Hipshot KickAss - User Manual

Thank you for choosing the Hipshot® KickAss™
for your bass. Designed with unprecedented
adjustibility and customization of tone, it will
bring new dimensions to your playing.
®
The New Tradition Starts Here
Required Tools:
• #2 phillips screwdriver
• .050” hex key (included)
A A
B B
2
2
1
1
DO NOT SCALE DRAWING
#2 screw driver
SHEET 1 OF 1
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED:
SCALE: 1:2
WEIGHT:
REV
DWG. NO.
A
SIZE
TITLE:
NAME
DATE
COMMENTS:
Q.A.
MFG APPR.
ENG APPR.
CHECKED
DRAWN
FINISH
MATERIAL
INTERPRET GEOMETRIC
TOLERANCING PER:
DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES
TOLERANCES:
FRACTIONAL
ANGULAR: MACH BEND
TWO PLACE DECIMAL
THREE PLACE DECIMAL
APPLICATION
USED ON
NEXT ASSY
PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS
DRAWING IS THE SOLE PROPERTY OF
<INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE>. ANY
REPRODUCTION IN PART OR AS A WHOLE
WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
<INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE> IS
PROHIBITED.
Install the bridge on your bass using
the supplied screws.
Note: The hole pattern of the KickAss™ is designed
to retrot a traditional 5 hole mount. Please
compare your bass to the dimensional drawing at
www.HipshotProducts.com.
1
String up your bass then adjust
your string height by turning the
height adjust screws with the
included hex key. Be sure to adjust
both screws the same amount.
2
There are 3 dierent inserts
included with the KickAss™.
Low inserts have red spots
and are installed on the 3rd
& 4th strings. Med inserts have blue spots and are
installed on the 1st & 2nd. Tall inserts are also included
to give greater range of height adjustment.
3
The insert groove has a slight
downward angle for string
relief. When installed correctly,
the saddle groove should are
out in the back (as
shown).
Back side of
groove is wide
Front side of
groove is narrow
Low
(red spot)
Med
(blue spot)
Tall
(no spot)

Summary

Hipshot KickAss Bass Bridge Setup and Adjustment

Bridge Installation and Tool Requirements

Details required tools and instructions for installing the KickAss bass bridge onto your instrument.

String Height Adjustment

Learn to adjust string height using the included hex key, ensuring equal adjustment on both screws.

Saddle Insert Types and Placement

Understanding the three different saddle inserts (Low, Med, Tall) for string relief and height adjustment.

KickAss Bridge Customization and Intonation

String Spacing Adjustment

Instructions for adjusting string spacing by loosening and repositioning the saddle insert.

Setting Intonation

Guidance on setting intonation by comparing fretted and harmonic pitches at the 12th fret.

Sculpting Tone with Replacement Inserts

Information on using brass, steel, or custom inserts to modify the bass guitar's tone.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Hipshot KickAss bass bridge is a meticulously engineered component designed to enhance the playability and tonal characteristics of your bass guitar. This innovative bridge offers unprecedented adjustability and customization, allowing musicians to sculpt their instrument's sound and feel to their precise preferences.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Hipshot KickAss bridge is to securely anchor the strings of a bass guitar, providing a stable foundation for optimal tone and sustain. Beyond this fundamental role, the bridge introduces a sophisticated system for fine-tuning string height, spacing, and intonation, which are critical elements for comfortable playability and accurate pitch across the fretboard. Its design facilitates a direct transfer of string vibration to the instrument's body, contributing significantly to the overall resonance and character of the bass's sound. The bridge also allows for the customization of tonal properties through the use of interchangeable saddle inserts, offering a unique avenue for sonic exploration.

Usage Features:

The Hipshot KickAss bridge is designed for straightforward installation and intuitive adjustment, making it accessible for both professional luthiers and DIY enthusiasts.

• Installation: The bridge is designed to retrofit traditional 5-hole mount basses. Users are advised to compare their bass's existing hole pattern with the dimensional drawing provided on the Hipshot Products website to ensure compatibility. Installation involves securing the bridge to the bass body using the supplied screws, a process that typically requires a #2 Phillips screwdriver.

