Stock Bridge vs Hipshot Kickass
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
- Yet another comparison between a bass stock bridge and the Hipshot Kickass high mass bridge. Which one do you prefer?
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the things i noticed most was the huge increase in the amount of beefiness in your e string, more tone and high overtones, and more clarity
Yeah, it definitely improves the overall sustain and clarity. Upgrade worth doing in my opinion
@@OliverTobyn yep im making this exact upgrade in about a week or teo
absolutely. if i was to buy a precision mexican i would change the stock pick ups, condenser, potentiometers and replace the bridge with this one which looks very cool by the way.
Scrolling down the comments and then Schism popped up and quickly scrolled the mousewheel to see it! Huge difference thanks for the video :)
I definitely heard a difference!
I really liked the High Mass.
your recording sounds GREAT. That is so valuable and - apparently - so hard to get right. thank you
I did prefer how the fundamentals sounded on the high mass bridge, but god damn that bass sounds great regardless
It does indeed! I've changed the pickups with the EMG GZR, just to swap around things and it sounds even better! Check out the last video I posted where I compare five bridges!
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@Royce Jaziel Instablaster ;)
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I definitely heard a difference in that high mass.
That's it - i'm getting one!
thank you for this Im now a hipshot convert and nice playing!
Thank you, I'm glad it was useful!
Thank you for using the right TOOL for the job
0:55 originally, the bridge was under a large chrome-plated cover--which is why it is so non-aesthetic. Players usually took off the cover, until Fender stop putting them on their basses.
I like the cover on mine, but will probably leave it off after I get this bridge.
I just installed one on my jazz bass and I love how it gives more bite to the tone as opposed to the regular one
What got me into high mass came about when I converted a P bass to fretless.
The barrel bridge just couldn’t adjust low enough to accommodate the reduced string height needs, without doing something drastic.
The adjustability, especially when doing mods or builds or even “Frankenstein’s” just makes life far easier.
I've been wanting to believe that improved tone from changing a bridge is hokey. Other people have said so. But I heard a difference. Not huge, but real.
I do love high mass bridges and have a bunch on my basses. However, as someone who tours a ton and fixes and repairs basses and guitars professionally, I can say that the original bridge isn't really flimsy. I've never ever had one fail on me, and sometimes I prefer the look of the original. But, it depends on what I'm into at the time! Great video, man.🥂
Thank you so much! Yeah, I guess it depends, the original bridges I've had over the years do tend to get a bit rusty and have some intonation issues at times. They're basic and they do the job, I just believe there is, and was, room for improvement, which Hipshot and other brands have done nicely!
Only an kramer p Bass i bught from e bay Had a defect Bridge, one of the "Riders" Screws have been damaged by the previous owner, so i Changes the Bridge with a hi Mass Bridge
In the Mix icdont hear that much of a difference (Doom Metal If that Matters) but IT feels better to Play with
Wow, what a difference. That's me getting one!!!
Just ordered that Bridge for my squier jazz bass along with some seymour duncun pickups. Super stoked !!! Btw : awesome bass !!!
Honestly those are the best mods you can make to a Squier
I put my new hipshot on my old squier affinity p bass and the bridge doesn't sit flush against the body of the bass. Definitely bummed 😑
@@andrewbrown1936 Swap the output jack with a switch craft and you're good to go.
I've put the Hipshot Kickass bridges on 3 - 5-string basses and the tone was way better and the b-string tension was significantly improved and 2 of them were short scale! The fact that these same bridges show up on 8000$ F-Basses should say something.
I have this bridge on my NJ Ironbird bass. I have an MK1 Ironbird bass I bought coming to me as well that will also be getting this bridge. Excellent quality. Hipshot always delivers the goods. All killa. No filla
A matter of preference. I got one to help with some neck dive, i do also like the slightly deeper tone. Didn't necessarily dislike the traditional bridge, just different.
I'm thinking about upgrade because of neck dive issue too. Can you tel what's the difference in weight between the stock bridge and KickAss ? I assume it's around x2 ? Cause I've found that the KickAss bridge weight is stated to be 234 grams(8.25 ounces).
@@yurii_chynchyk old bridge 93gm. 140gm doesn't sound a lot, but it does make a difference. Fwiw, my Ray SUB 4 also had some neck dive. I wouldn't say it is completely gone, but certainly not as noticeable.
@@1redgate8 thanks for reply. no, it’s actually quite a difference. Especially if we consider changing the tuners to more lightweight ones. In this case we can get rid of up to 200g from neck head while adding these 140 to the end of the body and I’m sure it can quite significantly change the balance of the guitar because of redistribution of the weight 🤔
@@yurii_chynchyk im thinking of getting some Hipshot light tuners...or maybe the standard ones so i don't have to drill a hole.
with hipshot it's more aggressive and wild sound, and i feel different sustain. approve !
