Bigsby,How do You Like Yours ?

[Alvis]

The two who influenced me toward the Bigsby most were Walsh & Neil I suppose.Most of the pics I've seen show them not using the tension roller.So That's the way I did it over the years
I usually like to go to the hardware store and replace the stock spring with a softer,spongier one

How about you folks,any Bigsby tricks ?

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

The two who influenced me toward the Bigsby most were Walsh & Neil I suppose.Most of the pics I've seen show them not using the tension roller.So That's the way I did it over the years
I usually like to go to the hardware store and replace the stock spring with a softer,spongier one

How about you folks,any Bigsby tricks ?

love the bigsby. i don't use the tension roller, either.
the B16 on a tele is very cool. integral, one piece bridge and the PUP mounts directly in the assembly.
i've got three teles, two lesters, an ES295 and three gretsch guitars w/ various bigsby wang bars.
i'm lusting for a jerry jones w/ one.

[Alvis]

My next science project is a B-16 Tele

http://a638.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/91/l_fc0af953b8c736a2188f93e775b45255.jpg

[enharmonic]

I use the stock spring because I prefer the tension. I've used a B6, B7, B12, and B70. I liked them all. Cosmetically, I like the B7 and B70 the best.

[musicofanatic5]

I don't understand what is meant by not using the tension roller?

[WahmBoomAh]

a penny under the spring for more tension

[Alvis]

I don't understand what is meant by not using the tension roller?

Not all Bigsbies have 'em.The flat top SG models usually have it. I just pass the strings over it like it aint even there

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v36/ayhcult/LPC606001.jpg

[gitman]

i love the Bigsby on my Hamer Monaco - it is somewhat stiff though even without the extra penny underneath the spring. i wish i could make it a bit more responsive .... any pointers ?
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/gitman/P1030315.jpg

[Alvis]

i love the Bigsby on my Hamer Monaco - it is somewhat stiff though even without the extra penny underneath the spring. i wish i could make it a bit more responsive .... any pointers ?
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/gitman/P1030315.jpg

Next time you change strings,try not running the strings under the roller,that gives it more of a hair trigger

[mad dog]

I never had Bigsbys until recently, now have two, on Dearmonds. They're licensed from Bigsby, probably much the same. Properly set up, these things are so useful. The one on my Starfire Special is a little stiffer than the one on the M75T. But both operate smoothly, and cause few tuning problems. The one consequence I notice is that on both guitars, .11s feel like .12s. Not quite sure why. I'm thinking of going to .105 strings on the Starfire.

[jpervin]

I sold a '50s RI Tele a few months ago that had a Bigsby on it. Cool guitar, but over time the Bigsby just got in the way.

[drolling]

Love the Bigsby!! I've had a couple guitars w/"liscenced" by Bigsbys (MIK) that are waaaayy stiffer than I like - no success w/a spring swap so far. Where do you get your aftermarket springs, Alvis? Steel or aluminum? (tried both) and do you have to do any grinding to make it fit (done that as well - what a PITA!).

And that tension bar can sometimes be a necessary evil, as the strings pop out of their saddles on my guitar when I don't thread them under.

But the 'non-tension bar' model's got to be my all-time favorite vibrato system - so much more *musical* sounding than a Fender trem and all that metal seems to actually improve the tone of both solid & semi-hollow guitars.

[mark norwine]

many years ago I bought a '64 ES-335.......bigsby + a "custom made" plaque instead of a stop tail.

As it turned out, under the plaque, the good folks at Gibson had installed threaded inserts for stop tail studs!! Factory original! Off came the bigsby & plaque [careful to save the brass brads!], and on went a stop. I gigged it this way for 10+ years.

A few years ago I semi-retired this guitar & wanted to make it as "all original" as possible, so I put the Bigsby & plaque back on. Everyone told me that I'd regret doing so....that I'd "wonder where my tone went", etc.

Let me tell ya....the guitar sounds amazing, and it's great having the bigsby! That little bit of shimmer that a wiggle of the bar gives....priceless! My tone didn't change at all! The bigsby is styaing forever!

