Musicmaster Bass Bridge replacement options

[basshead56]

Hi all,

 

Now that I've finally managed to put down my newly-acquired Am Pro 2 Jazz (amazing!!!), I am circling back to my 75 Musicmaster project.

It's still playable but rough enough to warrant the need to make some changes.

I am happy overall with the neck (needs a buff, polish and waxing, fretboard will need de-greased and oiled), tuners (will de-gunk those), pickup and a few other bits but I will definitely be needing to completely redo the tone pot, input jack and bridge.

Still debating as to whether or not I'll repaint it. A luthier in these parts is apparently very good at doing 60's and 70's Fender catalogue colours and I have always fancied the Daphne Blue look...

 

 

Anyway, looking into bridges, I have happened across two viable options:

 

1: Halon Musicmaster bridge from Greece

https://halonguitarparts.com/product/musicmaster-bass-bridge/

 

2: Albridge Musicmaster bridge from Via Ampshop in the US

https://www.ampshopbassexchange.com/product/albridge-parts-mms18-vintage-bridge-for-musicmaster-short-scale-direct-replacement/

 

Both look like excellent options.

My question would be - has anyone had experience with either provider?

I've heard great things about the AmpShop products but not-so-great things about communication, lead times and customer service.

I've emailed Halon and have had a reply from the owner, Haris, who seemed quite nice and helpful.

 

Keen to hear your thoughts 

 

 

 

 

[DF Shortscale]

The Albridge is about as good a bridge as you can find for Musicmasters, but yeah AmpShop can be tricky with shipping. If I ordered from them again, I’d pay a little extra and ask for FedEx shipping, they normally use USPS which is a diabolically unreliable service. It’s worth emailing them first. 

[ped]

Given the lack of functional difference between the two I’d go with the Halon, as he’s replied