Thinking about getting a Bigsby...can't make a decision

[CapoFirstFret]

So here's my dilemma. I used to have a Gibson SG that I put a Bigsby on and I love that sound and am thinking of putting a Bigsby on one of my hollowbodies. Problem is I can't decide which one I should do it to. I play them both relatively equally. Really I'm just looking to see if anyone else has experience or just wants to shoot the breeze about Bigsbies on semi-hollows.

Including a picture of both guitars for reference. If I were to put it on the ES-137 (humbuckers) I'd probably go with a vibramate to attach it. With the ES-135 (P90s) I'd most likely actually attach it all permanent like.





Anyone got some insight? Ideas? Criticism?

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Thinking about getting a Bigsby...can't make a decision

do your 137 with one of these:

and one of these:
http://townerusa.com/towner-vibrato-systems/

It is simple, elegant and non invasive.
I did the same setup to my 335 a few years back and it works great.

 

[CapoFirstFret]

Re: Thinking about getting a Bigsby...can't make a decision

That is a pretty clean setup! Do you find the bar reaches far enough forward for easy use or is it a bit of struggle to palm the bar while playing?

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Thinking about getting a Bigsby...can't make a decision

I'll be honest, from an appearance standpoint alone, the red 135 with a chrome Bigsby would look incredible!

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Thinking about getting a Bigsby...can't make a decision

I vote neither. The guitars are gorgeous as they are.

If it is gonna happen no matter what, I say go the Vibramate route on the 137, as it is reversible without leaving any scars.

If the Bigsby must go on, I vote B11 over any other model. They are hands down the coolest looking Bigsbys IMO, and very underused, sadly.

I also think the Chet Atkins arm looks better, and if not that, then the narrow arm.

Chet Atkins:

Narrow:

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Thinking about getting a Bigsby...can't make a decision

P.S. If you ever decide to move that 135 on to the next owner, please let me know. I've wanted one (or a Guild Starfire II) for years.

 

[CapoFirstFret]

Re: Thinking about getting a Bigsby...can't make a decision

P.S. If you ever decide to move that 135 on to the next owner, please let me know. I've wanted one (or a Guild Starfire II) for years.

Thanks for the insight! I do like the Chet Atkins style arm a lot and may have to go that direction! As for the 135..that's my lifetime keeper. It's a better player and has better tone than the 137. The only reason I got the 137 is because I play several bars with bad electricity and the P90s hum like crazy there!

 

[dystrust]

Re: Thinking about getting a Bigsby...can't make a decision

I have a B5 installed with a vibramate on both my SG and 335. I don't use either of them a ton, but they're neat for playing clean and I love being able to "bend" harmonics. I need to do some work on the SG; I just ordered a set of P-Rails & Triple Shots, and the nut & stock tuners need to be replaced.

 

[hydro]

Re: Thinking about getting a Bigsby...can't make a decision

I have a Bigsby on my Gibson midtown (in fact I got it cause I wanted a guitar with a bigsby). It has a roller bridge from Tone Pros, I believe.

It's great, I use it a lot and it stays in tune pretty well. Considering a vibramate setup for my 335 at some point.

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Thinking about getting a Bigsby...can't make a decision

... am thinking of putting a Bigsby on one of my hollowbodies. Problem is I can't decide which one I should do it to

Vacillating over a vibrato is an interesting juxtaposition ...