DESCRIPTION

A bridge does much more than just hold your instrument's strings in place. It's the structure that allows your strings to resonate and is the key to getting a perfect setup. And that's why Hipshot has become the first choice of high-end bass makers everywhere. They have the highest quality craftsmanship, first-class materials, and they can truly transform how a bass sounds and feels.

The Kickass bridge is an evolution of the legendary Badass design, incorporating decades of feedback from professional players and luthiers. It allows you to fine-tune the string spacing with extreme precision, giving you the ability to customize your bass's feel to match your playing style perfectly. It's super solid against side-to-side movement, and simply breathes new life into your bass.

The engineering behind the Kickass bridge focuses on maximizing string-to-body energy transfer while providing the adjustability that modern players demand. The mass and rigidity of the bridge help sustain and clarity, while the precision machining ensures that intonation adjustments are smooth and accurate. This isn't just about looks, it's about fundamental improvements to how your bass performs.

String spacing adjustment is one of the Kickass bridge's standout features. Whether you prefer tight spacing for fast playing or wider spacing for fingerstyle techniques, you can dial in exactly what works for your hands. This level of customization was previously only available on custom instruments, but the Kickass brings it to any bass.

Installation is straightforward for most Fender or Squier basses, though some instruments may require minor modifications to accommodate the mounting pattern. The improvement in tone, sustain, and playability is immediately noticeable, making it one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make to your instrument.

This was the bridge of choice for our Old J-bass project, read the article here to get a more detailed version and sound samples on how the Kickass upgraded the tone and feel of that bass. The results speak for themselves: improved sustain, better intonation stability, and a more responsive feel that enhances your connection to the instrument.

From Hipshot

At first blush, the KickAss™ might seem like a simple, heartfelt tribute to Leo Quan’s BadAss®. A closer look, however, reveals significant improvements under the hood that put this bridge in a class of its own. Hipshot has worked hard to ensure that the KickAss™ possesses the soul of the beloved original while also being so much more.

FEATURES

Adjustable string spacing from narrow to wide and anywhere in between thanks to fully adjustable pre-notched brass inserts.

• 4 String Spacing: .687" [17.5mm] to .800" [20mm]
• 5 String Spacing: .656" [17mm] to .750" [19mm]

Replacement stainless steel saddle inserts emphasize overtones and treble frequencies

Features recessed string ball holes for a sleeker, sexier look

Available in Chrome, Black, Gold and Nickel finishes

Mounting Patterns are retrofit for specific bridges:

• 4 String: Mounts with a typical 5 hole configuration
• 5 String Mount Style 1: Retrofits the original BadAss® hole pattern
• 5 String Mount Style 2: Retrofits Fender® Squier® hole pattern