Question SBMM SUB fanatic - need advice on new bridge

[stingray_guy]

Hi all!

I'm sure everyones aware by now I'm like the biggest fanboy ever of SBMM for producing these SUB Rays, I love my bass but more recently I've been looking into making her better than she is even now. I've been looking at upgrading electronics etc, and decided to stick with the stock pup as I kinda like it but I'm going to build a DIY 2 band preamp that's pretty close to the old pre-EBs, to give me more of that tone. The tuners etc I'm going to leave as they are, mine are really good and stay in tune forever so I said to myself 'if it aint broke don't fix it'.

The one thing I want to do is upgrade the bridge. As I'm sure your aware I posted in the forum a few weeks ago saying how I went on some idiotic moment screw tightening sprees and some screws holding the bridge now turn endlessly. I was going to take the stock bridge off and dowel rod the holes and start from scratch and refit the bridge back in place. Then I had the idea to change the bridge to one of the downsized bridges EBMM use, as I'm not gunna lie to you SBMM, these OLP bridges aren't much on the eye, but I understand costs need to be saved somewhere.

I've found a chinese supplier on Ali Express who sells the hardtail bridges similar to what's found on EBMM basses, the ones with the big bolts for better sustain. See here a link;

Free shipping CHROME HIGH QUALITY BASS GUITAR BRIDGE FOR MUSIC MAN STYLE GUITAR WHOLESALE +RETAIL-in Guitar Parts & Accessories from Sports & Entertainment on Aliexpress.com
(Sorry if the link doesn't work, I'm on my Blackberry so let me know and Ill redo it on my laptop)

I figured I've got as much chance of a rocking horse doing a number 2 in my lap before one of the originals come up on eBay, so Ill go with this. Its only about £10, and the postage will take about a month from China, so I might just order it and see what I get, can always sell it on, but I wanted you guys advice. Would the fact that the bridge is being held in by two huge bolts and 3 screws be better than just 5 screws alone? I thought the bolts will have more of an effect.

Also, (if SBMM could answer this that would be great) does the stain finish cover the entire body? Where its quite a large OLP bridge on there at the moment, if I put the sized down bridge on there I won't be exposing any unfinished areas will I? My bass is a beaut and I want her to stay that way!

Thanks to everyone in advance,

Dan

 

[AnthonyD]

Dude... Wrong place to ask.

 

[stingray_guy]

Hi Anthony, what makes you say its the wrong place to ask? I'm sure there's tonnes of guys here who are well specced up on this kinda thing, aslo Brian Martin (SBMM membername) often answers any questions anyone has about the SUBs and Ray34s etc. They're customer service is as good as EBMM! Thanks for your input though man, just trying to work out wether it would be worth it. Also, where would be a good place to post if you don't mind me asking? I'm not registered with Talkbass or Basschat etc though

 

[SBMM]

Hi Anthony, what makes you say its the wrong place to ask?

It's not!

Yes, the body is totally finished. Honestly, I think that all of our instruments are an excellent platform for an sort of mods, and I would also encourage them. Just keep in mind any mods do void our warranty

If you do mod, Do The Right Thing and totally document your modification with part numbers, suppliers, and, most importantly, PICTURES so that you can share all this work with others. You might get some better information, and you also might help others who are attempting the same sort of thing as you.

 

[SBMM]

Dude... Wrong place to ask.

Anthony, lighten up bro! He's just asking for some help and a few questions. It's this sort of thing that makes the world a better place. I'm also happy to answer questions when I can, even if it's my day off! That's what we're here for

 

[Soulkeeper]

Some guitar manufacturers, like "Gibbons" and "Richenbaker", hate it when people modify their instruments. They (in particular the latter) seem to seize every available opportunity to sue their customers. While I sort of understand their need to protect their "intellectual property", I don't quite understand why they have to be so arsehaulish about it.

Luckily for us, MM is not among those guitar manufacturers. It seems MM understands a thing or two that their competitors do not, not only about instruments but also about people and culture.

I get where AnthonyD's coming from: On many forums, especially the official brand endorsed forums, these sort of questions would be taboo, and possibly result in the thread being closed, the user being banned, etc.

 

[stingray_guy]

It's not!

Yes, the body is totally finished. Honestly, I think that all of our instruments are an excellent platform for an sort of mods, and I would also encourage them. Just keep in mind any mods do void our warranty

If you do mod, Do The Right Thing and totally document your modification with part numbers, suppliers, and, most importantly, PICTURES so that you can share all this work with others. You might get some better information, and you also might help others who are attempting the same sort of thing as you.

hi SBMM!

thanks for the reply! I love these instruments, just wanna make mine even better and take that OLP bridge off, becaus I'm not fond of them. Do you think the bridge I've found is suitable? I understand I'll have to drill the body slightly for the bushings but that's within my capabilities. I also understand it'll void the warranty don't worry. I'm not worried, this bass is outstanding they don't need warranties! Thanks for the help SBMM, I think it's great that you provide this kind of customer service.

Anthony, I too see where your coming from, but don't worry man it's for a good cause! I might not keep much of a diary about suppliers etc purely because I'll be the only ever player of this bass, I never sell basses I own, hence why I have Four now, but this bass is my main player and will be for years to come so I'm just looking for ways to improve on the greatness already there. And Soulkeeper, I know what you mean! I appreciate SBMM and EBMM allowing their users to mod, but then again is there really much to improve on these basses? Maybe that's why they don't mind, Im sure in the end BP already knows he's making the best basses on the planet, and Im sure he's confident that no mod will ever improve on his design. Maybe that's what other companies lack, that confidence in their designs?

Don't worry everyone, I'll keep pictures posted, with full instructions to anyone else wanting to carry this out on their bass, the links already there for anyone who wants it. Now just a 30 day wait for free postage to get it here!

thanks guys!

 

[AnthonyD]

No harm, no foul. Enjoy!