[Mark Robinson]

I've got a recent Les Paul Custom with a B-7. It does work, but compared to Fender or Floyd types it's pretty limited. A lot of my troubles are with the nut break angle. But on the whole it's been pretty fun. I just wouldn't approach one with the idea that you could use it as freely as a locker. It's a legacy design with specific capabilities.

[John Phillips]

I actually prefer them the opposite to most people here... stiffer and with the arm set higher than standard. I quite often make replacement springs from cut-down air rifle springs - you can get the length just right, and they are quite a bit stiffer than the stock one. (Yes, you do need a grinder or at least a very hard file to cut them - a hacksaw won't touch it.)

I find it gives better control and tuning stability. I also tighten up the arm nut pretty much as tight as it will go without it stopping the arm turning - it provides a more direct connection between the arm and the cam so you can move it more precisely.

I generally prefer the tension bar, but it isn't so important on hollow guitars since the tone is meant to be more 'hollow' anyway :). It can cause tuning trouble though, especially with a non-rocking bridge. But set up right, they actually stay in tune very well. I had a '69 Bigsby Tele a while ago that was unshakeable, easily as good as a Strat.

[Alvis]

Love the Bigsby!! I've had a couple guitars w/"liscenced" by Bigsbys (MIK) that are waaaayy stiffer than I like - no success w/a spring swap so far. Where do you get your aftermarket springs, Alvis? Steel or aluminum? (tried both) and do you have to do any grinding to make it fit (done that as well - what a PITA!).

And that tension bar can sometimes be a necessary evil, as the strings pop out of their saddles on my guitar when I don't thread them under.


There's a couple of mom & pop hardware stores in town who have those drawers with all the little misc. parts you need sooner or later like rubber O rings (for old grovers) allen head set screws AND springs

These days i cut them off with a diamond wheel on the dremel.I cut in ,say quarter inch increments until I feel I got it in the right place.

Ive had strings pop out on one of my SGs but I had room to file the saddle slot a little deeper ,so that wasn't an issue

[Shamus]

Ain't nothing cooler:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e274/superreverb/1.jpg

I just hate stringing it... But alas, worth the extra effort.

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

Ain't nothing cooler...

how are U diggin' Ur team built shishkov?

[musicofanatic5]

Not all Bigsbies have 'em.The flat top SG models usually have it. I just pass the strings over it like it aint even there


That's what I figured you meant, but I would have guessed that would cause an insufficient amount of angle over the saddles. Those t o m bridges always drive me nuts with the rattles and buzz, like when I tried "top wrapping" a stop tail. I have had an archtop with a bigsby which had no tension bar. It had just barely enough angle for sufficient down pressure on the bridge. Thanks for the clarification.

[kovachian]

You guys can have all the fun your adventurous heart desires with capos/erasers/kinking ball ends, or you can get something like this. I'm either going with this or drilling holes through the bar instead, as yet undecided.


http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/8592/3635cpu1.jpg

[WahmBoomAh]

I like mine attached to a Koll !!!!

[conrad]

:AOKNext time you change strings,try not running the strings under the roller,that gives it more of a hair trigger

I'll give that a try too...

[gitman]

:AOK

I'll give that a try too...
tried that : not enough down-pressure on the saddles, very weak tone.
btw on these Hamer guitars the strings are threaded through, not hooked on these tiny turrets.
has anyone tried "String-Saver" saddles on their Bigsby guitars ? i'd think it would make the need of a rocking bridge obsolete ....a roller bridge kills too much tone IMO.

[D/FW XJ'er]

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f207/dfwxjer/Guitars.jpg

Mine is a cheap Korean licensed version, but I still love it. I can't imagine not using the tension bar though.

Also I really want to try that new way of mounting the strings! I've wanted to drill that bar since I bought the guitar, but that looks like a much better option.

[John Phillips]

You guys can have all the fun your adventurous heart desires with capos/erasers/kinking ball ends, or you can get something like this. I'm either going with this or drilling holes through the bar instead, as yet undecided.


http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/8592/3635cpu1.jpg
Why not just unscrew the pins, and run the strings through the bar?

