Bigsby on a Semi-hollow body

[thomasthomas]

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

[wokkaboy]

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]

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]

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]

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]

/<\\/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-b...ce-nickel.html

[WeirdBits]

B7 or B70 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]

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]

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. 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]

Ahhh yes, B70.... That would work.