The only things I care about on a bridge are: 1. The quality of the saddle set screws. I like them to operate smoothly snd I prefer a hex size a little larger than those found on so many budget basses. 2. Slots for those screws where they contact the bridge to keep them stable. Great video. Funny how a bass built from mostly the cheapest parts just comes together as a unit - though not always.
Thanks for watching! I hear you about the hex size - my hipshot bridges (and this Fender) use the 0.05 imperial which doesn't always come in a multi-allen set. It's so tiny! Leo got a lot of things right!
There aren’t many channels that apply this level of professionalism to short scale basses. Bravo!! When I started covering bass in the 00’s, I was surprised how many of my favorite players used short scales, especially live. And now with Ukulele Basses it’s just exploded and people are starting to realize that electric bass doesn’t have to be big…the amp does. 🤣 If you haven’t checked out Scott Beckwith @ Birdsong Guitars, you should. He’s just as passionate about short scales. Cheers!
I have a high-mass bridge on my American ultra-jazz bass and It kills the high and scoops the mids and I don't like it now your video proves that. Thank you for the video!
Yes!! I personally prefer the vintage styled threaded saddles on a plain bent steel bridge. Ive put those on most of my fender style basses, long and short scale. I’ve never liked the sound MY fingers get from a heavy bridge. I grew up listening to Marcus and Geddy and their Badass bridges but it never worked for me in real life. The heavy bridges are incredibly well marketed, though. Thanks for watching!
Just about to order high mass bridge purely for aesthetics for my p bass and came across this video. Decided to stick with what I've got. Thank you for the comparison, could have lost my treble and £65 in one go. Now subscribed.
Thanks for watching! I can't honestly say this effect is consistent across all high mass bridges. I bought my first Leo Quan Badass II maybe 15-20 years ago and I remember thinking...."hmm...it's lost something....". I did it because Marcus Miller had one, so naturally it must be awesome. I have since tried most bridges out there and I almost always come back to the tried and true Fender bent metal bridge with vintage-style threaded saddles. It's just what I like to hear! I filmed a similar bridge comparison video with a Squier Bronco and found that the midrange was too scooped and less complex/open sounding compared to the stock $10 bent metal bridge. But everyone likes to hear slightly different things. I will say, however, that the rounded edges and corners on the Fender high mass bridge is very nice and comfortable!
@@jonathanwong458music Thank you for taking the time out with your reply. Never say never I suppose. I'll try one out first. That's the trouble when you have GAS syndrome, there's always something you think you need.😆 Great channel. Keep them coming.
Thanks for the encouragement! Everybody likes to hear different things and the beauty of the market now is that you can pretty much optimize your instrument to what you want to hear. Diminishing returns at some point, though!
You helped me decide to stick with the stock bridge on my new MIM Player II series P-Bass. Punchier and clearer, in my opinion. High mass sounds a little muddy to me. Thanks so much!
Right on! My ear tends to gravitate towards simple bent metal bridges with threaded saddles. Keeps the midrange a little bit more open and dynamic. Thanks for watching!
Twenty plus years ago, I played in a band where I experimented with the bridge on my 1995 MIM P-Bass (which I still have and love). Much to my surprise, I found that I preferred the stock bent-metal bridge to the Leo Quan BA II that I had. I find the same true here.
Thanks for watching! I too, much prefer the bent metal bridges. I also prefer the threaded saddles. I find it opens up the midrange a bit. It’s subtle in cases, but to my ear’s preference, it’s there. Thanks for sharing your experiences!!
Very interesting. My main P bass has this exact pickup and bridge combo and have thought about doing the same to my mini. The reason I havent done this yet is honestly because I havent had the need is that this bass sounds great out of the box!
Hi Jonathan, I don't hear a massive difference but to my ears the High-Mass sounds a touch deeper and slightly more defined. Looking forward to Episode 3!
First of all, I really liked that riff you played. I did prefer the tone of the stock bent-steel bridge for the highs. However, that high-mass bridge simply looks better or meatier (but maybe not on a mini P bass). Rock on! By the way, how's winter in Winnipeg this year? I hope it isn't too cold. Take care!
Thanks for watching and for your encouragement! The high mass bridge has very nice corners (no sharp edges) but it looks huge on the mini! Last week was cold here, but it’s much more mild this week. I don’t understand the weather. Certainly wreaks havoc with bringing instruments in and out of the house!
Did you happen to do a video of the actual bridge swap ? Is it basically a direct replacement with at least some of the holes lining up ? Awesome videos by the way ! Very helpful thanks so much !
I did it with the bronco bass series. Both have a standard fender 5 screw pattern so this Fender high mass bridge was a drop in replacement! *not all Fender bridges are the same though, some of the American bridges that have a string-through option have a different screw pattern. Thanks for watching!
I like your experiments, but I think the difference is very subtle. To my ears the himass bridge did not change much sound wise. Theoretically the higher amount of inert material should deliver more sustain and clearer sound, but even the different break angles of the strings on the saddles could have a greater effect. Even taking off and putting back the strings could change the sound. And results may vary for each bass guitar. Many variables, little difference. Maybe 90% psychological?