I never could figure out why they weren't designed to be like that.

[kovachian]

Why not just unscrew the pins, and run the strings through the bar?

I never could figure out why they weren't designed to be like that.As has been said before, you'll need to drill and ream holes for the strings as the bar doesn't have holes going all the way through. And even then, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to remove all the sharp edges that might cause a string to snap. You're absolutely right though, whoever designed the Bigsby obviously didn't think things over.

[googoobaby]

I'm pretty sure that Tom Anderson drills out his Bigsby's like that on Atoms.

[gitman]

I'm pretty sure that Tom Anderson drills out his Bigsby's like that on Atoms.
the Bigsby-equipped Hamers come with drilled bars and the german Düsenberg guitars also. http://www.goeldo.de/artikel.php?artgr=58-GTG sells pre-drilled bars that fit on original Bigsby's.

[Walter Broes]

I love Bigsbies, and have five guitars with them.

A neat little trick to get a quicker response from the handle with no slop is taking out the little spring from the handle bolt - put a washer in there to tighten things up, and you'll have zero slop in the arm, and instant action when you so much as look at it.

Stringing the double roller types (B5, B7) is a bit of a pain, but the single roller types only take some getting used to - after all these years, it doesn't take me more time or aggravation than a fixed bridge.
On the double roller types, just wedge a pencil eraser or a piece of foam cut to size under the string's ball end once it's in place, thread the string through the tuner post, tune up, and take out the wedge. Works great.

[John Phillips]

As has been said before, you'll need to drill and ream holes for the strings as the bar doesn't have holes going all the way through.The one on my '69 Bigsby Tele most certainly did! Because that was exactly what was done to it (before I got it) - the pins simply screw in from the other side, and had been removed - leaving the threads clearly visible. I'm almost certain every other original Bigsby I've seen is like this too, but I could be wrong.

I suppose I should pay more attention, I've set up hundreds of them... :)

Anyway, I strung that Tele perfectly well without drilling or reaming the holes - including with a 75-gauge low A at one point when I had it strung as a baritone :eek: :) - and never had any problem with the strings not going through the holes or breaking.

This is why the 'drill the bar' thing has always puzzled me...

[jackevorkian]

I've been planning on puttingone on my LP Jr. Which is the best model Bigsby for this guitar? There seem to be a few options, and I am not sure what the differences are other than gold versus chrome.

[Walter Broes]

A B5 or a B7, they would both work on a junior.

[Crazyquilt]

I love me some Bigsby. I also prefer the non-tension bar models, but on a flat-top guitar, there doesn't seem to be enough down-pressure without it (as has been commented before.)

Right now, I need to do some spring-swapping on my Koll; I'd like to raise the bar up a good bit more. I might just try the penny/washer trick first, but I'm not sure that'll make as much of a change as I'd like.

[Alvis]

I never tried a pinless Bigsby .I just always figured there would be a torque issue without 'em ??
BTW,I saw Old Black up close about 10 years ago ,Neil does use the tension bar on that guitar ,but I can't remember if he did on the Goldtop that he rips the strings off of, of course not on the Gretsches

[The Pup]

Bigsbys are my fav:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a166/RCA6L6GC/IMG_0650sm.jpg

[monacosis]

As has been said before, you'll need to drill and ream holes for the strings as the bar doesn't have holes going all the way through. And even then, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to remove all the sharp edges that might cause a string to snap. You're absolutely right though, whoever designed the Bigsby obviously didn't think things over.

i recently did this to the Bigsby on my Hamer. the tricky part is getting the pins out without snapping them off. after that the drilling is easy. i use a larger bit and then smoothing with a dremel to get rid of the edges. this set of strings has lasted 3+ months of daily playing with no breaks.

imo, this is an essential mod on all bigsbys.

mike

[WahmBoomAh]

I bought a used B5 here on TGP and was surprised to get a bigsby with holes instead of posts .... Someone who saw it suggested it was a knock off ... What`s up with this ???? Are they building them like this now ?