Thanks for uploading this video❤
Immediately heard the difference. I am a big fan of brass saddles. Sound more "brash", if you will. And thank you so much for hitting the strings hard when you play. Great tone.
Not that it has anything to do with tone or performance, but I recently have been in touch with Hipshot for various things as a company. What nice, good people they are. For me it's enjoyable to use companies with with people as good as the products.
Preferred the Hipshot Kickass bridge. And nice playing dude!
Thanks for watching! 😊
Outstanding video!
I think high mass bridges have different results on different instruments. In my situation my jazzbass sounds more clear with the vintage style bridge. With your bass it has an obvious different mid frequency responce. For a PJ bass high mass can be a better choice. You encourage me to do so on my PJ bass. I think they both sound cool. Standart bridges have a more traditional vibe high mass bridges have a bit more modern and full vibe. I think both works on different situations as well...
Yeah it also depends on what you're using, pickups, strings, rosewood or maple neck. Every little bit has an impact. I really dig the nice clear and well defined sound though.
PJ setups are often dark and needs something brighter. Himass should work
That sparkle is SWEET !!!! The Kickass has more low end.
It all depends on the sound you're going for: The high-mass bridge definitely sounds richer, improves sustain and keeps all the frequencies ringing longer. However, it has less percussive attack because of that. For traditional, vintage-style instruments, I prefer low-mass bridges, both for looks and sound. But I'd always prefer one with quick string release. Both bridges don't have that, but choice is also pretty limited if you don't want to drill new holes.
High mass the best hip shot kickass did exactly that. Thanks
Would love to see you do a video on the ksm Bridge, and how it compares to the other you've demo'd
The Bridge is in transit now.. I cant wait to install it in my P-bass. Brass nut, 500k volume and tone pots, and Alnico Pickups... It's gonna sound like a new machine!!🤘🤘🤘
Sounds totally awesome!
personaly, they sound to close to call... but the hi mass had more of a matched volume across the range, tone i think they were the same...volume i thnk was the key here
- TIMESTAMPS -
Intro: 2:59 - 3:32
Groove: 3:10 - 3:44
Rock Groove: 4:08 - 4:40
I personnally prefer the Stock bridge. The high mass had fret buzzs to be fair, too much for my taste, I felt the stock bridge had more body, less compressed
fret buzz has nothing to do with the bridge quality. Just bad set up.
@@morbidmanmusic you missed the "to be fair". I was saying that, because of bad setup, the comparison was difficult. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
My American 5 string jazz has string through body design. Does hipshot make a bridge that accommodates this?
Great comparison, thanks!
Almost sounds the same, if you did a blind test, we cannot tell the difference, people listen with their eyes, The stock sounds brighter, better clarity
I could tell a difference (slightly), if I had a vintage bass I’d never change it, but otherwise, the flexibility and quality of the Hip Shot may be worth the conversion....or maybe I just like hot-rodding my basses...
I a/b'd them back and forth several times, it seemed to make a bit more difference with the pick but probably not enough difference to matter that you couldn't EQ it the same in a mix. I think people saying there's a huge difference are letting their confirmation bias influence what they're hearing. I've got several basses, some with the stock stamped bridges, a couple with high mass style bridges (one of them string through body) and I don't notice much of a difference and certainly not enough that I'd spend any money to replace one of them. Same with stock pickups vs most of the time there's not that much difference... they might sound nicer alone but in a mix it rarely matters unless the stock pickups were extremely poor.
IMO and IME the fundamentals are more pronounced on the hi-mass, and the mids are louder. I’ve seen a few of these comparisons and that seems to be the case across the board. The result is a more modern punchier sound (certainly well suited to slap bass). If you want a softer, more traditional tone, with less bite then stick with the standard bridge. Finally, if you want more sustain go for a string through body bridge.
I really liked this bridge until it came to setting the intonation on my 1971 Fender P Bass. It's impossible without changing the screws and using a shorter spring. This is a replacement bridge for a Fender, for Pete's sake. I couldn't move the E string saddle back far enough to set the proper intonation. Took it off my bass, sent it back. Paid a little more for a Badass, but the dang thing works. Case closed. They need to redesign the Kickass.
didnt yours come with shorter screws and springs in the box? Mine did in case it is necessary to change them out.
I forget, who does that first song?
The KickAss absolutely destroys that Fender garbage. No contest.
The Hipshot Kickass and the Leo Quan Badass II bridges are my second choice bridges. I’ll choose one or the other as my #2, depending on the application. The other, “vintage” bridge...no longer is part of any bass I own. I’ve never cared for them and I’ve replaced them all.