It’s certainly not a night and day difference. Lots of little variables playing a role as you suggested. I don’t think it’s worth the $70 but tone is so subjective and personal! Thanks for watching!
I get pickguards from ebay seller earlpilanz based out of the UK. No affiliate links or any sponsorships here. Just nice people who make nice pickguards. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for watching, Kim! I think preferences are pretty split - can't say for sure what the proportions are, or which model has sold more units, but I think it does come down to personal preference! The mini and the mikro have different feeling necks and they seem to sit differently despite similar dimensions. Yes, the Squier mini uses standard Fender sized parts (except for the tuners), so bridge swaps and pickup swaps are easy if you wish to. Although, any standard PJ set would fit in the Mikro. The mikro bridge screw pattern is less common, but the tuners are more standard. If you haven't seen it, here is a link for a video I made on this exact question: ruclips.net/video/gghCLWm0gm8/видео.html
I think it can! The most important things that will determine whether you can use it live is whether it is comfortable for you to play (shape, weight, balance etc) and whether it is reliable. I cannot answer the comfort part for you, but out of the box, the Mini is useable. Most would benefit from a good setup. The hardware has been reliable for me so far! Thanks for watching and asking!
I was just about to install 2 high mass bridges on a couple of short scales basses. Thanks for saving me the work!! The OG one sounds better.
Right on! Thanks for watching!
The only things I care about on a bridge are: 1. The quality of the saddle set screws. I like them to operate smoothly snd I prefer a hex size a little larger than those found on so many budget basses. 2. Slots for those screws where they contact the bridge to keep them stable. Great video. Funny how a bass built from mostly the cheapest parts just comes together as a unit - though not always.
Thanks for watching! I hear you about the hex size - my hipshot bridges (and this Fender) use the 0.05 imperial which doesn't always come in a multi-allen set. It's so tiny!
Leo got a lot of things right!
There aren’t many channels that apply this level of professionalism to short scale basses. Bravo!! When I started covering bass in the 00’s, I was surprised how many of my favorite players used short scales, especially live. And now with Ukulele Basses it’s just exploded and people are starting to realize that electric bass doesn’t have to be big…the amp does. 🤣
If you haven’t checked out Scott Beckwith @ Birdsong Guitars, you should. He’s just as passionate about short scales. Cheers!
Thank you so much for the encouragement and for watching!
I'd love to check out Birdsongs! Just haven't had the chance to cross paths yet.
I have a high-mass bridge on my American ultra-jazz bass and It kills the high and scoops the mids and I don't like it now your video proves that. Thank you for the video!
Yes!! I personally prefer the vintage styled threaded saddles on a plain bent steel bridge. Ive put those on most of my fender style basses, long and short scale. I’ve never liked the sound MY fingers get from a heavy bridge. I grew up listening to Marcus and Geddy and their Badass bridges but it never worked for me in real life. The heavy bridges are incredibly well marketed, though.
Thanks for watching!
I noticed the same, a bit bigger low end and highs somewhat attenuated. Thanks Jonathan
I’m glad the differences are coming across RUclips audio! Thanks for watching!
Just about to order high mass bridge purely for aesthetics for my p bass and came across this video. Decided to stick with what I've got. Thank you for the comparison, could have lost my treble and £65 in one go. Now subscribed.
Thanks for watching! I can't honestly say this effect is consistent across all high mass bridges. I bought my first Leo Quan Badass II maybe 15-20 years ago and I remember thinking...."hmm...it's lost something....". I did it because Marcus Miller had one, so naturally it must be awesome. I have since tried most bridges out there and I almost always come back to the tried and true Fender bent metal bridge with vintage-style threaded saddles. It's just what I like to hear!
I filmed a similar bridge comparison video with a Squier Bronco and found that the midrange was too scooped and less complex/open sounding compared to the stock $10 bent metal bridge.
But everyone likes to hear slightly different things. I will say, however, that the rounded edges and corners on the Fender high mass bridge is very nice and comfortable!
@@jonathanwong458music Thank you for taking the time out with your reply. Never say never I suppose. I'll try one out first. That's the trouble when you have GAS syndrome, there's always something you think you need.😆 Great channel. Keep them coming.
Thanks for the encouragement! Everybody likes to hear different things and the beauty of the market now is that you can pretty much optimize your instrument to what you want to hear. Diminishing returns at some point, though!
You helped me decide to stick with the stock bridge on my new MIM Player II series P-Bass. Punchier and clearer, in my opinion. High mass sounds a little muddy to me. Thanks so much!
Right on! My ear tends to gravitate towards simple bent metal bridges with threaded saddles. Keeps the midrange a little bit more open and dynamic.
Thanks for watching!
Good assessment - thanks again!
Always ready for bass information!!!👍🇨🇱
Lifelong learner here! Right on, thanks so much for watching!