[SkeleTone]

I have two LP Jr's with B5 Bigsbys. Here's a tip: I had a tech turn the string bar 180 degrees around, so the turrets point upward instead of downward. That way, changing strings is much easier than in the original position. Works if you run the strings under the tension bar, but without the tension bar, I suspect the strings would come off.

I've been very happy with the mod. Changing strings is as fast and easy as on any guitar that I've played.

[The Pup]

In over 40 years of Bigsby use...I never even noticed an issue with restringing difficulties.

I just pre-bend the string end so it naturally mates with the retaining pin, then I use a capo at the 5th fret (or thereabouts) to grab hold of the string and then wind it up as usual. Very simple...very easy.

[SkeleTone]

In over 40 years of Bigsby use...I never even noticed an issue with restringing difficulties.

I just pre-bend the string end so it naturally mates with the retaining pin, then I use a capo at the 5th fret (or thereabouts) to grab hold of the string and then wind it up as usual. Very simple...very easy.

Thanks for the comment. I guess it's everyone to his style, and I admit being a bit lazy ;) Personally, I just think said mod makes restringing even easier (no capo or such needed), and since no vintage or playability values were hurt, I couldn't see any reason not to.

The mod also makes restringing easier for someone who isn't familiar with Bigsbys. I remember one gig when I had to ask a friend to change strings during our show and it took him forever with the Bigsby (it wasn't modded at that time). Well, that doesn't happen all the time, of course, but whatever works for your particular situation is fine.

[The Pup]

Thanks for the comment. I guess it's everyone to his style, and I admit being a bit lazy ;) Personally, I just think said mod makes restringing even easier (no capo or such needed), and since no vintage or playability values were hurt, I couldn't see any reason not to.

The mod also makes restringing easier for someone who isn't familiar with Bigsbys. I remember one gig when I had to ask a friend to change strings during our show and it took him forever with the Bigsby (it wasn't modded at that time). Well, that doesn't happen all the time, of course, but whatever works for your particular situation is fine.

Yea, without the capo...I've had to use my big toe to hold the string in place (I had forgotten about that).

[scottlr]

As has been said before, you'll need to drill and ream holes for the strings as the bar doesn't have holes going all the way through. And even then, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to remove all the sharp edges that might cause a string to snap. You're absolutely right though, whoever designed the Bigsby obviously didn't think things over.

Would running the string through the bar lessen the travel from the handle movement? Seems like wrapped around the bars allows more travel. Just thinking out loud...

[The Pup]

Would running the string through the bar lessen the travel from the handle movement? Seems like wrapped around the bars allows more travel. Just thinking out loud...

I've done the mod for others many times and it does affect travel in a small degree. You can compensate by bending the swing arm up a little if you don't mind the change. However, if you have an already marginally responsive Bigsby with an already accentuated swing arm lift-angle, you might want to leave it alone. I have a Rickenbacker 1998 with a factory Bigsby that is on the hairy edge of travel function and I would not consider it a candidate for this mod.

[melody maker]

In over 40 years of Bigsby use...I never even noticed an issue with restringing difficulties.

I just pre-bend the string end so it naturally mates with the retaining pin, then I use a capo at the 5th fret (or thereabouts) to grab hold of the string and then wind it up as usual. Very simple...very easy.
Easy???sounds like extra work to me. I DREAD changing strings on my Casino. I'll try the rotating the string bar thing. Is that hard to do? since you used a tech

[The Pup]

Easy???sounds like extra work to me. I DREAD changing strings on my Casino. I'll try the rotating the string bar thing. Is that hard to do? since you used a techYour right...it sounds like it wouldn't be easy for you. :p

[SkeleTone]

Easy???sounds like extra work to me. I DREAD changing strings on my Casino. I'll try the rotating the string bar thing. Is that hard to do? since you used a tech

I can't really say if it's easy. He suggested it and I said yes, since it sounded like a good idea. Can't be a very big operation, though, since he hardly charged anything extra for it... :)

[drolling]

There's a couple of mom & pop hardware stores in town who have those drawers with all the little misc. parts you need sooner or later like rubber O rings (for old grovers) allen head set screws AND springs

These days i cut them off with a diamond wheel on the dremel.I cut in ,say quarter inch increments until I feel I got it in the right place.

