Gotoh 203B-4 N Bass Bridge

Ho dato una "ringiovanita" al mio vecchio basso PJ, ed ho scelto questo ponte Gotoh per le caratteristiche e soprattutto per il prezzo. Per il montaggio non ci sono stati problemi, in quanto compatibile con il ponte che avevo precedentemente, l'unico inconveniente è che necessita di due buchi aggiuntivi. Fatta eccezione per questo ultimo punto, per il resto devo dire che mi trovo molto bene: le corde passano su un canale ricavato sulle sellette evitando il movimento laterale delle corde. Le sellette esterne a loro volta scorrono su due canali ricavati sulla base del ponte impedendo movimenti laterali delle sellette. In questo modo è tutto più fermo e l'accordatura risulta accurata. Per quanto riguarda i materiali, sicuramente non si tratta di un ponte "high mass", ma è molto più consistente e solido rispetto al ponte standard in lamierino, le rifiniture sono molto curate e il prezzo, vista la qualità, è semplicemente eccezionale. Dal punto di vista del sound rispetto al ponte precedente, ne ho guadagnato in brillantezza e sustain. Consigliato a chi non si trova bene con il ponte standard e non vuole stravolgere il look dello strumento.

This is a top quality product. I got it for a P-bass clone I was building for myself. I didn't want the seemingly more popular Gotoh 201 because the 201 use slightly bigger barrels for the saddles, which can limit the string height adjustment and in some cases require the neck to be shimmed.

This is not a hi-mass bridge (thankfully as I can't stand those on a P-bass) but it's still a lot more sturdy than a classic Fender bass bridge.

The only thing to be aware of is that this bridge has two additional screw holes in the front, in addition to the five standard Fender holes at the back. Whether you actually use these extra holes is up to you of course. I'm sure the bridge will work 100% fine without them. After all, Fender bass bridges have worked fine like this for over 70 years. But in my opinion it looks a bit messy to leave the two front holes open with no screws. My point being: This is not a drop in Fender replacement IF you want to use those two extra screws, you will have to drill two extra holes in addition to the five standard Fender holes at the back. This won't matter at all if you're building a new bass of course but it might matter a lot if it's a replacement for a precious, vintage Fender bass.

In my opinion the quality of this bridge is better than any bass bridge Fender has ever made.

Highly recommended!

Nice looking bridge, does what it says on the tin. Not a thin bridge by any means (compared to some I've seen). If you're making a bass or just replacing parts with a modest budget, it's a no-brainer. I bought it to replace black hardware on a P-bass. I like the look of nickel and prefer to have parts made in USA or Japan, for resale purposes and for reputation, reliability etc. There are obviously other decent bridges around this price range, but this is a quality, no corners cut bit of kit that is made in Japan. Nothing to dislike. Comes with an allen jey too.... Highly recommended for the price.