Bigsby Install

[Peterschupp1977]

I am building an ES-1G and want to know what kind of Bigsby i should install. A B7 or a B3

[Simon Barden]

The answer appears to be that both will work on a 335 style. The B3 doesn't have any top mounting screws, so is easier to remove without leaving visible screw holes in the top, though the B7 appears to be the one more commonly used on a 335 style guitar. The tension bar on the B7 is a bit lower than the B3's, so if you have a very low set bridge, then the B3 might not give you a great break angle. The B7 is also supposed to give greater sustain because of being screwed to the top.

But there are alternatives to screwing directly to the top and Vibramate make a number of Bigsby support plates that attach to the bridge and stop-tail support holes, which mean you don't need to drill any holes in the top and also provide a firmer mount for the Bigsby.

But once you think about Vibramate plates, then you could consider a B5, which is very easily removed and doesn't even leave any holes around the rear strap peg - like this one:

[Fretworn]

If you want something different that won't require extra holes to be drilled. You could always try a Stetsbar.

[Dedman]

I'd go the B7 personally

or a Les Trem, I have one of these waiting for a future build