Bigsby B7... the hardtail guy's trem?

[AprioriMark]

I'm interested in what all of you think about Bigsby trems, especially the B7.  I know it's not great for Floyd-esque madness or Jeff-Beck style control, but I just can't get over what a hearty beast this thing is.  I feel like I'm driving a 50s Chevy, in the best sense of the idea.  Obviously it has limitations, but it's really SOLID and feels as good to me as any hardtail.  With a lot of other trems, I feel like I'm babying the guitar when I want to dig in.  For me, this is like a really cute, fun chubby girl.  Even if it's not everyone's fav, it seems unreasonable to just hate it. 

Bigsby experiences?  I'm interested in yours!  Not just fanboi stuff either... what do I need to look out for?  Seems to stay in tune well with serious wrangling.

-Mark

 

[Cagey]

Prior to the Floyd Rose and Trevor Wilkinson designs, the Bigsby was the the best vibrato bridge you could get. But, for obvious reasons, they've always been pricey so they didn't see widespread use.

They have a return-to-neutral problem that's inherent in the design, like most movable bridges did until the Floyd/Wilky designs became prominent. They also have a fairly limited range of operation. But, other than that, it's a serviceable part.

 

[Jumble Jumble]

It's also the only trem that looks good an a Les Paul.

Would Warmoth drill for just the TOM bridge and not the stop tailpiece?

 

[stubhead]

Fashion accessory. The one way they can really kick ass is with the design for hollowbodys that doesn't have another bar that the strings run under - Chet Atkins and Brian Setzer could make them work - in fact, Setzer was instrumental in getting that version to become available again, as most people just wore them to look cool.

 

[dmraco]

I have one on my epi wildcat.  Works well enough for mild vibrato.  Like you said, it will never have the range for huge dive bombs.  Stays in tune well and does not have the issues Floyd's and kahlers have when bending strings.

I also upgraded to a roller bridge.  That helps eliminate strings binding and breakage.

 

[Wyliee]

It's also the only trem that looks good an a Les Paul.

Would Warmoth drill for just the TOM bridge and not the stop tailpiece?

Sure, no problem.

 

[Tempest]

You could also just route the guitar normally and use one of these http://www.vibramate.com/index.php to mount the trem.  That way if you don't like it you can just go to hardtail without any extra routs in your guitar, then just sell the vibramate and bigsby.

 

[bbl4ck]

I used the Vibramate on Valentina and it works really great!  No extra holes to drill and it can be removed anytime  :headbang1:

 

[vic108]

Bigby's are the only trem that I enjoy using.
I had a strat once with the PERFECT tone but it had a Floyd Rose on it and I sold it just for that reason.

 

[-CB-]

Ditty-oh... Bigsby is the only way to fly...

Got I've got a B-7 on my ES-333, it aint ever comin' off.  Very solid.

The B-7 would work on a LP, or on an SG as well.  Make sure you use the USA B-7 on either one, but especially the SG.  Reason being is that the hinge piece on the USA B-7 is smaller, more compact, and fits the body thickness of either, while the far-East made ones have hinge pieces that are too long to fit most solid body guitars.  They're made for 1-3/4 arch tops and thicker.

On the SG.... the B-7 allows variable string tension (and to a degree on the LP as well).  You just mount it as usual, but then shim the forward section as needed.  As such, it remains solid when screwed down to the body, even if it has shims under the mounting tabs.  Rubber washers work great (but may eventually mark a nitro finish).  Usually you need to lift the front about 1/4 inch to get a good tension on an SG - otherwise, the break angle of the strings on the bridge is very severe, and you don't get a good trem action.

And... return to zero problems are eliminated almost completely if you float the bridge on its pins, and be sure to string it up in the neutral position.

 

[bassfrancesco]

Like CB,  I use the bigsby in the same way.  My neighbor has a '68 Gibson 335.  When I finish a lick or in the middle of phrasing, I swing the bar and gives a sweet vibrato.  I don't go too far, I don't see the need.  This is through a '63 fender brown deluxe amp.  It stays in tune and adds to the phrasing.  My guitars don't have the Bigsby, and likely I won't want one on my guitars.  Its friggin sweet to play.  I hope he never moves.