That’s what we love about Hipshot; their direct replacements. Quality parts that drop-in without the need for any modifications whatsoever. It’s why the Ibby Hi-Mass Bridge is so popular – A straight swap for the Ibanez Gibraltar Standard and Standard II bridges.
The Gibraltar Standard was used on many RGA models between 2009 and 2013 before being phased out in favour of the Gibraltar Standard II. These are not to be confused with the Gibraltar, a tune-o-matic style bridge, which the Ibby is not a replacement for.
One thing that appears to be missing online is a direct comparison between the two bridges, ideally in the form of a photo of the two bridges next to each other. Although a direct replacement, the Ibby bridge’s design is very different to the Gibraltar Standard. It’s slimmer, sleeker, has a slightly different finish, and is a lot heavier than the Gibraltar Standard. The Ibby is constructed from a solid piece of brass that gives a much “punchier” tone.
Fortunately, a customer just recently came in to the shop with his Gibraltar Standard Bridge. He wanted to offer up the bridge to the Ibby and he kindly let me take some photos of the two bridges side by side. Although not the greatest of photos (taken on my phone), they do show how similar yet so different these two bridges are.
The Hipshot Ibby and Ibanez Gibraltar – Side by Side
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- Ibanez Gibraltar Standard and a Hipshot Ibby Bridge Back to Back
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- The Hipshot Ibby, although slimmer, has a slightly larger footprint than the Ibanez Gibraltar Standard
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- The Ibanez Gibraltar Standard has a much chunkier front end, considerably different to the Ibby bridge.
The Ibby bridges come in two variations; the Hi-Mass which is for the Gibraltar Standards and the Flat Plate which is for Ibanez’s other hardtail bridges. Both variations come in 6, 7 and 8 string configurations. You can read more about the Hipshot Ibby Bridge HERE