Ive had strings pop out on one of my SGs but I had room to file the saddle slot a little deeper ,so that wasn't an issueAhah!! I've been looking for an excuse to pick up a Dremel - And deepening the slots is a simple BUT GREAT idea I'd never have thought of..

So, it's off to work on my "liscenced" Bigsby-loaded Electromatic..

Thanks Alvis!!

[scottlr]

I've never really had any problems changing strings. I bend the end, put it on the shaft, and then keep tension with my hands, no capo at all, and no problems. Just the nature of the beast, and I just deal with it. No big deal to me.

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

I've never really had any problems changing strings. I bend the end, put it on the shaft, and then keep tension with my hands, no capo at all, and no problems. Just the nature of the beast, and I just deal with it. No big deal to me.

yeah, same here.
bending at the end is the trick, tho'.
i don't have problems w/ the strings jumping out of the bridge slot, either. 11's on bigsby guitars feel very light to me.

[jads57]

They sure look great, especially on a Tele. But other than as light vibrato,they are fairly limited. I think they were designed to bend a 1/2 step up or down. So if you`re expecting any more from one youd be better off getting a Digitech Whammy pedal.

[The Pup]

They sure look great, especially on a Tele. But other than as light vibrato,they are fairly limited. I think they were designed to bend a 1/2 step up or down. So if you`re expecting any more from one youd be better off getting a Digitech Whammy pedal.Some just don't get it. :)

[jads57]

You have to remember when Chet Atkins was King, that was advanced technology. I`ve seen John McGlaughlin use one not that long ago on his Gibson Johnny Smith w/ nice results. I`m not saying it`s not cool, just other than the allure of that factor it`s limited. You can not get the range of expression that you can w/ most of the current trems available.

[The Pup]

You have to remember when Chet Atkins was King, that was advanced technology. I`ve seen John McGlaughlin use one not that long ago on his Gibson Johnny Smith w/ nice results. I`m not saying it`s not cool, just other than the allure of that factor it`s limited. You can not get the range of expression that you can w/ most of the current trems available.Some just don't get it. :)

[jads57]

Actually, I did get it several times Tele w/ Horshoe Bigsby, Hamer Monaco w/ Bigby, & Newport w/ Bigsby. I found out the hard way when you bring one as your only guitar to a gig and you break a string not only do you go out of tune, you have the joy of restringing one when your fellow band mates play on, and on and on and so on and so on.

[WahmBoomAh]

You have to remember when Chet Atkins was King, that was advanced technology. I`ve seen John McGlaughlin use one not that long ago on his Gibson Johnny Smith w/ nice results. I`m not saying it`s not cool, just other than the allure of that factor it`s limited. You can not get the range of expression that you can w/ most of the current trems available.

So ... If Chet was still playing today , he would have ditched the bigsby for a greater range of expression and a more advanced technology ?
Or maybe Chet wouldn`t want to risk not having the cool factor ...might have messed with his image .

Can you accept that some feel the bigsby is much more musical and vocal ? I think the bigsby is the finest trem out there because of the subtle wiggle and vocal like slurring ..... enjoy it all !

[The Pup]

The subtle tremolo affect of a proper Bigsby is was it is...warts and all.

It's like the vibrato of a Magnatone amp...simply sublime.

Yes there is a cost (or compromise) for the dive-bomb genre seeking crowd...but for those who understand the nuance and beauty of the subtle Bigsby, there is no substitute and whatever cost or compromise required is worth the price.

Note: Please don't miss-read my intent...the Bigsby tremolo is no better than the next...except for Bigbsy tremolo chores (all others are mere substitutes).

BTW...I think my favorite tremolo is the Jazzmaster.

...although, some people just don't get that either.

