Bigsby Callaham upgrade question

[TBurst Std]

VB I hope you see this,,,

Anyone who has done the front roller Callaham upgrade to their Bigsby,,,

How was the fit?

I found the axle rod was a smidge to big and the roller a touch shorter than the factory roller.

Right now using the factory axle and the upgraded roller. 

 

[mayfly]

Hey Mark,

I've got a Bigsby with the Callaham parts installed by a previous owner (VB it turns out...).
Can't comment on the rod, but the upgraded roller fits perfectly.

 

[TBurst Std]

Mine as a little play back and forth between the yoke?

I’m thinking tension and slots will keep the strings from falling in the gap?

 

[rgand]

The Callaham upgrades work flawlessly with the US made Bigsbys. The ones made overseas that are 'Bigsby licensed' are different in some ways. Also, I seem to recall VB had an 'F' logo one that was different in the arm pivot/spring area. If yours has 'Bigsby' cast into it, it's US made. If it says' Bigsby licensed', it's not.

Yes, the grooves hold the strings in place once you bring them up to tension. If you have some side play on the roller, how about making a couple very thin spacers out of nylon or something similar to go on the ends to keep it centered? Mayby cut a couple out of that clear injection-molded plastic wrap things get sold in these days.

As to the shaft being oversized, you may have to work that down with emery paper or ream the bushings to fit.

 

[TBurst Std]

The unit is a US B12. More people are familiar with B7.  The difference is the open yoke and thus different hinge plate attachment.

Oddly the upgrade axle did fit the factory roller, as well as vice versa.

 

[TBurst Std]

Ok, I found a pic of one installed that appears to have (as I recall, will compare when I get home) about the same amount of space on either side of the roller as what I am experiencing.

http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=104637

Guess I’m ok. Your thoughts?

 

[Verne Bunsen]

When I installed the Callaham front roller in the B7 on my Gold Top, the shaft was too large in diameter to fit the hole in the frame and the roller was too long and while it would fit in the frame it wouldn’t turn freely. I drilled out the holes for the shaft and it was good to go. A few minutes with a file on the inside of the frame took care of the roller clearance and it was able to turn freely. Sounds like you have the opposite situation there, but I don’t think a little extra play will hurt anything. The grooves will prevent the strings slipping off the roller, which is a issue sometimes with the factory rollers, and it will find and maintain its position once it is strung up and under tension. If the original shaft and upgraded roller are working for you, I don’t really know that there is much to be gained by drilling out the frame to accept the new shaft...

 

[TBurst Std]

I should note. The 1st Guitar on that page

 

[rgand]

It should work, then. Mine was a perfect fit but I have a B-5. Let us know how it goes.

 

[TBurst Std]

It should work, then. Mine was a perfect fit but I have a B-5. Let us know how it goes.

Saw your Guitar in that link I posted.  The gap I am seeing is like the close
up on that 1st guitar

 

[rgand]

It should work, then. Mine was a perfect fit but I have a B-5. Let us know how it goes.

Saw your Guitar in that link I posted.  The gap I am seeing is like the close
up on that 1st guitar

Mine doesn't have a lot of gaposis, but the one in the 1st photo doesn't look too bad. VB is probably right that the strings will keep it centered just fine. You could always call Bill and see what he says about it. Here's a pic of mine for camparison.

 

[TBurst Std]

After looking at mine, my gap is about twice as much as yours on each side Rgand

 

[rgand]

Before doing anything to make adjustments, I'd try it with the shaft that fits and let the strings center the roller. Then adjust things if there are issues.

 

[TBurst Std]

It’s a done said deal.  Used new roller and old axle.  Centered everything, including spacing of roller gaps between the yoke.  Drilled and mounted.  As of right now, all seems good.  I’ll find out for sure tomorrow LOL.

PS. Those new Schaller S Strap Locks address All the issues you may have had.  Went on like a dream.

 

[bgalizio]

Those are my guitars in the offsetguitars post. Yes, there is a small amount of play with the front roller but string tension keeps it in place.