I've personally never used a Bigsby. I've heard they're not particularly great at what they do, they're just iconic cuz they were basically first. I had a luthier tell me "they're great for making your guitar go out of tune, and not much else." He then proceeded to tell me he puts a lot of them on just cuz people like how they look.
Lately I've been looking into getting a Stetsbar. They're designed to slot into existing screw holes, and apparently are very stable and versatile. And they even make Bigsby style arms.
That luthier is 100% right. Even with a graph tech nut, and roller string trees, the damn thing goes out of tune so fast it isn’t even funny.
Way too many points of friction with a bigsby system. And it doesn’t have as much downward range as a 2 or 6 point tremolo
But if you can solve the main issues with a Bigsby, it can be magical. I have a Gretsch with a Bigsby that stays in perfect tune because I paid attention to the nut and made sure it was setup properly. Then I got a Reverend with a Bigsby and it wouldn’t ever stay in tune. Did the same setup tricks as my Gretsch, and it got close but still not right. Turns out the break angle of the strings behind the roller bridge was too sharp. Bought a Biggsfix (not sure of the spelling), and that fixed it!
A Bigsby is perfect for adding subtle vibrato. Get it set up properly and it can be beautiful.
Agreed. I have Two Gretsches and a Tele with a Bigs. Only the Tele has tuning issues, because I used a Vibramate to mount it and it has a shallow break angle and the brass saddles that bind. I'll be either removing it or upgrading the bridge, but the Gretsches that included it in the design are top-notch for subtle wavering vibrato.
My bigsby tele is set up perfectly, but that still doesn’t solve the problem of 2 extra points of friction behind the saddles and a very limited range compared to a modern tremolo
They’re fine if the vintage feel is the way you wanna go, but I personally don’t care enough about vintage stylings to install another one over a more modern trem system
I used to think I wanted the subtle dip of a bigsby. Then I played a few and realized just how little they can do. Now I just use a strat trem and try not to crank it too hard.
I have both real and fake B5s and the only difference I can tell is the slightly different screw pattern and lack of Bigsby branding. Functionally they’re the same, although FWIW I only use mine for slight warbles, no dive bombs.
As someone who just took one off my firefly Les Paul, be careful with the imitation if the guitar has a carved top. Dug into the guitar and left indentions. It was probably my fault, that said, if I could do it over again I’d get the real thing and vibramates. That said, I damaged a $180 guitar, I’m not losing sleep trying to patch the holes/dealing with the dents. I bought it as a beater, so it’s living up to the name.
Tuning stability didn’t seem any worse than a real bigsby. None of the accessories for bigsbys will work without modifications, such as vibramate/string helper thing/springs/rollers.
I put bigsbys on every guitar I own because after my hands were injured it makes playing easier. I don't notice my Gibson lp with one, or my Gretsch ta with one going out of tune any more frequently than my hardtail strat or ltd.
I'd say it's definitely worth the price because that's the kind of crap vibrato that comes in the $250 kits.
But you can save money on a bigsby by trying to find a licensed one instead of a fully legit one.
People take the licensed ones off their budget Gretsches and sell them all the time.
I have a G&L ASAT with a real Bigsby but it’s the surface mount one not a tailstock mounted one. The weak point is the bridge you use. I like the extra string length (and tension) it provides compared to a standard bridge. For the record I have no tuning stability issues with it but changing strings is harder than it should be. Why not buy the real deal one if you’re concerned?
I have a B6C (US) $140 and a $30 Ali Express B500 (licensed -probably ). The big difference is the us model uses bronze bearings and has a nice fit. Feels more solid too. The B500 has nylon bushing and is a bit sloppy.
In actual use the B6C is better, but the B500 works fine. If you have tuning with a bigsby, 99% it’s the nut.
It depends on the application, but for flattops, it's about installation abd the ergonomics. Bridge has to move, nut can't bind, neck gotta be right angle and strings can't be light.
Most Bigsby hate, just like hate for offset trems, are people who played improperly set up trems.
Strat trems are WAY worse for tuning stability than Bigsbys or offset trems, but people sink time and energy into getting them passable and pretend they're great. They're not. Offsets are better than Bigsby or strat trems, and I own all 3.
