Washburn XB-500 Bridge Replacement

[FreeMealMan]

Anyone know a proper bridge replacement for an XB-500? The ones I've seen at my local shops have wider spacings.

[psp742]

hi

just search 5-string bass bridge on eBay and you will get numerous options.. This is my Bantam XB500, which i upgraded the bridge - http://forums.washburn.com/index.php/topic,23500.0.html  - note i had to fill in a few of the bridge screw holes and re-drill but overall i like the 5-string bridge i chose, which is similar to the bridge in Mercury Series. Hope it helps you.

I suggest that you measure the string space between the 1st and 5th string.. (!-!-!-!-!-!).. end to end.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Economy-Chrome-5-String-Bass-Bridge-BB-3440-010-/381563620542?hash=item58d6f6ccbe:g:2jEAAOSw~bFWKcEv - looks promising if the measurement is the close, it seems good choice

or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-CHROME-5-STRING-BASS-GUITAR-BRIDGE-/182182495261?hash=item2a6aec441d:g:Lg0AAOSwGWNUW74k - does not mention string to string measurement, so i suggest asking seller.

Not sure if you want a direct drop in or not, but i believe the bridge is made by 'Jinho'

Ric,

[FreeMealMan]

Thanks for the reply. Measured the spacing and its 2-9/16. Not sure how big a difference the economy bridge will make on it (small or unplayable cause the strings are past the fretboard). The second link looks like what came on my bass. ill ask the seller what spacing it has.

that's a really nice xb-500 btw.

[psp742]

thanks, it is actually a beater when i got her, i fixed the paint chips and such..  after some TLC, she is better now.

[Tony Raven]

If the bridge is too narrow, no big thing, the strings sit further inside from the neck edges. In the bottom twelve frets, you'll never notice the difference.

If it's too wide, then one or both of the outside strings might pull off more easily -- again, in the bottom twelve frets, you'd probably never notices.

There are bridges that allow you to tweak the string-to-string width. Allparts has one for $35 retail, width variable 2 7/16 to 2 5/8.
https://www.allparts.com/BB-3431-010-5-String-Bridge-Chrome_p_623.html
The advantage of this is that some players (like me) prefer consistent spacing measured side-to-side rather than center-to-center.

[FreeMealMan]

Thanks tony. For reference for others who might be having the same problem i have.

I went and did some manual string space widening. 2-6/8 spacing puts the (5 string with high C) E and C strings at 1/8 from the edge of the board at the 12th and 1/16 at the 24th (roughly measured), compared to 3/16 at the 12th and 1/8 at the 24th for the current 2-9/16 spacing. Keep in mind the frets are filed diagonally and drop off 1/16th from the edge (and that most bridges have 2-13/16 spacing slightly wider than 2-6/8.). You're right we probably wouldn't notice unless we played below the 14th fret. But a plus would be that the extra space will help for slap.

In the end, I'd personally only try it if my bridge had adjustable spacing, or if i could return the the bridge if i didnt like it.

There are bridges that allow you to tweak the string-to-string width. Allparts has one for $35 retail, width variable 2 7/16 to 2 5/8.
https://www.allparts.com/BB-3431-010-5-String-Bridge-Chrome_p_623.html
The advantage of this is that some players (like me) prefer consistent spacing measured side-to-side rather than center-to-center.

I have checked out that bridge and the monorail version of it which they have at my local shop. The problem I have with that particular one is the way you intonate. It is probably the worst intonation system I've ever seen. But if you are patient and not tinkery unlike i am, It is a viable option.

I also found out (according to the representative) that the Hipshot 5s A style bridge with .656 spacing can be adjusted to fit 2-9/16 spacing.
But for $144, its definitely pricey.