[jads57]

I also think the 50`s T-Birds are cool, but as far as driving everyday w/ your gear and kids, groceries,etc. give me something more useful. You can do the same effect as a Bigsby w/ just about any modern trem or if need a Whammy pedal. But you can`t do it the other way around. And yes, Bigsby`s are COOL as all get out. But they are LIMITED! By the way I don`t think Chet woud have ever tried Van Halen`s "Eruption " on a Bigsby. And no I`m not a metal player, just a wannabe Jazzer!

[The Pup]

I also think the 50`s T-Birds are cool, but as far as driving everyday w/ your gear and kids, groceries,etc. give me something more useful. You can do the same effect as a Bigsby w/ just about any modern trem or if need a Whammy pedal. But you can`t do it the other way around. And yes, Bigsby`s are COOL as all get out. But they are LIMITED! By the way I don`t think Chet woud have ever tried Van Halen`s "Eruption " on a Bigsby. And no I`m not a metal player, just a wannabe Jazzer!

Now you have shown yourself in the light of your own words. Now I better understand that you definitely don't get it. Peace be with you my lost friend. In time, you shall know. :p

[JazzHessian]

Can you accept that some feel the bigsby is much more musical and vocal ? I think the bigsby is the finest trem out there because of the subtle wiggle and vocal like slurring ..... enjoy it all !

Same here. I genuinely dislike most other tremolo systems, except maybe the Jazzmaster trem.

[jads57]

Boy , I`d better hurry cause I just turned 50 this past May. Sometimes we and especially mean me in particular ,get obssesed w/ our guitars. But remember Paul Bigsby and Leo fender did`nt play guitar. They were inventors, and great ones at that. But time marches on, and it`s not that it`s not musical or unuseful. It`s just that newer inventions come along because music or situations dictate it. And beleive me it hurts my bottom line, as a pro musician ( no other day gig) for over 30 years. But new things as well as new music will always happen. And someone , just like those guys( Paul and Leo) did for their time, will happen again.

[The Pup]

Boy , I`d better hurry cause I just turned 50 this past May. Sometimes we and especially mean me in particular ,get obssesed w/ our guitars. But remember Paul Bigsby and Leo fender did`nt play guitar. They were inventors, and great ones at that. But time marches on, and it`s not that it`s not musical or unuseful. It`s just that newer inventions come along because music or situations dictate it. And beleive me it hurts my bottom line, as a pro musician ( no other day gig) for over 30 years. But new things as well as new music will always happen. And someone , just like those guys( Paul and Leo) did for their time, will happen again.Well now that I know you are 50...I suppose I should cut you some slack. I think if you were going to "get it," you would have by now. :)

[TieDyedDevil]

Here's one of mine. This is on a Koll DL Thinline. Saul ground the back of the Bigsby to fit the curvature of the top of the guitar.

http://psg.com/%7Edlamkins/Snaps/Koll2_20070730/IMG_3384.JPG

More pictures at http://psg.com/~dlamkins/music/gear/koll-custom-dl-2 .

[jads57]

Hey PUP, what kind of car do you drive?

[The Pup]

Hey PUP, what kind of car do you drive?

I drive a Honda Civic EX...I average 36 mpg and it's paid for.

Yes, I like to keep up with the times like overhead cams, independent wishbone suspensions, electronic dwell angle/timing, variable valve timing, air bags, air mass sensors, fuel injection, etc. But when it comes to tremolos for rockabilly and subtle vibrato...I'm stuck in the past.

I am looking for a locking tremolo shred machine though!

[jads57]

Pup, I noticed in another thread you play G& L`s . I guess we both get it when it comes to those guitars. I have 2 Asats ( Classic 3, Super ) both great instruments. Cheers!

[The Pup]

Pup, I noticed in another thread you play G& L`s . I guess we both get it when it comes to those guitars. I have 2 Asats ( Classic 3, Super ) both great instruments. Cheers!

I don't own one...but I respect them very much. I do own quite a few Fenders; they're good ones (I'm kind of picky).

