Yamaha BB435 replacement bridge?

[Danuman 52]

Hey all,

I’m really happy with my BB435, but it seems the strings tend to lose clarity a little too quickly for my liking... I’m still debating maybe going for a set of elixers or something of that ilk, but I’ve found that sometimes a better bridge can help with these issues... and to be honest, the bridge on this thing is a bit underwhelming.

Is anyone aware of any drop-in replacements? I’m not particularly attached to through-body stringing, however, I’m probably not going to do any destructive mods in case I ever decide to move it on.

Thanks!

[dave_bass5 2,813]

Does this bass have a bridge where you can rotate the saddles to give a clearer attack? I know you can with the B sting but not sure about the other saddles.

[Danuman 52]

Sadly, no. I know what you mean, though. Those bridges on the 735 are a lot chunkier. It would be nice to get one of those, but I don’t think they are available for sale.

[dave_bass5 2,813]

8 minutes ago, Danuman said:

Sadly, no. I know what you mean, though. Those bridges on the 735 are a lot chunkier. It would be nice to get one of those, but I don’t think they are available for sale.

I agree about the bridges on the lower end basses. I look at the one on my 425 and it just shouts 'cheap bass'. It works fine of course, but compared to the lovely bridges on the 734/5 and P series it looks poor.

Seeing as the latest Yamaha's use standard sized pickups i would have assumed a standard 5 sting bridge would also work ok.

[Al Krow 5,235]

But if they all had the same bridge and the same pups, then how would our beloved Yamaha be able to justify charging premium prices for the higher end basses? 😄 

[dave_bass5 2,813]

4 minutes ago, Al Krow said:

But if they all had the same bridge and the same pups, then how would our beloved Yamaha be able to justify charging premium prices for the higher end basses? 😄 

Because they can....... 🙂

 

[Danuman 52]

I suppose even at the higher price the 735 is a bit of a bargain, so that’s fair enough... but the finished neck put me off and I wanted a passive bass. Still, even with the slightly tinny bridge the 435 is a really nice bass.

[HazBeen 1,906]

Hipshot A style comes in 5 string spacings. The 18mm version should be a pretty easy install, although would not be a direct fit.

[Danuman 52]

Hmm, as you say, not a drop-in but I will look into it. I’ve got one on my 4 string bitsa, and it’s probably the best design available...

[dannybuoy 1,309]

If you want a bridge from a 1025 or 735, you been contact Yamaha direct to order spare parts, but they won't be cheap.

[Horizontalste 101]

Also have a look at the Hipshot Vintage, not sure about the 435 but it was a direct replacement for my 425.

[CPCustomdubwise 72]

I have the 434 and faced the same dilemma - generally great bass; uninspiring hardware here and there.

So, ultralites on one end, (which as well as being vastly more solid and precise than the generic tuners, also shaves off a respecfable amount of weight....) and a Yamaha VintagePlus bridge ( same as the 700 series basses and the BBP34/35) from BTN music ( the same fitting, supports the string-thru option and is in every way better. As my bass is the 434M, and therefore the only maple-board option, that was the way I could get my preferences... ) on the other end.

Had to order the bridge; turnaround is " three to six weeks "....they were very helpful and the cost with shipping was about 65 quid as I recall; suppose the 5 string version may well be a bit more... but as I have hipshot, schaller and badass bridges on other basses, which all cost more than that, it seemed a decent price to me.

I also approached Yamaha; I found BTN cheaper.

[Danuman 52]

Cheers all, these are great options. I’ll shoot a message to BTN or Yamaha and see if there’s anything they can do. I‘d imagine if the Hipshot does indeed fit, there should be more models that will...

I agree that the tuners feel a bit flimsy, but they work fine for me. One of the, err, ears had come loose from the peg, but that was easily sorted with a drop of loctite.

[Danuman 52]

Well, I’ve ordered one. Indeed 3-6 weeks + shipping and not cheap, but not crazy expensive either. Swift communication from BTN too. Thanks for the recommendation @CPCustomdubwise!

[Danuman 52]

Thought I’d follow this up, just in case anyone else looking for a replacement bridge stumbles upon this thread.

After the part arrived some time ago, I found out that the P35/735 bridge is not a drop-in replacement.

Oh well. The money is gone, so I think I’ll go ahead anyway and have someone install it for me. I guess I could have just bought something I liked, but I suppose keeping the possibility of through-body stringing is not a bad idea in case I ever want to move it on... 

[Folkesy 10]

How did it turnout? I have a 435 and would like to upgrade the bridge to the 735 bridge. How much work was involved? 

[Danuman 52]

I didn’t quite get around to it, what with all the distractions of the past few months.

As I mentioned it’s not a direct replacement, but the holes for through-body stringing do line up. I’m guessing that means I’m going to have to plug and redrill. I have some friends who are quite capable luthiers, so I was going to ask one of them for help. I may still do just that, but to be honest, I’m not sure.

[BoPo 1]

Hey folks

Just wanted to let you know that I was able to replace the stock bridge on my Yamaha BB434 bass with a direct replacement from bitterroot-guitars from the states. Everything lined up perfectly. I was a little concerned regarding the angle of the string through holes but that lined up as well and the angle isn’t an issue. So just wanted to say there is a solution for anyone interested in adding a bit of mass to the bridge section, it does add overall weight though. I opted for the brass version. 

Bass Bridge 57mm Chrome Machined Brass 4 String thru body/bridge.

bitterrootguitars.com

[TheGreek 6,502]

I was talking to a friend last night - he's just bought one of these basses....

[Phil_Salter 0]

Hey all, 

Resurrecting this thread, has anyone got a solid option for replacing this bridge? Considering buying a Bb434 as I don't need the active eq of the 734, but the bridge on the 734 does look better!

Bitter root guitars seem to be out of business and it looks like the 734 bridge isn't a drop in replacement

[CPCustomdubwise 72]

I have a 734 bridge on my 434m

...certainly did drop right in without modification.

Apologies for the dire photo....

[Phil_Salter 0]

1 hour ago, CPCustomdubwise said:

I have a 734 bridge on my 434m

...certainly did drop right in without modification.

Apologies for the dire photo....

Oh excellent, good to know! Just need to work out where to find one as there's none in any shops

[dave_bass5 2,813]

Those are really nice bridges. Reminds me of my Gotoh 201’s .

[Phil_Salter 0]

BTN music no longer stock it sadly

[dave_bass5 2,813]

1 minute ago, Phil_Salter said:

BTN music no longer stock it sadly

Have you considered a Gotoh? Not sure if it will fit but it’s similar. I’m sure you can get the dimensions on line, or i could measure mine,.