My #1 is the Ray Ross bass guitar bridge. Yes, it’s an expensive bridge. Yes, the benefits are not life-changing. Yet, the improvements in tone and sustain are real and for my two most played working basses, they were worth the cost. I do all my own work and installed the Ray Ross bridges myself; I saved the money on the installation and am only out the cost of the hardware. As I can afford to purchase more examples, I’ll install them on my other three main bass guitars.
Dan Thompson at Guns & Guitars just reviewed the Ray Ross bridges. Here’s a link for any interested parties.
th-cam.com/video/GNz1ZX8UcxI/w-d-xo.html
I'm curious to try the Ray Ross Bridge myself, and maybe do an A/B comparison like this one too. Though I'm not too convinced about the ending section of the strings being part of the resonating section. Could be an issue if the endings are silked. When the time comes we'll see!
The tone sounds the same to me. However, you played better with the hi-mass so makes better sense. 👍🏽
holy shit is that a fender jazz bass special from the 80s with a custom paint job??
Kinda, it was a Duff McKagan at first, but I changed the body with a Warmoth one in Holo Flake finish.
Heard a difference - really? I wonder if the responses would be the same with a blind test. In my audiophile heydays, I would evaluate and buy stereo equipment based on blind listening tests in the acoustical rooms at "hi fi" stores. I have high mass bridges on my basses but it's more of an aesthetics things and they came with high mass bridges anyway.
Hi, like your video, it would be interesting to compare with a Babicz, a direct challenger
Haha indeed! You mean compared to the Kickass or the stock bridge?
Oliver Tobyn babicz vs kickass
big difference!!!!!!
Great video! I did notice a difference in sound, I kinda prefer the hipshot bridge. Did you have to drill any additional holes on your bass?
As long as it’s a five bolt design it should just swap out
wow big difference mate. more precise
To my ears the stock examples made you play with more fluidity, the notes seem rounder. Although studio or live it's really a thin line between the two.
I'm feeling these Harley strings even though I'm sure they'll only last 2 weeks before they die. Cheers.
.
Yeah it's kinda hard to play in the exact same way in both cases. Unlike a pedal review, I can't use a loop station, unfortunately. The Harley Benton strings are ok for a couple of days, but quickly die
@@OliverTobyn Don't get me wrong I liked the bridge and will get one for my PJ. What SD Pickups are you using? Cheers again.
@@petertrotman763 it's fine, no sweat :) When I made this video I had a set of SPB-4s and STK2JB Hot stack at the bridge
@@OliverTobyn Thanks. I've just subscribed. Good Luck.
When I built my Steve Harris blue sparkle bass I bought The Kick Ass bridge. This basically took the Leo Quan Badass II bridge that was/is used on Steve's basses and made it better.
Now as a bass player myself for 32 years I can say that the Fender bridge is cheap junk and has been forever. Overtones are a nightmare to deal with and trying to keep the bass intonated is annoying with these types of bridges.
So as I said when I built that bass, I knew it was next to impossible of finding the Badass II, so discovering the KickAss was the best investment I've made. Iconic or not, when you mass produce a bass the last place you should cut costs is at the bridge.
The difference is obviously there. Hipshot sounded beefier and punchier. This was especially obvious on the E string.
Maybe you should noodle a bit with the HI-mass bridge to get rid of the fretbuzz. Sounded a bit better than the original bridge (which wasn't bad at all though); more solid and durable, but hmm maybe not entirely set up 100% yet? If you get my drift. Also I'm confused why you'd buy the cheapest possible strings to test your new cool bridge with? :D But thanks for the video, I liked to hear the difference and also I liked your choice of bass lines to test with. :)
A bit of fret buzz is ok in my opinion. You'll never be rid of it unless you set the action ridiculosly high, and it very much depends on your style. Hah, using the cheapest strings was a bit provocative, maybe if even those sounded better, expensive strings would probably sound even better. Thanks for watching!
@@OliverTobyn Yeah, I've tried forever to set my P bass with low action with no fret buzz. It seems like a life-long project.
I hate high action, unless I play something very simple and want a very clean tone and super-sustain. I use my J-bass for lower action and faster lines.
Keep up the videos! With love from Sweden.
Maybe my ear...bit that G sounded a pinch flat.
Bridges were all originally covered by a cover be it the Tele a Jazz or Precision. Looks didn't matter.
The old fashioned fender design sounds better, is cheaper and simpler. I think Leo got it right back in the 50's, he was a genius.
name of song your playing please.heard it lots of times. .don't know the title
Thanks for the comparison. Did the Hipshot fit without drilling any knew wholes in the body?
