Deluxe V bridge options... Schaller versus TK 5

[ironfist]

I'm still debating whether or not I want to build a Gecko narrow or a Deluxe V (or G5) of some sort.  I was looking at the bridge options for the Deluxe V, and the two most common bridge options seem to be the famous Schaller 496 roller bridge and the TK 5 that Warmoth sells.  I'm leaning towards the Schaller, but I have a question about string spacing.  The TK bridge has fixed spacing at 17.5mm, the same as the Gecko narrow.  The Schaller has adjustable spacing, but opens up to 17mm spacing at its widest. 

Does anyone have a Deluxe V with the Schaller bridge?  Do you find that the the low B and G strings are too far 'inland' from the edges of the fretboard?  I haven't been fortunate enough to have seen a Warmoth Deluxe V in person, but in pictures it looks like the B and G strings are really close to the edges of the fingerboard when the TK5 or any 17.5mm spacing bridge is used.

 

[SkuttleFunk]

why not utilize a Hipshot Type A or Vintage bent plate bridge instead of those others?

I will never, ever, ever (if I have any say) use a TK5 again. ugh! worst decision I ever made on a bass build, and a vivid image in my lessons learned collection

all the best,

R

 

[ognolman]

I will never, ever, ever (if I have any say) use a TK5 again. ugh! worst decision I ever made on a bass build, and a vivid image in my lessons learned collection

What was so bad about it?

JBD

 

[SkuttleFunk]

it feels cheap and looks like it was designed by someone as their first bridge design effort. I really dislike the saddle design, especially how the strings are seated

if I had known then what I know now about Hipshot bridges, I would have ordered that (my first) D5 body without any bridge mounting holes

all the best,

R

 

[ognolman]

it feels cheap and looks like it was designed by someone as their first bridge design effort. I really dislike the saddle design, especially how the strings are seated

if I had known then what I know now about Hipshot bridges, I would have ordered that (my first) D5 body without any bridge mounting holes

Hmm...  I put a TK5 on my G5 and thought it was a good bridge.  Honestly, I didn't really pay much attention to it.  But the funny thing is that my Zon Sonus Custom has a bridge that looked identical, or nearly so.  I don't know if they are the same, but they sure look similar.  Anyway, I have to agree on the Hipshot thing.  I'm a huge fan of Hipshot hardware and of the three basses hanging on my wall right now all three have Hipshot "A" bridges.  I have one more in the closet waiting to be built with a Hipshot bridge, also.  Except for the Zon, I think all of my boutique basses have had Hipshot bridges and ultralight tuners.

JBD

 

[ironfist]

Will Warmoth drill for a Hipshot A-style bridge on their Deluxe V bodies?  I know they do it for the Gecko at least. 

I like the Schaller bridge a lot, but my only worry is that it won't have good string spacing.  I've never even seen a TK bridge in person.  I don't really have an opinion of Hipshot to tell the truth.  I really dislike their B-style bridges (I had one on a custom bass some years ago) but the A-style is a completely different animal. 

There are a lot of decent bass bridges out there to choose from nowadays.  Some of the "no name" bridges are actually pretty darn good.  I'm a fan of the heavy duty bass bridges that Mighty Mite makes.  I know Mighty Mite isn't the most popular aftermarket manufacturer in the world, but those bridges are nice and very affordable.  All the Cort Curbow basses have them.

 

[stubhead]

You know that Hipshot "A"s come in five different widths, right? Warmoth only sells one, but you can track down the deviants. Hipshot will sell them direct,  at full retail price  - but it's direct... shop around.... :toothy10:
http://www.hipshotproducts.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=123

.750", .728", .708", .687" .669" string spacing to be exact. I got all psycho about it for a while, then ordered a Schaller. I HATE strings falling off the edge of the neck, if there's one single thing that should seem logical about building a guitar, grrr.  :icon_scratch:

http://www.worldwidemetric.com/metcal.htm