Should I put a Bigsby on my Tele?

[TBurst Std]

Yes, the nun is different. The F Branded B5 style needs to be shorter for the bridge/ pickup plate

 

[Spud]

Yes, the nun is different. The F Branded B5 style needs to be shorter for the bridge/ pickup plate

I have found most nuns are a little different, but generally gregarious.

 

[TBurst Std]

Ha! I love being dyslexic and typing on a phone.

 

[TBurst Std]

FYI. My Tele with F branded Bigsby is like the 2nd pic Duckaloo posted, the blonde Tele.

 

[Spud]

Do these notches look deep enough for the strings to pass through?

 

[TBurst Std]

I’d say yes. De-burr them if you haven’t yet. If they’re not deep enough (which I doubt), you can always pull it off an make them deeper.

 

[TBurst Std]

My only concern would be the A string. As the notches are not symmetrical, I watch clearance on the high side of the string.

 

[Spud]

My only concern would be the A string. As the notches are not symmetrical, I watch clearance on the high side of the string.

I will adjust them it was my first pass, Thank you!

 

[Spud]

well I already ordered the real B5 and matching Vibramate, so let's hope it fits. (It must, right?)

I think your going to dig it. It does change the character of the guitar, but for the better it seems more lively to me. I have limited time on it, and have not lubed stuff or fully set it up, but it is staying in tune, action good, intonation good enough. I am happy so far.

 

[cromulent]

I think your going to dig it. It does change the character of the guitar, but for the better it seems more lively to me. I have limited time on it, and have not lubed stuff or fully set it up, but it is staying in tune, action good, intonation good enough. I am happy so far.

Sweet. I should have all the parts by early next week.

 

[Spud]

I wasn't entirely happy with the tuning stability was good not great. So I reduced the break angle at the bridge by removing the roller sleeve. It has helped quite a bit, so far no more problems.

 

[TBurst Std]

So more like a B11?

 

[Spud]

So more like a B11?

I am not sure? I am now using the inner steel axle as the roller. It still rolls, just a smaller diameter.

 

[Spud]

Anyone have experience with cutting the spring down a tad so the arm sits slightly lower above the body?

 

[TBurst Std]

Most come stock with a 1 inch spring. 7/8 springs as well as those that are softer can easily be had on Reverb. Low dollar investment

 

[TBurst Std]

Ahh I see. I thought you removed the entire roller ala B11. Works fine with a TOM bridge. Not sure it work with a Tele bridge.

 

[cromulent]

Anyone have experience with cutting the spring down a tad so the arm sits slightly lower above the body?

I saw a trick somewhere where you just stand the spring up on the floor and stand on it to effectively shorten it.

 

[Spud]

I saw a trick somewhere where you just stand the spring up on the floor and stand on it to effectively shorten it.

Hey I am not as spry as I used to be! Are you trying to get me injured?!!!

 

[TBurst Std]

As a FYI, the Bigsby on my Heritage 530 (think Gibson 330) , the arm was a touch high. I put a 7/8 spring in it and it’s still a little proud. Want to try a “soft spring”. I believe Reverend makes them.

 

[cromulent]

Hey I am not as spry as I used to be! Are you trying to get me injured?!!!

You could use a guitar crutch to stabilize yourself