Returned to the 'shed' this arvo and screwed the pickups in place, mounted the tuners, screwed in the trussrod cover and the pickguard, so a productive couple of hours. Having a look at the Bigsby and wondering how to go about eventually stringing up. Not sure whether it'll be an under or an over as seems to be the case in the forum. Any hints welcomed!
Fitted the Bigsby today after watching a few Youtube vids and strung with the crappy strings just to get the overall look. The angle of the Bigsby arm looks rather high compared to what I thought it would be, but it works fine. Put the knobs on the pots and tuned it up ready to do the set up and test the electronics probably tomorrow. Acoustically sounds OK. Pretty happy so far and keeping fingers crossed that the electronics work.
Are there any spacers on either end of the spring? You may be able to remove them to reduce the height. I agree that looks way too high, it would be hard to pick and keep a finger on that.
Lots of info here from someone in your situation:
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/in...2096641/page-2
You could also get a Soft Touch spring to replace the factory one:
http://store.reverendguitars.com/pro...-touch-spring/
I think people here have cut the spring length down. Cutting springs is never easy, but it can be done. As an alternative, the arm could possibly be bent, but I have no idea what the arm is made of. If steel, it will bend but if it's alloy, then it may well snap.
Thanks Ross/Simon; interesting how many others have the same problems/outcomes in various areas (useful links). Got around to set up and playability this arvo then plugged in to the Marshall - and hey presto, great sound first go! (Would hate to think what would have happened if there was no sound!). So your advice about the braided wiring Simon came in handy - thanks. When I change the strings to the EB's I'll remove the spacer from the Bigsby spring and see how much it alters the angle of the arm. Also intend to apply my Gretsch Electromatic decals (from Tim in Ontario, Canada) even though I know one shouldn't - but hey I've no intention to ever sell or even take it outside home. Enjoyed 3 days of sunshine before the rain set in again - roll on Summer!
I had to check your location after that comment. Do you remember a time when it wasn't raining? I have hazy memoriesOriginally Posted by GreyFloyd
LOL,
but isn't Woop Woop close to South Geraldton - surely it is sunny there!
PitBull Builds: FVB-4, LP-1SS, FBM-1, AG-2, TB-4, SSCM-1, TLA-1,TL-1TB, STA-1HT, DSCM-1 Truckster, ST-1, STA-1, MBM-1, MBM custom, GHR-1 (Resonator), FH-5V (Acoustic).
Scratch Builds: Pine Explorer, Axe Bass, Mr Scary, Scratchy Tele's.
The little voices in my head keep telling me "build more guitars"
Haha I always tell people I'm in South Gero. Technically the wheatbelt, just a hair north of Two Rocks. Sucks to run out of milk and bread.
Yes it's raining and blowing again!! Anyhoo, changed the strings to the EB's and removed the spacer but the arm really doesn't look too much lower, but it doesn't seem to affect me playing. Attached decals so it now looks like a real Gretsch Electro (well sort of). So tomo I'll give the headstock a final spray of clear and Bob's your Auntie!
Just looking on the web and a few people were complaining that their real Bigsby arms were too low and were looking for ways to lower them. But if you can live with the visual aspect and it’s OK to reach to from your normal playing position, then my only concern would be getting a case or gig bag for it that fits. The spring is sticking up more than a normal Bigsby, so even though the arm folds over out of the way, it may become an issue in that respect. It’s not something I remember reading any posts about here, either positive or negative.
Just note that any new photos should avoid showing any G*****h logos or they’ll get removed by the mods.
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