Bridges for bigsbys: Which do you prefer?

MrBoZiffer

Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2009
Messages
272
Reaction score
1
I'm trying to decide if I want to put a bigsby on my '53 X-175 or not. I kind of hate messing with it because it sounds so good as it is, but a bigsby would be great on it. This thread is pretty helpful since I've never changed out a bridge before. Actually, I probably won't change this one. I'll let my local tech do it.

However, I am curious to know if anyone has ever used one of the old Guild wooden bridges with a bigsby. Mine has one of the straight ones...

IMG_0150.jpg


I can't imagine these work well with a bigsby, but maybe they do. I did used to have a '58 T-100 with a B3 and a compensated wood bridge. It seemed to play pretty well. However the nickel rocker bridge on my CE-100 is much smoother. Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.

By the way, this particular guitar has a trapeze on it, but it's obviously not original. It looks like it had a Kluson at one point.

IMG_0151.jpg


Like I said, this is a job for my tech, but before I talk to him about it I probably need to know what I'm getting myself into. I really like the wood look and sound, so I'd like to keep a wood base at least. But if I can keep the original bridge, all the better.

Also, how hard would it be to age a new bigsby? I usually don't like the idea of relics and aging, but in this case I would probably be willing to do it. I'd probably have a hard time finding an old bigsby that's affordable.

So what do ya'll think??? :)
 

GAD

Reverential Morlock
Über-Morlock
Joined
Feb 11, 2009
Messages
22,585
Reaction score
17,803
Location
NJ (The nice part)
Guild Total
112
I just bought a Setzer Gretsch and the damn bridge is 12" while the board is 9.5" I knew that going in though.

I have a Compton ordered, and am trying to order a truarc as well. I'll report on them both when I get them.
 

parker_knoll

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2006
Messages
1,453
Reaction score
410
Location
London
GAD

I'm back on the bridge question and wondered what was your conclusion on the Compton Vs Tru-Arc debate?

Actually thinking of dropping one on a Ric 330 which i have added a trem to.

Toby
 

GAD

Reverential Morlock
Über-Morlock
Joined
Feb 11, 2009
Messages
22,585
Reaction score
17,803
Location
NJ (The nice part)
Guild Total
112
parker_knoll said:
GAD

I'm back on the bridge question and wondered what was your conclusion on the Compton Vs Tru-Arc debate?

Actually thinking of dropping one on a Ric 330 which i have added a trem to.

Toby


I've had both and greatly prefer the Compton. The TruArc looks cooler on a Gretsch, but I liked the tone and clarity of the Compton more.
 

Jahn

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 1, 2007
Messages
1,932
Reaction score
64
Location
NYC
i had good luck with the brass tru-arc on my gretsch country gent, so i'm going with an aluminum tru-arc for my starfire VI. the bigsby compensated on there right now gets the job done, but why not, right?
 

parker_knoll

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2006
Messages
1,453
Reaction score
410
Location
London
I'll buy your bigsby if you don't want it :)

looks like I'm going to have to go two stage for this Ric and get a bowtie or Tele-style Bigsby bridge then get a compton to go on top of it
 
Top