[jads57]

You say Tomato and I say , each to their own. That`s is the wonderful thing about all of guitars available to people now. I remember when you actually bought old Gibsons and Fenders because they were making such horrible guitars in the past. And they were cheap because they were used. And to be fair a lot of the so called vintage guitars were not all that great either. I actually feel that the newer stuff is way better consistantly than any of the older things. That might even include machining of Bigsbys. Cheers!

[smiert spionam]

I like them old-timey -- floating bridge, B6, and a full-size archtop with great punchy single coils:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/smiert/guitars/guild-x440-1.jpg

Here's the closeup of a new bridge I had installed when in the shop for a refret. It's a Guild-spec plain-G compensated bridge on a Stew-Mac rosewood base. I like it a lot.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/smiert/x440newbridge.jpg

[The Pup]

And to be fair a lot of the so called vintage guitars were not all that great either. I actually feel that the newer stuff is way better consistantly than any of the older things.

Young man...I couldn't agree more. Well stated.

P.S. Gretsch guitars are a very good example.

:BEER

[The Pup]

I like them old-timey -- floating bridge, B6, and a full-size archtop with great punchy single coils:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/smiert/guitars/guild-x440-1.jpg

Here's the closeup of a new bridge I had installed when in the shop for a refret. It's a Guild-spec plain-G compensated bridge on a Stew-Mac rosewood base. I like it a lot.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/smiert/x440newbridge.jpg

Now that's a guitar to talk about...nice!

[smiert spionam]

Thanks, Pup -- you've got some nice ones on your wall, too.

I completely agree about the new Gretsches -- really nice guitars. I recently gave up a 6128t-1957 (similar to yours), and it was really great. Even the recent Korean Electromatics with DeArmonds and a B6 are great guitars for the money.

Mine's a '54 Guild X-440 -- from the early years when they were still making it up as they went. The Bigsby and bridge are not original, but pretty much everything else is, except the new frets. It makes me happy.

[The Pup]

Thanks, Pup -- you've got some nice ones on your wall, too.

I completely agree about the new Gretsches -- really nice guitars. I recently gave up a 6128t-1957 (similar to yours), and it was really great. Even the recent Korean Electromatics with DeArmonds and a B6 are great guitars for the money.

Mine's a '54 Guild X-440 -- from the early years when they were still making it up as they went. The Bigsby and bridge are not original, but pretty much everything else is, except the new frets. It makes me happy.I love it...nicely done.

[Alvis]

Well friends,if a Bigsby is limited to this,I'll take it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02z3gIg9lcQ

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

Well friends,if a Bigsby is limited to this,I'll take it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02z3gIg9lcQ

one of the greatest rock n' roll moments on TV.
neil, evidently, warmed up by running in place and doing jumping jacks just prior to going on so that he was as 'pumped as possible.

i have a lester R6 that has undergone the 'old black' modifications.
tailpiece removed and doweled. bigsby installed. firebird PUP in the bridge position and metal dog ear covers for the neck PUP and a coil tap for the 'bucker. add a wicked relic job that RS did...
i still don't sound like NY, tho'.
killer gee-tar.

[RomanS]

I like them old-timey -- floating bridge, B6, and a full-size archtop with great punchy single coils:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/smiert/guitars/guild-x440-1.jpg

Here's the closeup of a new bridge I had installed when in the shop for a refret. It's a Guild-spec plain-G compensated bridge on a Stew-Mac rosewood base. I like it a lot.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/smiert/x440newbridge.jpg

Man, what a beauty! I think I'm in love...

Never heard about those plain G compensated bridges - are those still available? I could use one for a B16-equipped Tele I'm about to start building.

[Andy J.]

Well friends,if a Bigsby is limited to this,I'll take it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02z3gIg9lcQ

Wow, I hadn't seen that clip. Thanks Alvis, made my day!

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

Never heard about those plain G compensated bridges - are those still available? I could use one for a B16-equipped Tele I'm about to start building.

the compensated, solid bridge came w/ the B16 when i bought mine.

