help with choosing a bigsby tele

[snacker]

hey gang,
i've decided i need a tele with a bigsby. I'm intrigued by the idea of having a vintage style bridge that's notched out at the back so the neck won't need to be shimmed (and i like the feel sound and vibe of a vintage bridge). Any of you have experience with a tele set up like that?

i'm also interested in the idea of an asat classic with the bigsby recessed into the body. I've only ever seen asat specials set up that way.....any of you tried a classic with a bigsby?

i have $1500 to spend on something (used) ....what do you suggest? I'm open to any make

cheers!

[fullerplast]

I have a semi-hollow ASAT Deluxe with the recessed Bigsby. Beautiful implementation! Tele's with Bigsbys tend to have a more "immediate" response than something like a 335 due to the more compact spacing.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/fullerplast/GL002.jpg

[Ryguy]

I have the notched bridge on a 50's style blackguard partscaster and love it. I have gone back and forth with and without the bigsby and can notice no difference in feel or tone/sustain. Really nice setup. One thing that helps is that I have a Fender "F" bigsby which is slightly different than the B7 or whatver the tele bigbsy kit (non-"f") one is. The F bigsby doesnt have the top mounting screw above the tension bar, but rather below it, so you can get the bigsby closer up to the bridge which gives you more break over the saddles. Again, works great for me.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p173/rygalli/Photo373.jpg