72 Musicmaster Fretless Project

[ped]

19 minutes ago, Stub Mandrel said:

 

It's also a demonstration that although high mass is different, different doesn't automatically mean better.

 

Honestly, I was amazed by the difference (sounds like a YouTube video title)

[Beedster]

Lovely bass, and yes some basses prefer low tech bridges 👌

[Andyjr1515]

Fascinating.  In that they are so similar in many respects, I wouldn't have thought it would make that much difference.  Just a wild thought - in that the original saddles share two strings each, I wonder if there is some sort of impact from the two sources and characteristics of vibration on each pair.

 

But yes - a surprising result whatever the explanation!

[Andyjr1515]

This is what AI says - although it may have just regurgitated the above discussion 🤣

 

"Yes, there can be a subtle sonic difference, with individual saddles generally providing a slightly tighter, brighter, or more focused sound, and two strings sharing a single, larger saddle (common on vintage-style bridges) potentially offering a warmer, "ballsier" tone with a more pronounced midrange. 

The difference is generally minor compared to other factors like string type, pickups, or playing technique, and is largely a matter of personal preference." 

[Beedster]

11 minutes ago, Andyjr1515 said:

Fascinating.  In that they are so similar in many respects, I wouldn't have thought it would make that much difference.  Just a wild thought - in that the original saddles share two strings each, I wonder if there is some sort of impact from the two sources and characteristics of vibration on each pair.

 

But yes - a surprising result whatever the explanation!

 

IME a change in bridge can have the effect of micro EQ (change overall tonality), micro filter (notch certain frequencies), micro envelope shaper (change attack/sustain), or micro compressor (even things out a bit). On most instruments switching bridges makes little real difference, but on some it can be tangible and helpful. It's always worth some trial and error