ABM Bridge or BadassII on 4003/4001?

[fourstringfrank]

Hi friends...I have noticed that there is quite a lot of talking about the HIPSHOT replacement bridge on both this forum and even on the official RIC site.
I just wonder have anyone of you tried to put a ABM bridge...like the one thats on the 4004 bass on a regular 4003/4001?
And if so is it a easy mod to do and does it working well?
Input on the BadassII bridge are welcome also.....myself have tried the HIPSHOT on my 4003 and on this bass it works excellent....but when I buyed another HIPSHOT to put on my 4001c64s....some weird things happened.
1.I got saddle wobbles.
2.I couldnt get the action as low as whit the stock bridge....I dont understand a thing really ....can it has something to be whit that the freatboard on my 4001c64s could be cut different than on my 4003 ....and yes I allways adjust my RIC Basses whit the neck as straight as possible.
Best Dan.
Rock on....

[cheyenne]

I dont like the ABM.

I replaced the ABM on my CII and Laredo with Hipshots style "A" bridge. Much better bridge in my opinion.

[incubus2432]

I agree with Scott about the Hipshot over the ABM.....I swap 'em out on my 4004s as well.

For a 4001/4003 I'd stick with Hipshot direct replacement for aesthetic reasons. I'd work with Hipshot about any issues you've had......their customer service has been great the few times I've dealt with 'em. Just a thought.

[woodyng]

i really like the abm on my cii,if they were still making them,it might seem a good factory option for a 4003. a great example of that is dane's cii that he modified to look like a 4001/3 except it has the original bridge-it's a great looking bass. (currently on ebay still i think). i myself would still much rather have a replacement that did not require all the woodworking and new holes drilled.......

[aceonbass]

ABM is back in business, but the unit used on the 4004 cannot be adjusted for the narrower spacing on the 4001/4003, nor will it cover the routes left by the stock part. The BadAss part won't cover the routes either. Some folks like to just change out parts and screw stuff onto their Ricks anyway. I can modify the stock tailpiece/bridge for less than the cost of the trademark infringing Hipshot part.

[gearhed289]

I had a Schaller roller bridge on my 4003S for a few years. I've always liked those bridges, and have had them on many basses over the years. I think that's what they're putting on new 4004 basses now. Anyway, the biggest pain is putting a block of wood in the big route under the stock bridge, and then getting some type of "surround" to hide it. Other than that, once it was on, it worked great. The only reason I took it off was because Hipshot came out with their direct replacement bridge.

[ianmatth]

I don't like the ABM on my 2005 4004L. If I decide to keep it, I'll put in an Audere preamp and change the bridge to either a Hipshot or BAdAss. My 2008 4004Cii has a Schaller bridge, and I like that better (wouldn't change it), but I put a BadAssII on a Fender Jazz and really like it. I also have a Fernandes Gravity 5 Deluxe with a BadAssV. I was thinking about using a BadAss for my 4003 project, but decided to go with a Ric replacement Hipshot Brass. I've also heard good things about the Hipshot A-style (could be a great choice for a 4004).