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Post subject: Help needed for replacement bridge on Frank Bello sig model
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 8:50 pm
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Hi everyone. The bass in question is discontinued now but came standard with a Leo Quan Badass III. I've never been a fan of this bridge, but due to getting a knock it has broken and I need to replace it.
The BA III is a 3 hole mount/string through body bridge. I dont care about the trings through body, just as happy to string through back of bridge. What I did was to buy a Schaller 3 hole mount bridge to replace. I received it late last week and unfortunately the 2 outside holes don't match up to the BA III holes, and because the body of the bass is drilled for strings through it doesn't leave enough wood to drill new holes for the new bridge. So - Schaller is a no go.
Now I realise I could buy a new BA III and it will fit, but I don't really like it.
My question is twofold.
Firstly could anyone suggest a bridge that will be a straight swap. The only 2 that I can find that seem to fit the bill are the current Fender USA Deluxe high mass bridge (3 hole mount) or the Hipshot A 3 hole mount.
Secondly could anyone suggest where I can get tech specs for any of the 3 bridges mentioned (BA III, Fender USA and Hipshot A) so I can be sure that the bridge I buy will fit the existing holes drilled into the bass?
I'm asking a lot but I appreciate any help.

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'06 Frank Bello Sig.
Warwick Quad VI amp and Ashdown ABM cabs.
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Post subject: Re: Help needed for replacement bridge on Frank Bello sig mo
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 12:36 am
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The bridge I'd recommend is the regular nickel plated bridge that first came with the 2nd generation Precision Bass. I'm pretty sure the holes would line up with your Frank..but there might be an indention left over from the original BA bridge, because it extends a little further than the normal Fender one.

Really, I'm not helping you at all here...other than pointing out the extension problem.


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Post subject: Re: Help needed for replacement bridge on Frank Bello sig mo
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 1:57 am
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That's ok, it still helps as an option. I'm just hoping I can either get specs on these bridges or have someone state that one or the other will be a match.

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'06 Frank Bello Sig.
Warwick Quad VI amp and Ashdown ABM cabs.
Lots of effects!


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Post subject: Re: Help needed for replacement bridge on Frank Bello sig mo
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 9:55 am
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Location: Linningrad
Hipshot A Style Bass Bridge all the way!

http://store.hipshotproducts.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=114

8)

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2012 Lefty American Standard Jazz
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2018 Rumble Studio 40 Combo
2016 Rumble 200 Combo
One day they shall name a GREAT city after me, and they shall call it LINNINGRAD


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Post subject: Re: Help needed for replacement bridge on Frank Bello sig mo
Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 9:35 pm
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I would replace it with the same bridge it came with. I'm not crazy about them either. But someday you'll want to sell it and if it isn't original it won't be worth as much as it would be in original configuration. That is especially true of artist series instruments.


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Post subject: Re: Help needed for replacement bridge on Frank Bello sig mo
Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 6:17 pm
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Resourceful as ever Brother Dave. I ended up filling the old holes and attaching the Schaller and guess what. It sits way too high to achieve a decent action and not even a shim will help.
Loser me! Oh well, I will try to sell it to fund a new BA III. Lesson learned.

Dave while I have your attention (and thankyou to all for the replies), I have another Frank Bello sig that had a badly twisted neck. It was beyond repair, so I kept the loaded body and threw the neck away. Recently I decided to buy a Warmoth neck to replace the old one. However again I have found that the Warmoth neck is far too deep to sit naturally in the pocket and would either need a fair bit of wood removed from the heel or route the neck pocket deeper.

I'll cut to the chase - is there a way to contact Fender to purchase a Frank Bello neck? I realise this bass is discontinued but thought Fender would have old stock to a certain degree.

Thanks so much for any help.

Jake.

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'06 Frank Bello Sig.
Warwick Quad VI amp and Ashdown ABM cabs.
Lots of effects!


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Post subject: Re: Help needed for replacement bridge on Frank Bello sig mo
Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2013 12:24 pm
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Jake Cowburn wrote:

...is there a way to contact Fender to purchase a Frank Bello neck? I realise this bass is discontinued but thought Fender would have old stock to a certain degree.

Thanks so much for any help.

Jake.


You can ask. You may reach the FMIC Consumer Relations Department by mail at:

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
Attn: Consumer Relations Dept.
17600 N. Perimeter Drive, Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

By Telephone: (480) 596-7195
By Fax: (480) 367-5262
By E-mail: consumerrelations@fender.com

My guess is their answer will be, no. You can do a couple of things. Take the neck off the body you just buggered up and use it. Take it to a luthier and let him mate them.

Take everything from both Bello's to a luthier and ask him to create the best possible outcome. I have nightmares about people chiseling on instruments at home.

I would NEVER mod a signature instrument. If you don't like a signature instrument in stock configuration then do not buy it.

Neck twists can also be addressed by luthiers with access to advanced specialized equipment such as hot presses. It might be salvageable.

The last thing you can do is part it out "Stratosphere" style on eBay. You'll get more of your money back that way. By Stratosphere Style I mean sell everything separately down to the tuners and pickguard screws. Even sell the warped neck. Somewhere someone will think they can fix that neck with their hair dryer and some c-clamps.


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Post subject: Re: Help needed for replacement bridge on Frank Bello sig mo
Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2013 12:35 pm
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Location: Linningrad
Bobby Pins & Aqua-Net Baby! Psssssssssssssssssssssssssssst!!!!!!!

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2012 Lefty American Standard Jazz
2017 Lefty American Professional Precision
2018 Rumble Studio 40 Combo
2016 Rumble 200 Combo
One day they shall name a GREAT city after me, and they shall call it LINNINGRAD


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