silvertonebetty
New member
So I’m building a thinline tele and
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Bigsby worth it or not
- Thread starter silvertonebetty
- Start date
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
You'll only know by trying it.
Opinions are only worth the basis they come from. If you get a host of replies by floyd adherents then its likely they'll disparage a bigsby as it doesn't do what they want.
Used for a slight flutter they are a great 'no rout' way of getting some warble.
You'll only know by trying it.
Opinions are only worth the basis they come from. If you get a host of replies by floyd adherents then its likely they'll disparage a bigsby as it doesn't do what they want.
Used for a slight flutter they are a great 'no rout' way of getting some warble.
silvertonebetty
New member
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
This has all ready gone bad I tried to delete the post but nothing . I noticed I wrote the title then the phone fell and posted . I wanted to know what their first bigsby was and if they thought it was worth it . See I’m building a thinline tele and I got a bigsby for it . I’ve never used one before so pro and cons would be nice to hear . Even if I never use it I’m not taking it off lol.
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This has all ready gone bad I tried to delete the post but nothing . I noticed I wrote the title then the phone fell and posted . I wanted to know what their first bigsby was and if they thought it was worth it . See I’m building a thinline tele and I got a bigsby for it . I’ve never used one before so pro and cons would be nice to hear . Even if I never use it I’m not taking it off lol.
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Silence Kid
New member
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
ED: So I made this post before you submitted your follow-up. I see you have a vibramate, appropriate bridge-plate, and a non-F branded vibrato. That's cool, rock it.
...
No route required, but perhaps drilling for a new bridge. Even if you use an option such as the below (where the Bigsby is affixed by the plate screws and two less visible screws at the ass of the guitar) you still need to punch out new bridge post holes. Bigsby sells you the pictured un-intonatable bar with the below setup that is short of ideal.
Otherwise this was the stock Fender setup; a Jaguar/Jazzmaster bridge to facilitate intonation/action adjustment, as well as rocking in synchronization with vibrato movement to help stay in tune. I would go with that setup; you could also conceivably use a Tune-O-Matic with roller saddles; I would not use a Tune-O-Matic with fixed saddles (even Gibson originally sold Bigsby guitars with domed thumb adjustors that allowed the bridge to rock with the motion of the strings.)
I have heard that 'F' Branded Bigsbies (rather than the ones that say 'Bigsby') have the retainer bar in a better position for Telecasters. A Vibramate can be used to install this kit without drilling btw... But again, you'd still need to drill for a bridge.
The last alternative is to use notched baseplates; I've never done this but seems like you'd want some very stiff intonation springs at the least to keep intonation from going out, and I don't know how well you could stay in tune as a best case. Perhaps others have feedback.
One other thing that just came up on google and looks pretty cool:
ED: So I made this post before you submitted your follow-up. I see you have a vibramate, appropriate bridge-plate, and a non-F branded vibrato. That's cool, rock it.
...
No route required, but perhaps drilling for a new bridge. Even if you use an option such as the below (where the Bigsby is affixed by the plate screws and two less visible screws at the ass of the guitar) you still need to punch out new bridge post holes. Bigsby sells you the pictured un-intonatable bar with the below setup that is short of ideal.
Otherwise this was the stock Fender setup; a Jaguar/Jazzmaster bridge to facilitate intonation/action adjustment, as well as rocking in synchronization with vibrato movement to help stay in tune. I would go with that setup; you could also conceivably use a Tune-O-Matic with roller saddles; I would not use a Tune-O-Matic with fixed saddles (even Gibson originally sold Bigsby guitars with domed thumb adjustors that allowed the bridge to rock with the motion of the strings.)
I have heard that 'F' Branded Bigsbies (rather than the ones that say 'Bigsby') have the retainer bar in a better position for Telecasters. A Vibramate can be used to install this kit without drilling btw... But again, you'd still need to drill for a bridge.
The last alternative is to use notched baseplates; I've never done this but seems like you'd want some very stiff intonation springs at the least to keep intonation from going out, and I don't know how well you could stay in tune as a best case. Perhaps others have feedback.
