · Post by **teeder** » Wed May 23, 2007 9:33 am

I was told by someone at Hipshot that they thought the aluminum bridge sounded better. Closer to a traditional "Rick" tone. I'm sure that would depend on the individual.

I may buy one while I can. I would prefer an up-dated Rick version, but I don't want to wait. This will go on my FG V63 since the bridge lift is significant.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Wed May 23, 2007 10:34 am

I got one on my '97 4003. If anything, it has "enhanced" the "Rick" tone. Its done nothing to take away the "Rick" tone.

Mine is brass.

woodyng · Post by **woodyng** » Thu May 24, 2007 5:39 am

the 4002 bridge is exactly the same one used on countless 4000 series-so the hipshot should fit it.i had a replacement bridge on my 4002-it may have been a starz,but it was a direct replacment for the long-standing 4000 series bridge.

woodyng · Post by **woodyng** » Thu May 24, 2007 5:46 am

sorry for double-post,the bridge i had was a simple bent fndr-esque flat chrome. it had a lot of adustability,and was the most intonatable rick bass i had owned,till i got my cii...and the bass sounded great with it...

lucky · Post by **lucky** » Thu May 24, 2007 6:38 am

If the hipshot unit is discontinued,will Mr.Hall turn his attention to the Allparts version.

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Thu May 24, 2007 7:50 am

I'm sure the AllParts version will be hit with a cease and decist notice at exactly the same time.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Thu May 24, 2007 8:48 am

I'm sure the AllParts version will be his with a cease and decist notice at exactly the same time.

All Parts was give notice some time back. Combine that with my statement that the main reason one files for trademark registration is to allow a case to be filed in Federal Court . . . well, read between the lines.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Thu May 24, 2007 11:41 am

A guy made the mistake of eating some raw pork and wound up with trichinosis. When his employer found out, he was ordered to decyst.

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Thu May 24, 2007 11:43 am

...ba dump bump! Gary, you should really be on the stage. Next one leaves in 10 minutes.

mfb · Post by **mfb** » Thu May 24, 2007 2:49 pm

It's funny you know. A friend of mine has one which has tail lift, but my 4003 doesn't.

I think it could have something to do with the string gauge he used and how high the bridge was set which increased the lever arm effect a bit.

It seems to me the string anchoring point is set a little too far back in the tailpiece. In my opinion if the anchoring point was set a little further forward (towards the bridge and anchoring points)in the same design, lift wouldn't occur regardless of string gauge or bridge height.

nattiep · Post by **nattiep** » Thu May 24, 2007 3:13 pm

I think the hipshot bridge need the same footprint. Sure, some say it could just be a normal bridge put in and could still cover up the mute holes. I think the rest of the tailpiece needs to be there to cover up the space in the binding where the neck is. I never knew the binding wasn't one line til I looked at my bass. Not like it's a major thing, but still, if the binding goes around the body wings and up the neck why should the space where it isn't show? It would ruin the whole look.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu May 24, 2007 5:26 pm

yep a square footprint won't cover the holes in the wood ... so a replacement bridge needs to be the same footprint or a similar footprint ...

that is one of the things I really like about the 4004 basses ... they don't have that cumbersome tailpiece/bridge ...

I remember the good old days when you could buy a TRC from a Ric dealer for a few bucks, you could buy a horseshoe pickup for a few bucks, you could actually buy a 5 string bass from Rickenbacker ... or an 8 string bass ...

those were the good old days ...

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Thu May 24, 2007 7:10 pm

By a square footprint, I think what is meant is one that's wide enough at the front to cover the route and then is the same width at the rear. It's as simple as that. It could also be shorter like the 4004 bridges. I don't know why people argue this point with J.H.. It's so obvious. He/RIC always wins these things. To say that the Hipshot part looks nothing like the RIC part and then nit pick things like saddle design and the lack of a mute is totally missing the point. The Hipshot shape TRADES on the RIC shape so that it will SELL to people who don't like the BadAss look of the 70's. If it weren't for certain unscrupulous companies and individuals trying to rip off RIC trademarks, we'd STILL be able to buy truss rod covers and horseshoe pickups.