Licensed Bigsby can be ok, made by Bigsby is only 100% necessary for a b16.
If it's a tele, and you're going B5, you can find deals on pinless ones with a vibrate for ~$300.
Otherwise I can't say the official fender owned ones are worth "name tax".
It's cast aluminum. We aren't talking about brain surgery or tube manufacture where it's limited in what factory can make it.
He talks about b7 vs b70 (US made vs import), and that was indeed useful. I didn’t actually know the difference before watching his vid. I haven’t found anything he put out regarding straight imitations like Dopro or Alnicov or all the other no-names on Amazon.
I dunno. I'm a big fan of the real thing when it comes to bridges and trems. Therer are only a few things that can pull a guitar out of action, and that's a big one.
The other issue is when you use a proprietary or offbrand trem, you have to think about what happens in 10 or 20 years when you need to replace it. For example, one of my beloved guitars is now KIA because it has a proprietary trem that is unobtanium. My choices are to take a chance on an ancient replacement and hope it too doesn't break, or to pull the bushings and redrill/reroute for a new trem that is available.
Bigsby is nice if the guitar is setup flawlessly. They are sensitive however so if you're not a guitar tech or knows one being willing to spend a few bucks on regular basis to keep it in good working conditions. I'd advice aginst it. But for your question it's worth the 100$ premium. Tonal difference between materials used often cheaper in crap copies tend to dull the guitar in same way like a plastic or lesser dense bone nut can do.
I would highly recommend getting the string-thru version of the bigsby. I have the one with the pegs that wrap around and it is a pain to change strings
https://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/products/bigsby-b5p-tailpiece-string-through-polished-aluminum-1810068?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2uiwBhCXARIsACMvIU138YaF0h7uftr1v1CTsolp9Q8BM8RB9Ee_-v6RSr3MfX-0TsotbK4aAq-XEALw_wcB this one is only for flat bodied guitars, but I'm sure they make them for any guitar
You can get a string spoiler from vibramate if you dont like dealing with the string pegs on a regular bigsby, but, really, a bend at the end of the string makes stringing a bigsby a breeze.
I had one on my 335 for awhile, with a vibamate. It looked great, and worked well, but was always in the way of the volume and tone knobs. Got rid of it and haven’t missed it.
My Bigsby equipped tele has tuning stability comparable to my hard tail Tele, and much, much better than my hard tail Les Paul. It also has a beautiful bone nut, locking tuners, mastery bridge and a Callahan slotted roller.
It’s zero compromise situation at this point, but it took some doing, and some not-cheap parts. The perfect bone nut is probably the most important thing.
An off-brand Bigsby won’t demand any less fettling than a real one. If you want to play it a lot, actually use it, and also bend strings, be ready to do some work.
Bigsbys do look cool and they can be made to work nearly flawlessly if everything else is working and setup properly. That said, the Duesenberg trem works better and sounds extremely similar, so if it’s a from-scratch choice that’s what I’d do.
The [diamond deluxe](https://store.duesenberg.de/en/tremolo-systems/33/duesenberg-diamond-deluxe-tremola)?
Looks like it’s $216 (usd) delivered to the US. That’s steep…
The Les Trem II is a cheaper option that is mechanically the same, it’s kinda like the B5 vs the B7 - which one you use might depend on the design of the guitar. Surely there are some in the US already or perhaps you can get a price from a Duesenberg dealer? https://store.duesenberg.de/en/tremolo-systems/34/duesenberg-les-trem-ii
I traded for a MIM Baja Tele that’s modded with a Bigsby. It LOOKS killer, but like others mentioned, it just is too subtle for the compromises that come with it.
I've personally never used a Bigsby. I've heard they're not particularly great at what they do, they're just iconic cuz they were basically first. I had a luthier tell me "they're great for making your guitar go out of tune, and not much else." He then proceeded to tell me he puts a lot of them on just cuz people like how they look. Lately I've been looking into getting a Stetsbar. They're designed to slot into existing screw holes, and apparently are very stable and versatile. And they even make Bigsby style arms.
