Chuck’s JB-4 “ Bass IV” build

[Simon Barden]

Looking good. What bridge have you gone for in the end? I preferred the look of the bigger bridge (though it was maybe a touch too big). I always like chunky bridges on basses, especially if you are top-loading the strings. A thick string retaining bar goes towards making up for the body mass of a rear-strung arrangement.

Just in case it's slipped your mind, before you go on all the way with the electrics, don't forget to install the bridge earthing wire.

[Chuck]

Looking good. What bridge have you gone for in the end? I preferred the look of the bigger bridge (though it was maybe a touch too big). I always like chunky bridges on basses, especially if you are top-loading the strings. A thick string retaining bar goes towards making up for the body mass of a rear-strung arrangement.

You know I haven't even had a look at the bridges in ages - like you I preferred the larger one's shape but it felt a bit too big, so at the time I figured I'd go with a Badass style bridge. I'll have another look though as now everything is in it's place it might look a bit different.

And thanks for the bridge earth reminder - I hadn't forgotten (yet!) but your reminder will make damn sure I don't!!

[Chuck]

Here's another mockup pretty close to scale length - the big one doesn't look quite as crowded in on the bridge pickup now, but I'm still not sure about it...

[WeirdBits]

It really needs something in between, but barring that... go big or go home.

[Simon Barden]

The small one looks a bit too small/short. Depending on the string gauge, you might also find you run out out of forward intonation adjustment (Wazkelly has on his with a .050" G string). I like the look of the bigger one, plus it's got more intonation range. But if the large one does feel a bit flimsy, then I'd be looking for a chunkier replacement with a decent range of intonation adjustment.

[Chuck]

Okay, here's another idea - I've just taken this ashtray off one of my other basses. It means I can use the more solid small bridge, but I still get the larger look! I don't mind this at all.



And I think I'll be okay with the intonation adjustment Simon, comparing the amount of range I need with other basses I have set up with the strings I'll be using.

[wazkelly]

Hi Chuck, last shot looks good.

A lot depends on where your hand is positioned when playing. Whether your are near the bridge, where your hand will mostly likely obscure the bridge from spectators view, or if you play nearer the neck as then it could become a show piece.

With the 'Ashtray', does it need to be unscrewed for string replacements?

[Zandit75]

Okay, here's another idea - I've just taken this ashtray off one of my other basses. It means I can use the more solid small bridge, but I still get the larger look! I don't mind this at all.



And I think I'll be okay with the intonation adjustment Simon, comparing the amount of range I need with other basses I have set up with the strings I'll be using.

Yep, this is the pick of the lot. Like the others have said, your other options were both too big and too small. You could almost call this the Goldilocks Bridge!!

[Chuck]

Yep, this is the pick of the lot. Like the others have said, your other options were both too big and too small. You could almost call this the Goldilocks Bridge!!

Nice one Zandit, that's a cracker!

[Zandit75]