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Bigsby on a VIP body?

Razor

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Just wondered if it would be possible/practical to install a bigsby (of any kind) on a VIP body?
 
I haven’t built a VIP myself, but with the carved top I would think a B5 on a Vibramate plate mounted on stop tailpiece studs would do the trick. I currently have a Mooncaster body on order and am planning this very thing…
 
Verne, I'll be following this, please post pics, as I'm also thinking about putting a bigsby on a mooncaster; and eyeballing the one I have now for my jazzmaster build, I think for the mooncaster the only way to do it is to use a b5 and the vibramate, maybe put a piece of felt under where the b5 is proud of the body? Not sure if that would be necessary.

At Razor, you might be able to do a b7, but you'll need to take some measurements.
 
Verne, I'll be following this, please post pics, as I'm also thinking about putting a bigsby on a mooncaster; and eyeballing the one I have now for my jazzmaster build, I think for the mooncaster the only way to do it is to use a b5 and the vibramate, maybe put a piece of felt under where the b5 is proud of the body? Not sure if that would be necessary.

At Razor, you might be able to do a b7, but you'll need to take some measurements.
Order was placed 2/17, so I’m expecting another month or so. I will definitely share 👍🏻
 
The problem I'm seeing with the B7 is that the mooncaster is slightly offset? TBurst, do think that would be an issue? On my jazzmaster project, that's why I picked a B5. I suppose after I build it I'll have a better idea. On the vip the B7, based on my eyeballing would work, but I'm no Bigsby expert, and defer to my masters.

I wonder if there's a way to get around the offset issue with the B7 ... maybe a chunk of black pvc, shaped in a wedge?
 
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Hmm. Good question. I’ll ponder it. From me viewing my B5 equipped and my VIP, a B5 is not going to work. Honestly, maybe go TOM and use a Les Trem II. The B7 and B3 hinges aren’t “flexible”. I’ll look at those and let you know
 
Nope. If the bottom of the guitar profile is offset (ie: JM, Mooncaster), the B3 and B7 won’t work. VIP it would.
I don’t know a mooncaster got into the discussion, But if it’s a VIP, myself I’d go short B7
 
Nope. If the bottom of the guitar profile is offset (ie: JM, Mooncaster), the B3 and B7 won’t work. VIP it would.
I don’t know a mooncaster got into the discussion, But if it’s a VIP, myself I’d go short B7
That makes sense, Epiphone Casinos also use B7s mainly, as I understand it.
 
Would the VIP being a hollow body make too much of a difference?

Also, what bridge route would I want to order if I planned to use a B7 bigsby?
 
While I didn't confirm this with anyone at Warmoth, I went with a solid body vs a chambered body on my jazzmaster build with a bigsby as I wanted to make sure there was enough wood to hold the bigsby. A phone call to Warmoth would give you the answer instantly as to a VIP, unless some one here knows for sure. Also there's this thing called a vibramate that might help. Not sure on that.
 
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Would the VIP being a hollow body make too much of a difference?

Also, what bridge route would I want to order if I planned to use a B7 bigsby?
Well the VIP is not a hollow body. It may be chambered, but it is not a veneer top supported by only the sides. It comes from a solid piece of wood.
Doesn’t matter, I put a Bigsby on the 330 which is a TRUE hollow body. Not even a center block Ala 335.
 

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With a Vibramate, you need to watch your resulting break over. I can tell you the thin veneer of a true hollow body is more than sufficient to hold a Bigsby. See above post. Think of all the 330s and Casinos you have seen.
 
Well the VIP is not a hollow body. It may be chambered, but it is not a veneer top supported by only the sides. It comes from a solid piece of wood.
Doesn’t matter, I put a Bigsby on the 330 which is a TRUE hollow body. Not even a center block Ala 335.
That's what I thought and hoped. So a B7 should work, right? What bridge option routing option would be best?
 
Regular TOM. You won’t need the tp post holes unless you go vibramate. If you skip the vibramate, have the tp holes deleted from your build order
 
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A "regular TOM" is much like the "Average JOE"



(?)

George Carlin

“Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.”​

 
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