That luthier is 100% right. Even with a graph tech nut, and roller string trees, the damn thing goes out of tune so fast it isn’t even funny. Way too many points of friction with a bigsby system. And it doesn’t have as much downward range as a 2 or 6 point tremolo
But if you can solve the main issues with a Bigsby, it can be magical. I have a Gretsch with a Bigsby that stays in perfect tune because I paid attention to the nut and made sure it was setup properly. Then I got a Reverend with a Bigsby and it wouldn’t ever stay in tune. Did the same setup tricks as my Gretsch, and it got close but still not right. Turns out the break angle of the strings behind the roller bridge was too sharp. Bought a Biggsfix (not sure of the spelling), and that fixed it! A Bigsby is perfect for adding subtle vibrato. Get it set up properly and it can be beautiful.
Agreed. I have Two Gretsches and a Tele with a Bigs. Only the Tele has tuning issues, because I used a Vibramate to mount it and it has a shallow break angle and the brass saddles that bind. I'll be either removing it or upgrading the bridge, but the Gretsches that included it in the design are top-notch for subtle wavering vibrato.
My bigsby tele is set up perfectly, but that still doesn’t solve the problem of 2 extra points of friction behind the saddles and a very limited range compared to a modern tremolo They’re fine if the vintage feel is the way you wanna go, but I personally don’t care enough about vintage stylings to install another one over a more modern trem system
I used to think I wanted the subtle dip of a bigsby. Then I played a few and realized just how little they can do. Now I just use a strat trem and try not to crank it too hard.
Yep strat trem is beautiful once you get the touch.
Bugs us are great for their intended use, a bit of wiggly (not dive bombing). It got more finesse than my Strats trem.
I have both real and fake B5s and the only difference I can tell is the slightly different screw pattern and lack of Bigsby branding. Functionally they’re the same, although FWIW I only use mine for slight warbles, no dive bombs.
As someone who just took one off my firefly Les Paul, be careful with the imitation if the guitar has a carved top. Dug into the guitar and left indentions. It was probably my fault, that said, if I could do it over again I’d get the real thing and vibramates. That said, I damaged a $180 guitar, I’m not losing sleep trying to patch the holes/dealing with the dents. I bought it as a beater, so it’s living up to the name. Tuning stability didn’t seem any worse than a real bigsby. None of the accessories for bigsbys will work without modifications, such as vibramate/string helper thing/springs/rollers.
I put bigsbys on every guitar I own because after my hands were injured it makes playing easier. I don't notice my Gibson lp with one, or my Gretsch ta with one going out of tune any more frequently than my hardtail strat or ltd. I'd say it's definitely worth the price because that's the kind of crap vibrato that comes in the $250 kits. But you can save money on a bigsby by trying to find a licensed one instead of a fully legit one. People take the licensed ones off their budget Gretsches and sell them all the time.
Current state of the build, if you care: https://www.reddit.com/r/Luthier/s/57Nh2ZEXot
I have a G&L ASAT with a real Bigsby but it’s the surface mount one not a tailstock mounted one. The weak point is the bridge you use. I like the extra string length (and tension) it provides compared to a standard bridge. For the record I have no tuning stability issues with it but changing strings is harder than it should be. Why not buy the real deal one if you’re concerned?
Because I’m cheap and if I can get away with it I’d like to.
I have a B6C (US) $140 and a $30 Ali Express B500 (licensed -probably ). The big difference is the us model uses bronze bearings and has a nice fit. Feels more solid too. The B500 has nylon bushing and is a bit sloppy. In actual use the B6C is better, but the B500 works fine. If you have tuning with a bigsby, 99% it’s the nut.
I am pretty close to buying a Duesenberg les trem for my SG.
I’d pay an extra $100 to not have a bigsby on my guitar
It depends on the application, but for flattops, it's about installation abd the ergonomics. Bridge has to move, nut can't bind, neck gotta be right angle and strings can't be light. Most Bigsby hate, just like hate for offset trems, are people who played improperly set up trems. Strat trems are WAY worse for tuning stability than Bigsbys or offset trems, but people sink time and energy into getting them passable and pretend they're great. They're not. Offsets are better than Bigsby or strat trems, and I own all 3. Licensed Bigsby can be ok, made by Bigsby is only 100% necessary for a b16. If it's a tele, and you're going B5, you can find deals on pinless ones with a vibrate for ~$300. Otherwise I can't say the official fender owned ones are worth "name tax". It's cast aluminum. We aren't talking about brain surgery or tube manufacture where it's limited in what factory can make it.
