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thomasthomas
11-09-2014, 03:36 AM
G'day guys,

I'm thinking about building 335 guitar (ES-1GT) and was wanting to attach a bigsby tremelo. I've attached a photo of what I'm looking at.

Anyone had any luck/tips with this?

Cheers legends
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2rdkg-ARRRSCNB1-Hero-2.jpg

wokkaboy
11-09-2014, 05:11 AM
Tom sure it can be done, I'm not that familiar with the different Bigsby models but get online and do some research and find a model that will suit the curved top of the ES model.
I presume a model that fits a Les Paul shape should be compatible

Gavin1393
11-09-2014, 05:21 AM
Yes, should be capable of being done. You might want to think about the wiring set up on this one though as its a tough ask on a first build.

wokkaboy
11-09-2014, 07:07 AM
Gavmiester should be able to run the earth wire from the bridge bush hole through to the control area. Still for a first build should only need 12 months councilling wiring this up

dingobass
11-09-2014, 07:17 AM
I am still in therapy a year after building one of these ;)
Yep, Bigsby will go on ok, from memory it is the B5 you will need.
Check out Realtone, they have them.

Gavin1393
11-09-2014, 07:26 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from dingobass on September 10, 2014, 16:17
Yep, Bigsby will go on ok, from memory it is the B5 you will need.
Check out Realtone, they have them.

They do indeed!
http://www.realparts.com.au/bigsby-b5-vibrato-tailpiece-nickel.html

WeirdBits
11-09-2014, 07:30 AM
B7 (http://www.realparts.com.au/bridges-tailpieces/bigsby/bigsby-b7-vibrato-tailpiece-nickel.html) or B70 (http://www.realparts.com.au/bridges-tailpieces/bigsby/bigsby-b70-vibrato-tailpiece.html) should be the best match for a thin semi-hollow like the ES-1GT. Just check the measurements on the hinged tail to ensure it will sit where you want it with the body thickness.

djdubya
11-09-2014, 08:05 AM
G'day Tom.

I've got an ES-1GT sitting in the wings waiting for me to start on it. Have done a little homework on hardware upgrades including a Bigsby. Looks a B7, B70 or B700 is the go for these kits same as will fit a Les Paul. All the dimensions from plans on the Bigsby website fit against the body I have.

I still don't know what type of bridge is better to use with this type of trem. That's a tuneomatic type in your picture and seems to be standard on all of their builds with a Bigsby. Some people recommend a roller type bridge but just as many complain that they don't stay in tune with a roller. Perhaps the forum gurus might have some experience here?

The body in my kit has a hole drilled from the treble bridge post for a ground wire so this shouldn't be a problem.

Cheers,
Dennis.

WeirdBits
11-09-2014, 08:45 AM
If you want to use a roller bridge you'll need one with a 12" radius to match the neck, something like the StewMac Golden Age Roller Bridge (http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/Bridges_and_Tailpieces/Electric_Guitar/Tune-o-matic_Bridges/Golden_Age_Roller_Bridge.html). The downside is it uses much smaller bushes and shafts, so you'll probably need to plug and re-drill your bridge mount holes.

I'm using a Golden Age roller on my current build with a B50, so I'll hopefully be able to give a 1st hand appraisal in a couple of weeks.

dingobass
11-09-2014, 01:31 PM
Ahhh yes, B70.... That would work.

ultpanzi
11-09-2014, 11:34 PM
I dont see why they wouldnt stay in tune WITH a roller. Id think itd be the other way round, because the roller reduces friction and ensures the string returns to its equilibrium point. Alternatively, you could use a graphteck string saver bridge saddle set. That would ensure you stay in tune with the bigsby and you wouldnt need to change the bridge, just the saddles.

Fretworn
12-09-2014, 02:18 AM
Is it the aesthetic of a Bigsby you are after, Or a functioning whammy bar? All Bigsby have tuning issues because of the stresses they put on the ToM bridge. Roller bridges create other issues, as they have have more moving parts to cause buzzing. Never buy a cheap roller bridge. The rollers end up seizing up and you are worse off than having a ToM bridge.

If you've got the money, and you want a good functioning whammy bar (if such a thing isn't an oxymoron) I'd check out Stetsbars - http://www.tolvanenguitars.com/stetsbars.html

dingobass
12-09-2014, 09:13 AM
And of course one must remember that the Bigsby isnt designed for dive bombing...
If ya wanna bomb, go for a Khaler, those puppies stay in tune even if you break a string.

Fretworn
13-09-2014, 02:06 AM
Quote from dingobass on September 11, 2014, 18:13
If ya wanna bomb, go for a Khaler, those puppies stay in tune even if you break a string.

No, they don't. Trust me. I Kahler flatmount is still my favourite whammy though. You do need a supply of spare parts for them if you have one. At least they are back in business now.

dingobass
13-09-2014, 10:54 PM
Thats interesting... Dropped one in a PRS for a chap a few months ago and it was rock solid.. Busted the E sting and it stayed in tune..
Might be they have improved the design?

dingobass
13-09-2014, 10:56 PM
Not a fan of the graphtech saddles.. Seen a few split in half :(

keloooe
12-01-2015, 09:07 AM
DB, the B70 is the full length one, the B5 is the short one that doesnt connect to the strap button