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Topic: Sorry if this is in the wrong place! Bigsby Tremolo? |
Dennis Brooker
From:
Iowa, USA
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Posted 22 Apr 2015 7:58 am |
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PLEASE excuse my ignorance and also if this is in the wrong place - I've only played acoustics for 40+ years and have acquired a couple of electric guitars in the past few years and am discussing a trade for a large hollow body that's very cool with a factory Bigsby tremolo on it and Goggled it for info but since I had a cheap Fender strat and did NOT like the tremolo on it I would just like to know if the guitar would stay relatively in tune if I don't use the Bixby tremolo bar? Yes, I do know that depending on weather, humidity, string stretch, etc. ALL guitars need tuned but I want to know if in general the Bigsby causes this to be any kind of major problem - Again SORRY if this, but could use any comments from you guys that have the knowledge and experience - Moderator please move this this to the correct place if needed! THANKS MUCH - Dennis Brooker  |
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James Hartman
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 22 Apr 2015 8:05 am
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Tuning stability issues with any vibrato ("tremolo") tailpiece/bridge units are nearly always a matter of incorrect setup and adjustment (which, with some, can be challenging to get right).
The Bigsby is among the simplest of these units and should not be problematic at all. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase (or trade for) the instrument on that basis. |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 22 Apr 2015 8:54 am
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The Bigsby tremolo tailpiece is much different from the ones used by Fender (and Fender copies). I have one my Gretsch.
The only issue is string gauges. Too light, such as .010's or .009's and the handle will be up in the air. My Gretsch came with .012's. I had a 1961 Gretsch PX6120 Chet Atkins model and I had to use a heavy gauge string set with a wound 3rd to accommodate the Bigsby. |
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James Hartman
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 22 Apr 2015 9:07 am
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| Jack Stoner wrote: |
The Bigsby tremolo tailpiece is much different from the ones used by Fender (and Fender copies). I have one my Gretsch.
The only issue is string gauges. Too light, such as .010's or .009's and the handle will be up in the air. My Gretsch came with .012's. I had a 1961 Gretsch PX6120 Chet Atkins model and I had to use a heavy gauge string set with a wound 3rd to accommodate the Bigsby. |
You can replace or modify the tension spring to adjust for string gauge. I believe Bigsby offers replacement springs in at least three different heights (something like 7/8" to 9/8"). |
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Dennis Brooker
From:
Iowa, USA
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Posted 22 Apr 2015 12:02 pm
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Thanks to all VERY MUCH for the information - It helps a LOT  DB |
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Stephen Gambrell
From:
Over there
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Posted 23 Apr 2015 6:33 am
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| James Hartman wrote: |
| Jack Stoner wrote: |
The Bigsby tremolo tailpiece is much different from the ones used by Fender (and Fender copies). I have one my Gretsch.
The only issue is string gauges. Too light, such as .010's or .009's and the handle will be up in the air. My Gretsch came with .012's. I had a 1961 Gretsch PX6120 Chet Atkins model and I had to use a heavy gauge string set with a wound 3rd to accommodate the Bigsby. |
You can replace or modify the tension spring to adjust for string gauge. I believe Bigsby offers replacement springs in at least three different heights (something like 7/8" to 9/8"). |
The Bigsby springs are 8-10 bucks each. Same spring, at the hardware store? Maybe a dollar.
People don't want to believe that old guitars, and old guitar parts, weren't made for the spider-web strings made today. A 1953 Les Paul or Telecaster didn't leave the factory with .010's on 'em. Anybody remember what gauge strings were original? |
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James Hartman
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 23 Apr 2015 8:18 am
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| Stephen Gambrell wrote: |
| James Hartman wrote: |
| Jack Stoner wrote: |
The Bigsby tremolo tailpiece is much different from the ones used by Fender (and Fender copies). I have one my Gretsch.
The only issue is string gauges. Too light, such as .010's or .009's and the handle will be up in the air. My Gretsch came with .012's. I had a 1961 Gretsch PX6120 Chet Atkins model and I had to use a heavy gauge string set with a wound 3rd to accommodate the Bigsby. |
You can replace or modify the tension spring to adjust for string gauge. I believe Bigsby offers replacement springs in at least three different heights (something like 7/8" to 9/8"). |
The Bigsby springs are 8-10 bucks each. Same spring, at the hardware store? Maybe a dollar.