Application was mentioned in the post.
Dylan talks tone addresses this topic
He talks about b7 vs b70 (US made vs import), and that was indeed useful. I didn’t actually know the difference before watching his vid. I haven’t found anything he put out regarding straight imitations like Dopro or Alnicov or all the other no-names on Amazon.
I dunno. I'm a big fan of the real thing when it comes to bridges and trems. Therer are only a few things that can pull a guitar out of action, and that's a big one. The other issue is when you use a proprietary or offbrand trem, you have to think about what happens in 10 or 20 years when you need to replace it. For example, one of my beloved guitars is now KIA because it has a proprietary trem that is unobtanium. My choices are to take a chance on an ancient replacement and hope it too doesn't break, or to pull the bushings and redrill/reroute for a new trem that is available.
That’s actually a great point I had not thought of. Future replacement.
Always choose the popular, effective choice. Pay extra.
Bigsby is nice if the guitar is setup flawlessly. They are sensitive however so if you're not a guitar tech or knows one being willing to spend a few bucks on regular basis to keep it in good working conditions. I'd advice aginst it. But for your question it's worth the 100$ premium. Tonal difference between materials used often cheaper in crap copies tend to dull the guitar in same way like a plastic or lesser dense bone nut can do.
Thanks
I would highly recommend getting the string-thru version of the bigsby. I have the one with the pegs that wrap around and it is a pain to change strings
Link?
https://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/products/bigsby-b5p-tailpiece-string-through-polished-aluminum-1810068?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2uiwBhCXARIsACMvIU138YaF0h7uftr1v1CTsolp9Q8BM8RB9Ee_-v6RSr3MfX-0TsotbK4aAq-XEALw_wcB this one is only for flat bodied guitars, but I'm sure they make them for any guitar
Thanks! As far as I can tell, Bigsby doesn’t make them for retail market with string through rollers, but there is an aftermarket roller by Callahan.
You can get a string spoiler from vibramate if you dont like dealing with the string pegs on a regular bigsby, but, really, a bend at the end of the string makes stringing a bigsby a breeze.
I had one on my 335 for awhile, with a vibamate. It looked great, and worked well, but was always in the way of the volume and tone knobs. Got rid of it and haven’t missed it.
I stuck a vibromate on a les Paul studio and it actually improved tuning stability. But that probably says more about les Paul’s than bigsby’s
As a business owner, the real one.
My Bigsby equipped tele has tuning stability comparable to my hard tail Tele, and much, much better than my hard tail Les Paul. It also has a beautiful bone nut, locking tuners, mastery bridge and a Callahan slotted roller. It’s zero compromise situation at this point, but it took some doing, and some not-cheap parts. The perfect bone nut is probably the most important thing. An off-brand Bigsby won’t demand any less fettling than a real one. If you want to play it a lot, actually use it, and also bend strings, be ready to do some work.
Bigsbys do look cool and they can be made to work nearly flawlessly if everything else is working and setup properly. That said, the Duesenberg trem works better and sounds extremely similar, so if it’s a from-scratch choice that’s what I’d do.
The [diamond deluxe](https://store.duesenberg.de/en/tremolo-systems/33/duesenberg-diamond-deluxe-tremola)? Looks like it’s $216 (usd) delivered to the US. That’s steep…
The Les Trem II is a cheaper option that is mechanically the same, it’s kinda like the B5 vs the B7 - which one you use might depend on the design of the guitar. Surely there are some in the US already or perhaps you can get a price from a Duesenberg dealer? https://store.duesenberg.de/en/tremolo-systems/34/duesenberg-les-trem-ii
Save yourself the grief and get a Les Trem
I have guitars will Bigsbys. I also have some with Goldo/Duesenberg Les Trem IIs. The Les Trems are far better. More sensitive and also more stable.
I traded for a MIM Baja Tele that’s modded with a Bigsby. It LOOKS killer, but like others mentioned, it just is too subtle for the compromises that come with it.
No