A Bigsby topic about Bigsby...and also guitars

[davidwpack]

Ello! I'm thinking I will put a B7 with the Vibramate mounting kit on my LP. Has anyone done this? Does it mount well with no complications? Stay in tune? Handle slightly altered tunings? I've never had a Bigsby equipped guitar before but my guitar really wants one. Amazon has the B7, Vibramate mounting kit and the Vibramate string spoiler for like $250. I'm going to see if I can find a better price but I think I might do it. Bigsby?

[nandrewjackson]

I put a b5 on an epiphone les paul with vibramate plate. It didn't require any mods to the guitar. it didn't exactly sit flush on the carved top, towards the rear was was not contacting the body. But it was nice.


I can't speak towards the b7.


Turns out the bigsby thing wasn't for me. I'm a double locking trem fan. But it was nice.

[davidwpack]

Thanks for your reply! Did it affect the function of it from not sitting flush? I read someone else reporting that it didn't sit flush, but I believe they also had an Epiphone.

[nandrewjackson]

Not sitting flush had no effect on functionality.  It's a cosmetic issue with the B5 and vibramate plate. 


The plate holes lined up perfectly with the bigsby, AND the tailpiece holes in the guitar body. Very sturdy.


It was a little nerve-rattling to see the back end of it "floating" , but it performed flawlessly. 

[davidwpack]

Sorry, I swear just one more question: did you replace your bridge with one of the roller saddle type bridges or did you find it unnecessary? Thanks!

[nandrewjackson]

I didn't get into it that far. If the bigsby thing suits you, that would probably make it smoother.


I didn't notice any popping or grinding sounds caused by the wound strings  reacting with the saddles, if that's what you may be concerned about.  The b5 didn't do a whole lot to my ears. I'm used to floating setups, gotoh/Wilkinson's, floyd.



I was put off by how little trem effect is there for how far the bar gets moved. Maybe a roller saddle would've made it more pronounced. 


I thought the b5 and vibramate was some good quality stuff, just not my cup o' tea.

[davidwpack]

Thanks!

[davidwpack]

What about Stetsbars? Anyone familiar? They seem even less invasive, they apparently lock from what I understand, supposedly have more travel than a Bigsby, and have a model designed specifically for an LP. Anyone had one on any guitar? Thanks!

[davidwpack]

Stetsbars.     https://stetsbar.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/stetsbar-stop-tail-chrome-stcc-right-hand

[Jennings]

I've used Bigsby terms in the B7 / B5 style...and various custom "inspired bys" for decades.  Almost all my guitars get one (bar the Floyd equipped and Strat guitars)...I've put one on my '58 RI LP, every SG I own, Teles, semis etc...so I've learned a thing or two over the years, and I say give one a go.  You might like it.  I give mine a lot of abuse at gigs!  As mentioned, you won't be dive-bombing, but you can do some cool shimmer stuff.  Plus if you go nuts and really wrench it about at high speed you can get some good drama...you'd definitelt need to check your tuning after that!  However they're generally really stable otherwise if you get them up and keep them lubed and clean.

Don't worry yourself too much about the odd gap etc, but do make sure you fit them firmly and securely at the screw points, and as flush as the guitar and design allow.  On an LP there's a gap anyway under the middle part of the B7.  I always use a roller bridge myself...nothing fancy, as I've personally found results and tone wise that the lower profile cheapo ones sound better for this application.  I think they help keep the tone from thinning out, and on my SGs they help with the shallower neck angle.  Oil all movement points...on the Bigsby and roller bridge.  Put some graphite in your nut slots, and don't make a birds nest on your tuning posts with the string.  Pre curl your strings round a Sharpie or something before trying to hook them on the Bigsby when installing...and you should be good to go. 

Should be stable enough when playing and not using the term...if you give the trem a lot of welly, you should find that a gentle two way waggle, and quick bend of all your strings, and it'll be close enough to pitch again.  But don't expect never to have to tweak your tuning between songs when you've been having a waggle!

Last thing from me...the versions that Guitar Fetish do are pretty ace.  That's what I installed on my Les and one of my SGs.  Take a peek here:
https://www.guitarfetish.com/Xtrem-Vintage-Vibrato-System_c_373.html

[davidwpack]

Thanks for the reply. Sorry about the late reply. Been busy for a while. I've had a Stetsbar on backorder  for about 2 months. Apparently Covid has delayed shipment. If it's much longer I believe I'm going to cancel my order. Those at guitar fetish do look interesting. Thanks for the link!