Thanks for watching! Yeah, the Hipshot has the same five screw pattern as most Fenders
@@OliverTobyn did it affect the height? Did you jave to put a neck shim or anything?
@@1thess523 not at all to be honest. The Kickass is thicker than the stock bridge, but the action on the stock bridge was set quite high on the saddles, so it works just fine
Is that a G&L bass with andromeda finish? I didn't think you could get a bass with that finish it's wicked
It's a Warmoth body with a Holo Flake finish and a Fender neck. It's definitely a cool finish!
@@OliverTobyn wow thanks very informative! I'm looking to get a bass this week with a high mass bridge and I've been worried about how it will sound but this helped!
@@Bi_scotti_5 I'm glad the video was helpful!
ashtray bass bridge! 😄
because of the longer wavelengths, intonation accuracy is less important with a bass than with a guitar. 1 mm gives a huge difference with a short wavelength, with a long wavelength it gives none.
is that a JAZZ SPECIAL? i just ordered a Kick ass for my 1985 jazz special
It was originally, but I switched the body with a Warmoth one, same electronics more or less, minus the switch.
The more mass your bridge has, the more groupies you will have
Bel video mi hai convinto sul mettere un High Mass...il lamierino è un po moscio non mi è mai piaciuto soprattutto esteticamente. L'aumento di peso però si sente molto quando si fa il cambio?
Ne sono felice! Parliamo di una differenza di 100-150 grammi massimo, totalmente impercettibile, vai tranquillo
So big of a difference
Is that the SPB-4? What is the J pickup?
It think on the second time through the strummed chords of schism it's barred on the F and Bb then lowered to the A
2:16
2:38
NO Comparison!! The High Mass Bridge has It. It's not even a contest
Did you ground back to the high mass? Or did you have a remote ground?
It was grounded from the back
what bass is that, that’s so rad dude
It's a bass I assembled using a Duff McKagan and a Warmoth P bass body with a Holo Flake finish. I also made a video about it!
@@OliverTobyn I thought it the headstock was a MIJ Jazz Bass Special.
G string has a lot of rattle on the hipshot, D string less but there. Watched other demos of the hipshot but they all tend to sound muffled vs the metally sounding original.
But you can overcome those issues just by adjusting the bridge. The height of the strings. Maybe the stock one was set up differently than the hipshot? I heard the rattle too.. But i kinda liked it.
Hey man, what are your pj pick ups ?
In this video I was using a set of Seymour Duncan SPB-4s Steve Harris signature and a Hot Stack STKJ2B at the bridge
@@OliverTobyn dude I know Duff uses that same Jazz pup, the p pups are killer, I almost recently went with the Geezer pups but when I discovered duncan had alot of options & decided to wait. Saw this vid and loved the tone. I may have to get two more bass guitars now. I own a simple squire pj affinity & definitely putting this bridge on it soon. Tuners are getting upgraded as well. Spector is on my radar then maybe the schecter j4
Do you need a TOOL to swap those bridges ?
Yes, a screwdriver
do you know if it will fit on MIM p basses? also where do you recommend i buy it?
If it has the usual 5-hole pattern it should fit. I even fitted it on non Fender basses with the same screw pattern.
I got it off eBay after I saw I deal on it
@@OliverTobyn perfect thanks! i’ll pick one up later today.
I'm considering converting an abused pawn shop bass into a piccolo bass. Do you think this would improve it or could I get away with the generic no name crap that came with this thing?
There's definitely an improvement. Though I'm not sure I'd spend that kind of money on a cheap bass
L'impressione è con il high mass ci siano più medio-alti e rumore della corda sui tasti in generale
Credo principalmente perché l'Hi Mass avesse un'action più bassa e non l'ho regolato a dovere
These bridges are expensive. If you can't afford a real Fender, then you can upgrade that cheap Epiphone for a fraction of the price. Buying a badass Fender bass and replacing all the hardware is impractical.
The stock bridge looks better, sounds better.
I've change all my precisions from kickass and highmass to stock 😍👍
What song is that at 4:08? Sounds super familiar but can't put my finger on it...
I have no idea haha. I just played along with the drum track, so it wasn't a specific song
@@OliverTobyn 😂 well it was super cool
Io sento più basse ed un suono un po'più corposo con la High mass
Is it just me or was the high mass bridge recording clipping a bit?
The G string is rattling against something really noticeably.
fingernail playing?
Hipshot sounds better.
You lost me at Tool.
Sorry to say - this is fake!! On the stock bridge you used stock pickups, and on the Hipshot bridge you have changed them to Seymour Duncans, so we are not just
comparing bridges.
? They are Seymour Duncans with both bridges. You can clearly see the logo in both cases.