Would you add a Bigsby?

[Bong-O]

I have a 1974 Guild Starfire 4. It has a nice flamed natural finish. I play surf music, and want to add a Bigsby to my Starfire so I can use it. I have grown so accustomed to playing a guitar with a vibrato that I just don't pick up hard tails anymore. I've sold most guitars in my collection that don't have vibratos for lack of use.

The big question creeps in from the collectors view. Do I do it? Do I alter the stockness of the Starfire by drilling two holes in it's top to install the B7?

From a players perspective, it's a no brainer. I will much more enjoy the guitar with a Bigsby. It's night and day for me from that perspective.....

What do you Guild experts / fans think? Any input would be appreciated!

 

[motopsyche]

I was able to snag a Guild Bigsby on ebay to add to my harp tail-equipped 1960 T-100. What a great addition. The Starfire III I just found came with a Bigs, and it's terrific. Others will have the real scoop, but I don't believe you're looking to add a B-7 on the Starfire. More likely it will be a B-3. Neither of the Bigs units on my guitar require drilling in the top, only a hole or two added to the bottom side in the vicinity of the strap peg.

Twang and enjoy!

 

[Bong-O]

I have a 1966 Starfire 4 that I intsalled a Bigsby B6 on and that worked out great.

I had hoped to do the same on the 1974, but the neck angle changed when they moved the neck joint down a few frets. So a Bigsby B6 does not produce enough string tension on the bridge (it buzzes bad!).

The only solution is a B7 style. That explains why Guild changed the unit they used as stock from a B6 style to a B7 style when they made the neck change........

 

[Walter Broes]

Yep, a B7 is what you'd need for that guitar. I'd go through the patience/trouble of trying to locate the Guild version of a B7, but otherwise, sure, put the Bigsby on it! Of course, if your guitar is mint and in total collector's condition, you could try to sell it to fund another one that already has a Bigsby.

 

[matsickma]

Hi Bong-O,


I beleive the Bigsby you need for your Guitar is the one that sold on eBay 2 weeks ago. It fetched a suprisingly high price! Any Guild Bigsbys are hard to come by but it seems this model is a more rare than others. I am not trying to scare you off with this post but it may be atough item to find.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... &rd=1&rd=1

M

 

[matsickma]

Also, if you do install a B7 don't use the bracket above the spring assemply to secure it. Instead drill a hole through the the bottom spring assembly bracket, add a small countersink and then screw that down. Using this approach will allow you to replace the Bigsby with a Guildsby some time in the future without having an unsightly hole left over.

M

 

[Bong-O]

Thanks Matsickma, great advice.... I noticed from pictures that the mounting knob on the Bigsby above the spring seat was different from the Guild unit. But without one to examine in 3-D I didn't know where the other screw hole was. I will follow your advice.

I could sell this guitar and buy another already equipped with a Guildsby, but this one truely is a beauty to me. It plays great to my taste, and is a beautiful sight with it's flamy natural top that has yellowed nicely. I am constantly watching for Starfires because (since I can't afford a vintage 355!) it is one of my favorite guitars. I have not seen an older one that was natural flame top with a Guildsby yet...... So that quest could take a LONG time! I want to enjoy this guitar in the mean time...

 

[matsickma]

AHHHH :x

We were all getting along so well until you reference you Starfire as a poor-mans substitute for the 335!

Well with a 335 you won't have to pay a lot for a Bigsby! :wink:

M

 

[capnjuan]

Boo Boo Boo


You pay a skillion for the 335 and they throw in the Bigsby for 'free'...

 

[Bong-O]

Hahaha... my appologies, Matsickma! But hey, let's give credit where credit is due. We know where that great guitar design originated! And hey! I didn't compair it to the homely 335, I said I couldn't afford a 355!!

Truth is, I've grown to love the subtle differences in the design between a Guild and the original Gibson.

It's true, those Gibsons are crazy priced, but Guild (parts, at least) are catching up........

 

[grantgsc]

Bigsby

Isn't that what Wendy's does to their fries and drinks? Why ruin a good guitar with a Bigsby? (IMHO)

 

[Darryl Hattenhauer]

Ditto what Mat and Walter said.