Hi all...attempting to install a Bigsby on my 57 Aristocrat, but running into snags. The B7 Bigsby with the string tension bar winds up being too close to the bridge and creates a severe break angle, while the B3 bigsby without the tension bar does not give any break angle and thus the strings pop out of bridge saddle. Anyone attempt this install with any success?
Aristocrat with a Bigsby?
- Thread starter bluerolo
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Walter Broes
Enlightened Member
Shimming the B7 works. Install the B7, but put something under the screws that attach it to the top so it's tilted and the string angle to the bridge is less severe.
Thx Walter I would prefer to not have to drill the top though as required on the B7...I put the B3 base on a belt sander to knock the height down a bit but could not take enough off to give the angle I needed. I considered going to the tonepros roller bridge which would keep the strings in the saddles but still very little angle. Any ideas on making that work?
Guildadelphia
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Since you would prefer not to drill the top for a B7 this may not be a good option but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway as it would surely work. There is a company called BricksBiggsFix (www.bricksbiggsfix.com) that makes a product called a Bigsby Tuning Stabilizer. It is basically a replacement tension roller for a B7 or B70 that sits up higher than the stock tension roller, reducing the severe break angle but maintaining enough angle that the strings stay put. Looks like a well made product and they make retrofits for both USA and import Bigsbys. Another option (and again unfortunately needing holes drilled) would be to go with a Bigsby B5 or B50 that could be installed further away from the bridge. The B5 is really designed for guitars with flat tops, but I've seen them installed on arched topped guitars. IMO, I don't care for the look of a B7 on an Aristocrat (makes the top look all Bigsby) and the much smaller B5 might look better too.
Last edited:
Walter Broes
Enlightened Member
I don't know about installing a B5 Bigsby on a hollow guitar....I'd advise against it.
Bluerolo, it's not just a matter of keeping those strings in the saddles, if there's a very shallow break angle, the guitar isn't going to sound or feel all that great either.
Bluerolo, it's not just a matter of keeping those strings in the saddles, if there's a very shallow break angle, the guitar isn't going to sound or feel all that great either.