Buying a bigsby?

John_P

In the new year I’ll be looking to add a bigsby to a Gibson 345 - Looks like a B7 or 70 is the correct model.  

I’ve read varying reports comparing the B7 and B70 - looks like the B7 will have more of a correct vintage vibe but any thoughts from people that have tried them and suggestions for the best source? 

TheMarlin

B7. The B70 is a cheaper copy made under licence. Has plastic bearings, and stiff roller. Can be the source of tuning issues. 

the B11 is also an option. 

In truth, I don’t like tension bar Bigsbys. They are much less fun than a regular Bigsby (B6,B3 etc). They can be easily modded to be one very usable though. 

Does the guitar have a flat or carved/shaped top?

John_P

TheMarlin said:

B7. The B70 is a cheaper copy made under licence. Has plastic bearings, and stiff roller. Can be the source of tuning issues. 

the B11 is also an option. 

In truth, I don’t like tension bar Bigsbys. They are much less fun than a regular Bigsby (B6,B3 etc). They can be easily modded to be one very usable though. 

Does the guitar have a flat or carved/shaped top?

It’s a Gibson es345 so a slight arch to the top. 

Teyeplayer

I’d have a look at a towner bigsby system for a b6 if I was you, you’ll get the extra play that @TheMarlin refers too and it’s reversible.

Gerz6558

I recently bought a used b7 for my 335, about 90 quid. At that price it wasnt worth even looking at the b70 to me. I've had b70's before and they always felt like cheaper copies.

Paid to have it professionally fitted and setup. Works like a dream.

TheMarlin

Teyeplayer said:

I’d have a look at a towner bigsby system for a b6 if I was you, you’ll get the extra play that @TheMarlin refers too and it’s reversible.

Towner works really well, I agree, get that!

NorthernGooner

I can highly recommend the B7 with Towner mod. Keeps tune and is stable. 
I was lusting after a black 355 just like Keef's. Used a shiny black Korean Sheraton  
with GIbson 57 p/u's B7 and Towner. The guitar looks and plays really nicely. Really happy with 
it at a fraction of the 355 cost. Best to have it fitted by a pro though.

John_P

Thanks chaps.    I’ll keep an eye out for a B6 or 7 in the new year.

TheMarlin

NorthernGooner said:

I can highly recommend the B7 with Towner mod. Keeps tune and is stable. 
I was lusting after a black 355 just like Keef's. Used a shiny black Korean Sheraton  
with GIbson 57 p/u's B7 and Towner. The guitar looks and plays really nicely. Really happy with 
it at a fraction of the 355 cost. Best to have it fitted by a pro though.

Putting a towner with a B7 is utterly pointless. 
The B7 already has a tension bar. The Towner is for non tension bar Bigsbys, such as the B6. 

TheMarlin

John_P said:

Thanks chaps.    I’ll keep an eye out for a B6 or 7 in the new year.

If you’re going with the Towner, get the B6.  It’s pointless using it with a B7. 

Phil_aka_Pip

Don't. You'll spoil it.

John_P

Phil_aka_Pip said:

Don't. You'll spoil it.

It has had one in the past and has screw holes, so if I change my mind I can always put it back to stop tail.  

TheMarlin

Phil_aka_Pip said:

Don't. You'll spoil it.

Burn the Heretic!!

equalsql

Teyeplayer said:

I’d have a look at a towner bigsby system for a b6 if I was you, you’ll get the extra play that @TheMarlin refers too and it’s reversible.

This ^
I have this on my Orville 335 and it really is the perfect solution. I had to file down the long pointed Bigsby tail piece to fit the slimmer body width of the 335 but the end result looks just fine.

Foster

I have a bigsby B7 with the vibromate that i'm happy to sell (used to live on my les paul before I sold the guitar)