• String Height Adjustment: Once the bridge is installed and the bass is strung, string height can be precisely adjusted. This is achieved by turning the height adjust screws located on each saddle. The bridge includes a .050" hex key for this purpose. It is crucial to adjust both screws on each saddle by the same amount to maintain even string tension and saddle stability. This feature allows players to set their preferred action, influencing playability and comfort.

• String Spacing Adjustment: The KickAss bridge offers a unique capability for fine-tuning string spacing. Each saddle features a small screw on its front. Loosening this screw allows the insert within the saddle to be slid left or right, effectively altering the distance between strings. Once the desired spacing is achieved, the screw should be tightened with medium pressure, avoiding overtightening to prevent damage. This adjustability is invaluable for players who have specific preferences regarding string feel and picking/plucking hand technique.

• Intonation Adjustment: Accurate intonation is vital for a bass to play in tune across the entire fretboard. The KickAss bridge facilitates precise intonation adjustments using a #2 Phillips screwdriver. To set intonation, the fretted pitch at the 12th fret should be compared to the harmonic pitch at the 12th fret. If the fretted pitch is sharp (higher than the harmonic), the saddle needs to be moved backward (away from the neck). Conversely, if the fretted pitch is flat (lower than the harmonic), the saddle should be moved forward (towards the neck). This iterative process ensures that each string plays in tune at every position on the fretboard.

• Interchangeable Saddle Inserts: A standout feature of the KickAss bridge is its system of interchangeable saddle inserts, which allows for significant tonal customization.

  • Included Inserts: The bridge comes with three types of inserts:
    • Low Inserts (Red Spot): These are typically installed on the 3rd and 4th strings.
    • Medium Inserts (Blue Spot): These are typically installed on the 1st and 2nd strings.
    • Tall Inserts (No Spot): These are included to provide a greater range of height adjustment, useful for basses with specific neck angles or desired high action.
  • Insert Orientation: The insert groove has a slight downward angle designed for string relief. When installed correctly, the saddle groove should flare out in the back (wide side) and be narrow on the front side. This ensures proper string seating and optimal vibration transfer.
  • Material Customization: The bridge comes standard with brass inserts, which are known to promote the fundamental overtone and contribute to a darker, warmer sound. For players seeking a different tonal character, Hipshot offers optional stainless steel inserts. These promote harmonic overtones, leading to a brighter, more articulate sound. The design also encourages users to experiment by crafting their own inserts from various materials such as wood, plastic, or bone, opening up endless possibilities for unique tonal sculpting.

Maintenance Features:

The Hipshot KickAss bridge is designed for durability and ease of maintenance, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.

• Tool Inclusion: The bridge includes all necessary specialized tools for adjustment: a .050" hex key for string height and a #2 Phillips screwdriver for intonation and installation. This ensures that users have the correct tools on hand for routine adjustments.
• Robust Construction: The bridge is built with high-quality materials, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of regular use and maintain its structural integrity over time.
• Component Accessibility: The modular design, particularly with the interchangeable inserts, means that individual components can be accessed and replaced if necessary, extending the lifespan of the bridge.
• Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the bridge components, especially the saddle grooves and adjustment screws, can prevent debris buildup that might hinder smooth operation or affect tone. A soft cloth and appropriate instrument cleaner are recommended.
• Screw Management: When making adjustments, particularly with the string spacing screws, it is important to tighten them with "medium pressure" and "don't overtighten." This prevents stripping threads or damaging the components, ensuring the adjustability features remain functional for years to come.

In summary, the Hipshot KickAss bass bridge is a comprehensive solution for bass players seeking unparalleled control over their instrument's setup and sound. Its thoughtful design, extensive adjustability, and innovative tonal customization options make it a powerful tool for enhancing playability and achieving a truly personalized sonic signature.

Hipshot KickAss Specifications

General

Product Type	Bass Bridge
Brand	Hipshot
Model	KickAss
Finish	Chrome, Black, Gold
Intonation Adjustment	Yes
Height Adjustment	Yes
String Spacing	Adjustable
Compatibility	Fender and similar basses