One other thing that just came up on google and looks pretty cool:
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silvertonebetty
New member
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
O I have mine but my tele isnt done . I went with a USA b5 and v5 vibromate kit
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No route, but perhaps drilling for a new bridge. Even if you use an option such as the below (where the Bigsby is affixed by the plate screws and two less visible screws at the ass of the guitar) you still need to punch out new bridge post holes. Bigsby sells you the pictured un-intonatable bar with the below setup that is short of ideal.
Otherwise this was the stock Fender setup; a Jaguar/Jazzmaster bridge to facilitate intonation/action adjustment, as well as rocking in synchronization with vibrato movement to help stay in tune. I would go with that setup; you could also conceivably use a Tune-O-Matic with roller saddles; I would not use a Tune-O-Matic with fixed saddles (even Gibson originally sold Bigsby guitars with domed thumb adjustors that allowed the bridge to rock with the motion of the strings.)
I have heard that 'F' Branded Bigsbies (rather than the ones that say 'Bigsby') have the retainer bar in a better position for Telecasters. A Vibramate can be used to install this kit without drilling btw... But again, you'd still need to drill for a bridge.
The last alternative is to use notched baseplates; I've never done this but seems like you'd want some very stiff intonation springs at the least to keep intonation from going out, and I don't know how well you could stay in tune as a best case. Perhaps others have feedback.
One other thing that just came up on google and looks pretty cool:
O I have mine but my tele isnt done . I went with a USA b5 and v5 vibromate kit
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silvertonebetty
New member
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
No and nor are the cheep . Yikes I could of bought another body for the price of the setup
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No and nor are the cheep . Yikes I could of bought another body for the price of the setup
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Silence Kid
New member
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
Yep- I saw. Edited my post in response
Anyway. I'm not a huge Bigsby fan despite just sploodging the above out. I use a Jazzmaster bridge/vibrato on one of my Telecasters. But the Bigsby works fine and is cool. Have fun.
Yep- I saw. Edited my post in response
Anyway. I'm not a huge Bigsby fan despite just sploodging the above out. I use a Jazzmaster bridge/vibrato on one of my Telecasters. But the Bigsby works fine and is cool. Have fun.
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silvertonebetty
New member
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
I wanted a b16 but they are close to $600 cad . And I was like no way man
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Yep- I saw. Edited my post in response
I wanted a b16 but they are close to $600 cad . And I was like no way man
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ItsaBass
New member
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
They sure look cool. They're for achieving traditional vibrato, not modern-style vibrato trickery. They can make tuning less solid on a Tele if you don't have the rocking bridge set up well (plate low/saddles high is "correct"). That said, if you don't mind drifting from the classic setup, there are better alternatives today than the old-style Jaguar bridge. IMO, using a non-tension-bar-equipped model and neck shim to get the desired break over the bridge is the best setup for a Bigsby on a Tele.
They sure look cool. They're for achieving traditional vibrato, not modern-style vibrato trickery. They can make tuning less solid on a Tele if you don't have the rocking bridge set up well (plate low/saddles high is "correct"). That said, if you don't mind drifting from the classic setup, there are better alternatives today than the old-style Jaguar bridge. IMO, using a non-tension-bar-equipped model and neck shim to get the desired break over the bridge is the best setup for a Bigsby on a Tele.
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
I love my Bigsby I can get a bit more than just vibrato out of it. The only downside is the strings are a pain in the butt to change. It can be downright fustrating. I built a little wedge tool that holds the string on the pin while I tune it up.
I love my Bigsby I can get a bit more than just vibrato out of it. The only downside is the strings are a pain in the butt to change. It can be downright fustrating. I built a little wedge tool that holds the string on the pin while I tune it up.
silvertonebetty
New member
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
I’ve tried for the fun just trying to get old string to stay one . I’d admit that will take time to get use to
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I’ve tried for the fun just trying to get old string to stay one . I’d admit that will take time to get use to
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dystrust
New member
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
It's easier to restring a Bigsby if you bend the ball end of the string 90 degrees before slipping it over the pin.
It's easier to restring a Bigsby if you bend the ball end of the string 90 degrees before slipping it over the pin.
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
The vibramate spoiler is also another alternative.
To OP - you will get a little bit of extra weight in the guitar, and maybe there might have been a tonal shift if you'd swapped it in. I guess you'll never know what the change might have been, and I've only ever swapped one out not in. It aluminium mostly, so maybe you could expect a similar style change to an Al vs Zamac tailpiece on a LP.
In operation you don't notice it if the arm is folded away/back
The vibramate spoiler is also another alternative.
To OP - you will get a little bit of extra weight in the guitar, and maybe there might have been a tonal shift if you'd swapped it in. I guess you'll never know what the change might have been, and I've only ever swapped one out not in. It aluminium mostly, so maybe you could expect a similar style change to an Al vs Zamac tailpiece on a LP.
In operation you don't notice it if the arm is folded away/back
beaubrummels
Well-known member
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
F-bigsbys don't fit on a vibramate. One of the screws is in a different position. I had to buy a Bigsby F-5 to use the vibramate with my tele.
ED: So I made this post before you submitted your follow-up. I see you have a vibramate, appropriate bridge-plate, and a non-F branded vibrato. That's cool, rock it.
...
No route required, but perhaps drilling for a new bridge. Even if you use an option such as the below (where the Bigsby is affixed by the plate screws and two less visible screws at the ass of the guitar) you still need to punch out new bridge post holes. Bigsby sells you the pictured un-intonatable bar with the below setup that is short of ideal.
Otherwise this was the stock Fender setup; a Jaguar/Jazzmaster bridge to facilitate intonation/action adjustment, as well as rocking in synchronization with vibrato movement to help stay in tune. I would go with that setup; you could also conceivably use a Tune-O-Matic with roller saddles; I would not use a Tune-O-Matic with fixed saddles (even Gibson originally sold Bigsby guitars with domed thumb adjustors that allowed the bridge to rock with the motion of the strings.)
I have heard that 'F' Branded Bigsbies (rather than the ones that say 'Bigsby') have the retainer bar in a better position for Telecasters. A Vibramate can be used to install this kit without drilling btw... But again, you'd still need to drill for a bridge.
The last alternative is to use notched baseplates; I've never done this but seems like you'd want some very stiff intonation springs at the least to keep intonation from going out, and I don't know how well you could stay in tune as a best case. Perhaps others have feedback.
One other thing that just came up on google and looks pretty cool:
F-bigsbys don't fit on a vibramate. One of the screws is in a different position. I had to buy a Bigsby F-5 to use the vibramate with my tele.
Silence Kid
New member
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
^Good info. Itsabass has a good point that using a Bigsby with no retainer would probably allow better break angle and clearance than either the 'F' or B5 . The B16 has none after all. In fact from the above pictures, it looks like it would be more difficult (vs. a B5) to adjust an 'F' Bigsby to not drag on the rear part of the bridge, even if it does provide you with greater break angle.
^Good info. Itsabass has a good point that using a Bigsby with no retainer would probably allow better break angle and clearance than either the 'F' or B5 . The B16 has none after all. In fact from the above pictures, it looks like it would be more difficult (vs. a B5) to adjust an 'F' Bigsby to not drag on the rear part of the bridge, even if it does provide you with greater break angle.
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
Yep, good advice. I also have a little wedge of wood I glued polish cloth to one side. It slides under the bridge and holds the string on the pin. What a time and fustration saver.
Yep, good advice. I also have a little wedge of wood I glued polish cloth to one side. It slides under the bridge and holds the string on the pin. What a time and fustration saver.
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
I'm not so schooled in the whole Bigsby thing, so I spent some time researching about it. I mean, I've tried them before, and as far as flat-mount trem systems go, there really hasn't been many innovations there for years. Outside of the historical 'idea' of a Bigsby, and the classic look, you'd think there would be a flood of 'better mousetraps'.
I'm not so schooled in the whole Bigsby thing, so I spent some time researching about it. I mean, I've tried them before, and as far as flat-mount trem systems go, there really hasn't been many innovations there for years. Outside of the historical 'idea' of a Bigsby, and the classic look, you'd think there would be a flood of 'better mousetraps'.
silvertonebetty
New member
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
Yes that’s true . Look at the fender terms so many different ones and styles out there
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Yes that’s true . Look at the fender terms so many different ones and styles out there
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Silence Kid
New member
Re: Bigsby worth it or not
What could you add- a locking mechanism? Ball bearings? An adjustable polymer spring?
What could you add- a locking mechanism? Ball bearings? An adjustable polymer spring?
