Bigsby - Cadillac - Other?

entee

My Billy Bo is coming together now, and so the quest for a tailpiece needs to move forward.  I was hoping on using a gold B3 but it looks like the body is just under the height of the mounting bracket (1 3/4" - 44mm), so it may overhang when fitted .  The B30 is a bit shorter at 1 5/8" - 41mm, but not such good quality?  I was thinking about a Cadillac tail, but can't find the mounting bracket measurement - anyone?
Are there any other tails that will fit without any top surface drilling required, that are both good quality and available in gold?

Corvus

Quality difference is open to question, I have had a few US ones with iffy casting of the arm bracket, though easily fixed, not great with gold though as it's filing ....

There's nothing really wrong with a plastic bush in such a very low stress place and they don't dry & drag like metal ones can. I usually get US ones from the US just cos it's cheaper and vanity in not having "licensed" on it. Had 7 here at one time.

There is/was a gold caddy in the parts area, could be worth dropping the fella a line.

When you say body height, just checking you've not forgot that say 6mm+ of that 44mm is the "knuckle" bit that sits proud of the top. Just in case you were forgetting and doing yourself out of an option!

Looking forward to pics btw ; )

entee

Corvus said:

Quality difference is open to question, I have had a few US ones with iffy casting of the arm bracket, though easily fixed, not great with gold though as it's filing ....

There's nothing really wrong with a plastic bush in such a very low stress place and they don't dry & drag like metal ones can. I usually get US ones from the US just cos it's cheaper and vanity in not having "licensed" on it. Had 7 here at one time.

There is/was a gold caddy in the parts area, could be worth dropping the fella a line.

When you say body height, just checking you've not forgot that say 6mm+ of that 44mm is the "knuckle" bit that sits proud of the top. Just in case you were forgetting and doing yourself out of an option!

Looking forward to pics btw ; )

Bit the bullet after more measurements and your advice, so a gold B3 is on its way to me to join the rest of the project.  Thanks for taking the time to reply to my questions.
There is a photo of the start of the build on here in one of GSPBASSES threads flamed maple top pic at the bottom

Corvus

Cool, and cool guitar in the works : )

entee

thanks mate - it's a 50th birthday present to me    TV Jones pickups, and will be finished in black which I am apprehensive of doing as I have never attempted before.  But I will take all advice I can and give it my best shot.....'how hard can it be!?'  lol

Corvus

Nice, black sounds a great colour for it and there's a first time for everything right, so good luck, sure it'll be fine