Twenty plus years ago, I played in a band where I experimented with the bridge on my 1995 MIM P-Bass (which I still have and love). Much to my surprise, I found that I preferred the stock bent-metal bridge to the Leo Quan BA II that I had. I find the same true here.
Thanks for watching! I too, much prefer the bent metal bridges. I also prefer the threaded saddles. I find it opens up the midrange a bit. It’s subtle in cases, but to my ear’s preference, it’s there. Thanks for sharing your experiences!!
Very interesting. My main P bass has this exact pickup and bridge combo and have thought about doing the same to my mini. The reason I havent done this yet is honestly because I havent had the need is that this bass sounds great out of the box!
Right on! If you’re happy with it out of box, no need to fuss around with mods! It’s awesome when it’s great from the start! Thanks for watching!
I like the stock bridge better.
I do too! Thanks for watching and sharing!
Hi Jonathan, I don't hear a massive difference but to my ears the High-Mass sounds a touch deeper and slightly more defined. Looking forward to Episode 3!
Thanks for watching! It’s definitely not a night and day difference/improvement . I don’t think it’s worth the cost of the heavy bridge (for me).
I also thought that the sound of the bent metal bridge was better. I like a little bite in my bass tones and that hit the sweet spot for me.
Right on! Simple bent metal and threaded saddles are my go to bridges. More open sounding. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the vid! Bought the bridge…
Right on! Hope you enjoy the tonal results! Thanks for watching!
Oh yeah .
Thanks for watching!
First of all, I really liked that riff you played. I did prefer the tone of the stock bent-steel bridge for the highs. However, that high-mass bridge simply looks better or meatier (but maybe not on a mini P bass). Rock on!
By the way, how's winter in Winnipeg this year? I hope it isn't too cold. Take care!
Thanks for watching and for your encouragement! The high mass bridge has very nice corners (no sharp edges) but it looks huge on the mini!
Last week was cold here, but it’s much more mild this week. I don’t understand the weather. Certainly wreaks havoc with bringing instruments in and out of the house!
We got almost no snow this past winter in southern Ontario. Lots of rain in its place. Only one cold snap lasting 12 days.
Did you happen to do a video of the actual bridge swap ? Is it basically a direct replacement with at least some of the holes lining up ? Awesome videos by the way ! Very helpful thanks so much !
I did it with the bronco bass series. Both have a standard fender 5 screw pattern so this Fender high mass bridge was a drop in replacement!
*not all Fender bridges are the same though, some of the American bridges that have a string-through option have a different screw pattern.
Thanks for watching!
Hi Jonathan! On my way to get this mini bass
Good luck with the purchase! I hope you like it. Thanks for watching and sharing!
Stock bridge is best
I agree! Stock bridge is functional and sounds just fine!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I like your experiments, but I think the difference is very subtle. To my ears the himass bridge did not change much sound wise. Theoretically the higher amount of inert material should deliver more sustain and clearer sound, but even the different break angles of the strings on the saddles could have a greater effect. Even taking off and putting back the strings could change the sound. And results may vary for each bass guitar. Many variables, little difference. Maybe 90% psychological?
It’s certainly not a night and day difference. Lots of little variables playing a role as you suggested. I don’t think it’s worth the $70 but tone is so subjective and personal! Thanks for watching!
I name your demo track "funky wrench"
Love it! Thanks for watching!
where did you buy the red pickguard?
I get pickguards from ebay seller earlpilanz based out of the UK. No affiliate links or any sponsorships here. Just nice people who make nice pickguards.
Thanks for watching!
Does everyone like this mini vs the mikro. Is the mini more to easily to find upgrade parts. Thanking you in advance , Kim
Thanks for watching, Kim! I think preferences are pretty split - can't say for sure what the proportions are, or which model has sold more units, but I think it does come down to personal preference! The mini and the mikro have different feeling necks and they seem to sit differently despite similar dimensions. Yes, the Squier mini uses standard Fender sized parts (except for the tuners), so bridge swaps and pickup swaps are easy if you wish to. Although, any standard PJ set would fit in the Mikro. The mikro bridge screw pattern is less common, but the tuners are more standard.
If you haven't seen it, here is a link for a video I made on this exact question:
ruclips.net/video/gghCLWm0gm8/видео.html
@@jonathanwong458music I watched it twice and will do a third time. Thank you..
Thanks for watching! A few more episodes in the series to come!
😀
Thanks for watching!
stock bridge tone better
I agree! Thanks for watching!
Can I play rock songs and go on stage with this song?
I think it can! The most important things that will determine whether you can use it live is whether it is comfortable for you to play (shape, weight, balance etc) and whether it is reliable. I cannot answer the comfort part for you, but out of the box, the Mini is useable. Most would benefit from a good setup. The hardware has been reliable for me so far!
Thanks for watching and asking!
It’s sounds the same to me
Thanks for watching and commenting!
For me, hi-mass with flats. . .my favorite = ETS
Tone is so personal! Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
Never heard of Nate Mendel . . . Dont think this mod makes any difference
Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts!