SG Jr. Vibrato

Rich_T

Rich_T

Kyuss_Rockologist
Long time no post! Hope you're all well.

I've got a question about fitting a vibrato to an SG Jr. I've done some googling, but it has just left me more confused. I'm looking to retrofit a vibrato of some vintage kind to an relatively modern SG Jr. 2012 I think. What options are out there and what other hardware will I need to make it work?

Thanks!


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SG Jr. Vibrato

Gibson Vibrola (the short version)
Bigsby (you'd probably want B5)
You might also contact the folks at Stetsbar. I think their regular tune-o-matic/stoptail model might fudge a bit with the scale length of your Junior (I'm assuming it is the slanted Wraparound bridge model). They should be able to tell more convincingly!
 
Re: SG Jr. Vibrato

I like the look of the Bigsby B5, but I can't tell if it works with the wraparound tailpiece I have. I guess it would need a new bridge too?


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Re: SG Jr. Vibrato

Good to see you back on here Rich! I would think you'll have to get a replacement bridge whatever you get.
 
Re: SG Jr. Vibrato

Your SG Jr is a one piece wrap around?

Put a Bigsby on there and just let the strings go over the wrap around.

I've seen it a thousand times and I've even done it a few times...

No reason in the world it won't work.
 
SG Jr. Vibrato

Rich_T said:
I like the look of the Bigsby B5, but I can't tell if it works with the wraparound tailpiece I have. I guess it would need a new bridge too?


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Click to expand...

The problem would be that your tailpiece wouldn't be secured and it would fall loose because the string's tension don't keep it in it's place. You could easily MacGyver it to keep it in it's place (nothing Gaffa Tape wouldn't solve! ;) ) or you could get an extra tailpiece or bridge.

If you already want to get a new tailpiece I'd go one step further and get one of them intonatable wraparound tailpieces that can be locked at the bridge posts. Personally though If I'd want that guitar modded and didn't care for resale value I'd abandon the idea of the wraparound tailpiece all together and just convert that wraparound to be the bridge while fitting the trem-system behind that.


the guy who invented fire said:
Your SG Jr is a one piece wrap around?

Put a Bigsby on there and just let the strings go over the wrap around.

I've seen it a thousand times and I've even done it a few times...

No reason in the world it won't work.
Click to expand...

no reason why it wouldn't work; this is partly true, but partly because the bridge wouldn't be kept in place by the strings pulling it towards the headstock. Then there's the less than optimal intonation issues.
 
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Re: SG Jr. Vibrato

Yeah I think I would have to change to a more secure bridge. Does anyone make something that fits in place of a stoptail wraparound with ajustable saddles?

Thanks for all the info so far folks! Maybe I should just buy another guitar...


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Re: SG Jr. Vibrato

Back in the early '60s they came with a vibrato that screws directly to the face of the guitar. (http://www.everythingsg.com/threads/sg-junior-bridge-question.16233/)
I had a '62 SG Special that had that vibrato and a Baddass wraparound bridge. It worked just fine, much to my surprise, although 90% of the time I just strung it up like usual and didn't use the vibrato at all. (The handle slides right off if the strings aren't holding it.)
I do not recommend it, though. I'd go for a Bigsby and convert a regular TOM bridge to fit.
 
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