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Bigsby springs - more like $5 - $6, shipping aside. Good luck finding a decent selection of springs, or any sort of small parts, at most hardware stores nowadays. |
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Clete Ritta
From:
San Antonio, Texas
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Posted 24 Apr 2015 7:08 am
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I have two guitars with Bigsby tremolos. I installed one on a Gibson SG using a Vibramate (a plate that lets you install it without drilling any extra holes using the old tailpiece studs), and the other is a stock Epiphone Wildkat semi-hollow electric. I use .010's and the heights of the bars are fine (actually a bit low) with the original springs. Putting a coin or washer under the spring is an easy way to raise bar height without "springing" for a new spring.
The main factors regarding tuning stability besides the tuners themselves (even if you dont actually use or even have a tremolo system) are the bridge and nut, especially if you bend the strings at all while playing.
On the Gibson I noticed a lot of tuning instability due to movement of the bridge (Nashville) when using the bar. This may be partially due to the position of the Bigsby using the Vibramate. Stock installations place the tremolo further back, which decreases the string angle over the bridge. I replaced it with a Wilkinson roller bridge and this works great! Although it isn't really an issue on the Epiphone I may eventually put a roller bridge on it as well.
As far as the nut is concerned, make sure it is properly filed for the gauge strings you use. If the string is too large it will bind easily in the groove. Using a lubricant like graphite helps, or replacing the nut with a GraphTech Tusq nut works well too. Lubricant on the bridge helps too if you don't opt for the rollers. |
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Bill Hatcher
From:
Atlanta Ga. USA
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Posted 24 Apr 2015 8:56 am
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i love the literature that used to come with bigsbys "do not change pitch by more than one half step"....
fixed guitars for almost 40 years now. been there done that.
the bigsbys with the roller bar in the front...awful for staying in tune.
the bigsby for thick arch tops that does not have the roller bar in front...better. the downward pressure at the bridge and the amount of pivot at the bridge is very important. some bigsby and some gretsch bridges have a curved bottom adjustment screw that lets the bridge rock back and forth. this lessens the dragging of the string through the bridge piece. a roller bridge is a plus for sure if you have one.
downward pressure. you hope that you only have just a little. the more severe the angle...the more pressure on the saddle and if the saddle is fixed then you will have issues. |
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John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 24 Apr 2015 10:20 am
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" Anybody remember what gauge strings were original?"
Back in the late 50's and early 60's, Gibson or Black Diamond "Light Gauge Electric Guitar Strings" were about the same as today's 13s or maybe 12s. Always a wound G string. We learned from the Black Blues players to throw away the low E string, and move all the strings over one space, ie; 1st string became 2nd string, 5th string became 6th string. Then we used a Plectrum or 5-string banjo 1st string for the 1st string on the guitar. Then you had a plain 3rd string that used to be the 2nd string in the set. My my! You could bend strings!
_________________
Dr. Z Surgical Steel amp, amazing!
"74 Bud S-10 3&6
'73 Bud S-10 3&5(under construction)
'63 Fingertip S-10, at James awaiting 6 knees
'57 Strat, LP Blue
'91 Tele with 60's Maple neck
Dozen more guitars!
Dozens of amps, but SF Quad reverb, Rick Johnson cabs. JBL 15, '64 Vibroverb for at home.
'52 and '56 Pro Amps |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 24 Apr 2015 12:01 pm
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I don't know what the gauges are (I don't think they were printed on the insert in the round plastic case they came in) but I used the Gretsch Chet Atkins strings on my PX6120. I remember they were a heavy gauge and had a wound 3rd string.
I still have one of the round plastic cases. |
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Dennis Brooker
From:
Iowa, USA
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Posted 24 Apr 2015 12:26 pm
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Thanks VERY much again to everyone for the helpful comments! So, basically, it's like any other electric guitar, tremolo or not - none are perfect, some better than others and at some time or another it might need some tinkering, adjusting, etc. - This Bigsby is on a Gretsch 5120 in like new condition and barely played so I'm as good to go as can be - Correct Again, thanks for your patience with an old man that knows next to NOTHING about electrics  Dennis Brooker |
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Bill Hatcher
From:
Atlanta Ga. USA
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Posted 24 Apr 2015 5:07 pm
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| you should be fine with the gretsch. part of the atkins design was the inclusion of the bigsby, so i figure the correct angle for best use of it was taken into consideration. atkins sure didnt have any problem using it! |
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James Hartman
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 24 Apr 2015 5:55 pm
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| Dennis Brooker wrote: |
| Thanks VERY much again to everyone for the helpful comments! So, basically, it's like any other electric guitar, tremolo or not - none are perfect, some better than others and at some time or another it might need some tinkering, adjusting, etc. - This Bigsby is on a Gretsch 5120 in like new condition and barely played so I'm as good to go as can be - Correct Again, thanks for your patience with an old man that knows next to NOTHING about electrics Dennis Brooker |
I have a feeling you're going to love this guitar. |
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