[RomanS]

the compensated, solid bridge came w/ the B16 when i bought mine.

Well, yeah, sure, the B16 comes with a compensated bridge - but one for a string set with a wound G (meaning: the part for the G string is further towards the neck than that of the D) - the picture above shows a bridge compensated for a modern, unwound G string (meaning, the part where the G string passes over is behind that for the D string).
Just compare the picture posted above to a regular B16 bridge - you'll see the difference...
And I've never seen that kind posted above before (didn't even know they existed), that's why I was asking for availability!

[smiert spionam]

Man, what a beauty! I think I'm in love...

Never heard about those plain G compensated bridges - are those still available? I could use one for a B16-equipped Tele I'm about to start building.

Thanks, Roman!

They should be available at Elderly, and I believe they'll ship internationally:

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/0271-NKL.htm

Here's the image from their catalog:

http://elderly.com/images/accessories/GEPT/0271-NKL_front.jpg

One thing to keep in mind:

The post spacing for this bridge is wider than the spacing of the bridge that comes with the B-16 (I've got one). There are two options for dealing with this -- you might be able to drill new holes in the top portion of the Guild-spec bridge, or you can fashion a new base (possibly out of one or both of the other bases).

I really like the B-16, though I never completed this project. I installed one as a temporary build on a thinline body, and I like it, though the neck from that project is now going back on its original body (it's a vintage tele whose body has been out of commission to fix a bad refin).

(I don't mean to hijack, but if you want some of these parts, let me know -- I won't be using them any time soon).

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

Well, yeah, sure, the B16 comes with a compensated bridge - but one for a string set with a wound G (meaning: the part for the G string is further towards the neck than that of the D)

that's interesting.
here's how oblivious i am. i had never taken note of the configuration of the bridge before.
in fact, the one piece bridge on my B16 does have the G string compensated longer than the D string.

[Alvis]

one of the greatest rock n' roll moments on TV.


That clip should be used for Rhythm Section 101

[RomanS]

that's interesting.
here's how oblivious i am. i had never taken note of the configuration of the bridge before.
in fact, the one piece bridge on my B16 does have the G string compensated longer than the D string.

Oh really? I haven't bought the B16 for my project yet (though I have most of the other parts) - but all the pictures I have seen of B16s (like on this page: http://www.xs4all.nl/~msengers/htm/gallery.htm (http://www.xs4all.nl/%7Emsengers/htm/gallery.htm) ) show them with the shorter compensation for a wound G. Did your bridge come with the B16 when you bought it? Maybe they have changed it?

[Drowned Rabbit]

Anybody know if you can get a LP VOS Historic 'Burst
(like a R9 or R0) with a factory Bigsby? I like chrome
hardware and it seems like Gibson only uses Gold ones
and then only on the R4's and Customs.

All those cool pics of 'Bursts with Bigsbys in "The Beauty
Of The Burst" book have really got me gassing for one.
It doesn't make sense that Gibson wouldn't throw together
at least a few of these every year.

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

Oh really? I haven't bought the B16 for my project yet (though I have most of the other parts) - but all the pictures I have seen of B16s (like on this page: http://www.xs4all.nl/~msengers/htm/gallery.htm (http://www.xs4all.nl/%7Emsengers/htm/gallery.htm) ) show them with the shorter compensation for a wound G. Did your bridge come with the B16 when you bought it? Maybe they have changed it?

indeed.
after looking online, i have also found the same thing as U suggest.
i bought my B16 used at a guitar store.
i have to say - i must have horseshoes up my butt.
prior to this thread, i haven't even thought about the bridge on my B16.

[smiert spionam]

Ouch, that must smart!

;- )

Kind of a bummer, though -- would have been nice to find a ready-made option. I have to say, though, that the B-16's included bridge intonates pretty well, anyway.

[8Painting]

Wow, I hadn't seen that clip. Thanks Alvis, made my day!


looks like steve jordan on drums, awesome.

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

looks like steve jordan on drums, awesome.

and charley drayton playing bass. a formidable rhythm section. they could swap out each other's chair too.