Looking for suggestions for a replacement bridge

[GenericUserName]

I recently bought a used Stingray from Reverb and didn't realize at some point someone swapped the original bridge. (serial number comes back to a 2003 model)

I tried customer service and no luck buying a replacement bridge without mailing the original back (which I don't have and I have no way of getting. I tired the store that sold the bass to me, but made zero progress).

The string spacing is off with the current bridge and the G rides really close to the edge of the neck as you get closer to the bridge. It's not unplayable, but it's annoying.

Any suggestions for a good replacement with the correct alignment and string spacing? I've been watching Reverb and eBay hoping to see an original show up but haven't seen any yet.

Original reverb link below just in case you would like to see the bridge that's on it now.

https://reverb.com/item/80819905-ernie-ball-music-man-stingray-3-eq-h-blue-pearl-36188-with-gig-bag

 

[tbonesullivan]

Is that a Sterling by Musicman bridge that someone stuck on it? You'd really need to pull off the bridge, and see what has been done underneath it. Can't imagine why someone would do that, unless they wanted to "bling up" their Ray34 or something.

 

[GenericUserName]

Is that a Sterling by Musicman bridge that someone stuck on it? You'd really need to pull off the bridge, and see what has been done underneath it. Can't imagine why someone would do that, unless they wanted to "bling up" their Ray34 or something.

I think it's just some random generic bridge. I also have a Sterling Stingray (Ray34) and it has "Sterling" embossed on the bridge similar to how the stock bridge would have "Music Man".

It's not a bad idea to take the bridge off to see what is underneath. Hopefully it's not a horror show of extra holes drilled. I can see into where the posts should be and I can see that those holes of the bridge don't line up perfectly with the holes in the body of the bass.

 

[DrKev]

That's the kind of cheapest generic bridge that goes on the SBMM Ray4 models (and their Joe Dart model oddly enough) can be bought online for peanuts.

If Music Man won't sell you a while bridge, you'll probably not find one. Plan B...

The info I have from Music Man says standard 4-string Stingray string spacing at the bridge is 3/4" string center to string center. Grab a ruler and measure this bass and your Ray34. If the Ray34 matches the Music Man spec, contact SBMM and ask them to sell you one of those bridges. Yes, it will say "Sterling" on it but it is a much higher quality bridge and will give you the string spacing you need.

 

[nebadon]

That poor string alignment from bridge over fretboard is obvious in picture[; didn't see it?[ when looking/checking out Bass first thing I check but I am a tad OCD about that]

Surprised EBMM wouldn't help given the Story; Try again with more pleading?

Looks like normal G string alignment on SR 5'S

Their are Demo's on youtube in which players loosen neck and shift a tad to fix that problem; if bridge is actually misplaced not sure if neck shift will work

With just looking [not measuring] string spacinging seems fine but strings are slightly shifted towards treble side on fretboard causing G to be at edge of board and E to far away from edge

 

[tbonesullivan]

Yeah that definitely could also be neck pocket alignment problems. Taking off the bridge will definitely let you know what options you have. Also, while uncommon, Musicman bridges do show up on Reverb occasionally.