FYI. Bigsby stuff...I installed a B30 on my bluesbird and...

[johnny00]

There was not enough break angle, almost none...so I used the existing holes from the Stop tail piece and made a stainless steel roller that mounts in those holes with 2 aluminum brackets, simulating the B70(B7), but no need to drill the 2 holes into the top of the guitar. The only drilling would be at the strap button area for the additonal 2 screws that secure the hinge down. Very easy installation and works like a charm.

Does anyone make this already because I couldn't find it. I saw some attachment for the B5 where no holes need to be drilled but I like the look of the B3 better

here is a link to a photobucket photo of it...if i did it right...
http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k254/ ... bymod1.jpg

 

[Default]

One of the guys on the Gretsch forum installed a Bigsby the same way. Also, sixties Gretsch solid bodies (like my AJ) had a similar pressure bar that screwed into the top.
You get major props for figuring out a totally non-invasive installation.

 

[johnny00]

Here is a link to photobucket. Thanks.
http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k254/ ... bymod1.jpg

 

[Default]

 

[jp]

That's pretty slick. Thanks for posting.

 

[capnjuan]

... and made a stainless steel roller that mounts in those holes with 2 aluminum brackets ...

Hi johnny00: ' ... made ...' as in machined? Very fine work! CJ

 

[johnny00]

Thanks guys.
Yes, I am a machinist by trade, so I just made it on my breaks and lunch hour.

 

[capnjuan]

Thanks guys. Yes, I am a machinist by trade, so I just made it on my breaks and lunch hour.

Well Double 0 - most folks here struggle making a sandwich :wink: Welcome! CJ

 

[johnny00]

Funny...Make a sandiwch???? Now that I CAN NOT DO!!!
I used some stainless steel, drilled/reamed a nice smooth 1/4" hole in a 3/8" rod, made some nylon washers, and made the 2 holding brackets out of aluminum.
Thanks!

 

[matsickma]

Pretty cool.

I used a similar but different technique on one of my modifications. What I did was buy one of the old early 1980's style Guild stop bars-the kind that have a U-shaped end that stay in place without strings. I would use this stop as the tension "roller" for the bigsby. I then removed the studs that hold the stop and epoxyed (soldering would work also) a small washer to the bottom, reinstalled and then installed a small screw thru the epoxyed washer to fasten the stop fastener into the body ( I had to do that becaause without it used of the bigsby would pull the stud fastener out.) I then screwed in the stud and old style stop. I then installed a Guild Bigsby.

The particular Guild bigsby was an NOS cut down model as seen on the S100 Deluxe guitars-the kind that screw into the top of the guitar. However I planned to use this technique for applications that would not have screws installed into the top of the guitar.

I'll have to get some pictures and post it up.

M

 

[matsickma]

Attached is a few pictures of the technique I used to add a Bigsby to a guitar with a standard bridge stop. I substituted a early 1980's Guild stop with "U" ends to keep it in place. This is a good technique for a modification to a Starfire 4 where you could return the guitar back easily to stock.

M

 

[johnny00]

very cool!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for posting the photos! where theres a will there's a way.