Bass VI bridge manufacturer

[Krayuns]

I just received word from John from Staytrem that he hasn't forgotten about the Bass VI bridge, but that he simply is too busy at the moment to make it happen.

[Krayuns]

I got this email from John from Staytrem:

I now have a Fender Pawn Shop six string bass.

My first observation is that the strings are in contact with the rear upstanding section of the channel, this is obviously undesirable. If I were to increase the width of the channel, as previously suggested, this will only make this problem worse. The angle of the strings between the bridge and tailpiece is much steeper than on the Jaguar and Jazzmaster.
The easiest solution to this would be to reverse the bridge, so that the intonation adjusting screws are at the front, and then reduce the height of the upstand at the rear.
Do you think that the average six string bass enthusiast would find this acceptable, I have noted your negative comment about this where Fender have reversed the bridge.
The other solution would be to make the saddles bigger thus raising the strings slightly, although this would change the appearance.

Do you know of any problems with the standard string spacing of 55mm, does this need to be changed.

I would welcome you opinions on these issues and if there is anything else that needs to be addressed.

Thanks and
Best Regards
John

What do you guys think? The most important thing for me is being able to intonate properly without doing all sorts of mods. I also think Mustang saddles (obviously saddles that can accommodate up to .095 gauge strings on the low E) is a good idea. What about string spacing?

[etokle]

Count me in as 100% in need of this. The stock bridge on the PS CANNOT be intonated.

Exciting to see so many passionate Bass VI threads going on.

[*J*]

I'm fine with the string spacing on my CS Bass VI, however i don't have mustang saddles on there. I have the bridge from my jazzmaster, which i believe is the same as the stock Bass VI bridge. so being that the saddles are threaded i guess one could "adjust" the spacing to their liking, to a point.
as far as appearance, I'm not concerned in the least. as long as I'm able to intonate it, and it has great tone and hopefully better sustain. having said that, I have come so close to perfect intonation, and spent some time getting there(combination of neck angle(shims)/neck relief/bridge height/saddle height/position), that I'd probably not change a thing just yet. also, use of the mute with a Staytrem bridge would mean alot as i use the mute quite frequently.
I am still exited about a well built and improved replacement bridge for a Bass VI that would make future adjustment easier and faster. and maybe even improve the tone and sustain. EDIT: nothing to improve on the tone actually. I love the tone of my bass VI. should've said, as long as it DOESN'T alter the tone
I envision an "offset" bridge that when installed would sit at an angle, moving the low E side back towards the trem(post on the Low E side would have to be moved towards the front), I think then you could intonate the low E and A strings witout too much fuss, but then the mute is out of the question. with the back side of the base plate lowered so the strings wouldn't touch.
but I'll leave the specifics to a smarter person

[hachikid]

count me in as a buyer of a proper bass vi bridge...

[SalsaDestroyer]

What do you guys think? The most important thing for me is being able to intonate properly without doing all sorts of mods. I also think Mustang saddles (obviously saddles that can accommodate up to .095 gauge strings on the low E) is a good idea. What about string spacing?

Good to hear, Krayuns! As for me, I don't care a thing about looks, so long as the thing will work. I'd rather listen to the engineer's suggestions than get stuck on formalities like how it looks or vintage spec.

I would think the traditional string spacing of 55mm would be fine.


And he can definitely count me in as a buyer.

[2fLAz]

count me in too
more for aesthetic matter as I can intonate the PS with no issue (with mod provided by one of our forumates)

[Average]

Count me in.

[stewthom]

I'd definitely be in for this--my VI is a CIJ from last year with a 7.25 radius.

[SalsaDestroyer]

Any of you guys have suggestions regarding the string spacing? Good as is or should it be closer? How much?

[Krayuns]

I'd definitely be in for this--my VI is a CIJ from last year with a 7.25 radius.

Don't the Japanese reissues have the vintage correct 1" wide bridge base? Any issues with the strings touching the baseplate on the rear side?

[stewthom]

Don't the Japanese reissues have the vintage correct 1" wide bridge base? Any issues with the strings touching the baseplate on the rear side?

Yes, they do have the 1" bridge base. My low E won't intonate on it, however, and the saddle has to be so far back on the bridge that the saddle screw starts hitting the low E string. The string is actually less sharp with a Mastery bridge than with the original.

[whatisdust]

I'm interested to see these...

[Drewbertca]

I got this email from John from Staytrem:

I now have a Fender Pawn Shop six string bass.

My first observation is that the strings are in contact with the rear upstanding section of the channel, this is obviously undesirable. If I were to increase the width of the channel, as previously suggested, this will only make this problem worse. The angle of the strings between the bridge and tailpiece is much steeper than on the Jaguar and Jazzmaster.
The easiest solution to this would be to reverse the bridge, so that the intonation adjusting screws are at the front, and then reduce the height of the upstand at the rear.
Do you think that the average six string bass enthusiast would find this acceptable, I have noted your negative comment about this where Fender have reversed the bridge.
The other solution would be to make the saddles bigger thus raising the strings slightly, although this would change the appearance.

Do you know of any problems with the standard string spacing of 55mm, does this need to be changed.

I would welcome you opinions on these issues and if there is anything else that needs to be addressed.

Thanks and
Best Regards
John

What do you guys think? The most important thing for me is being able to intonate properly without doing all sorts of mods. I also think Mustang saddles (obviously saddles that can accommodate up to .095 gauge strings on the low E) is a good idea. What about string spacing?

Personally I like the idea of reversing the bridge and lowering the "upstand". I think it would be awesome of the 1" bridge plate would be available on it's own as I like the saddles and spacing that came stock on my PS VI. I think for me it would be for aesthetics more so than for intonation (reversing the bridge on mine got me there). If the price were right I'd be in for sure.

[andrewnelles]

Any updates on this? I'm having similar issues with my pawn shop Bass VI bridge. Looking for replacement options.