Why do Stingray bridges have that curved part?

['59]

It almost looks like a palm rest, except it lies a bit too far from the strings. The little part that usually says "Music Man"

[uOpt]

I think it is an attempt to bring additional mass for added sustain, like a sustain block but not under the surface.

['59]

Interesting, it's not the largest addition of metal in the world, so I would have thought different. Maybe it's just because I have a lower tier model though

[ArtieToo]

I thought it was there to hide the string ball ends. I replaced a heavy Fender Bad-ass for Hipshot for that very reason.

[Mincer]

The guitars with trems have that same piece, too. It is great for pulling up on the trem. Maybe on a bass it covers up the unsightly ball ends?