This is a great fix for anyone with a Bigsby B5/B50 B7/B70, or any other 'tension bar' Bigsby.
I'm a big Gretsch fan. I have some nice Pro Line models, but also have some Electromatics - my favourite of which are the Corvettes.
Unfortunately, these guitars come equipped with the dreaded Bigsby B50. This is my least favourite Bigsby (and I LOVE Bigsbys); It's stiff in operation, and causes severe tuning problems. This is caused by the break angle over the bridge, under the tension bar, and to the back of the Bigsby. In addition, the tension bar has plastic bearing, and under the pressure of those string, it doesn't move, and severely restricts the movement of the strings. This is the source of many a tuning problem (that, and a badly cut nut).
The good news is that I have found a solution to all these woes, and my B50 Bigsby is now a joy to use. Light, sensitive, enthusiastic, and all with very stable tuning. How it was done? You use a Bigsby Tuning Stabilizer!!
I'll talk you through it.
The guitar awaiting surgery is my beloved White Corvette, which has already had extensive modifications. I love everything about this guitar, except for the Bigsby B50.
So, here is my Corvettes, back on the operating table once again.
I always do these jobs in my conservatory, as it's got good light all day long.
Strings off, here is the Tuning Stabiliser waiting to go on. It consists of a top quality replacement tension bar with proper bearings. It rolls smoothly, where as the standard bar, with it's crappy plastic bearing, refuses to move under tension. Also included is a new tension clip to replace the PITA circlip.
Note, I stupidly had this part in my parts bin for over a year, this is the first version of the Tuning Stabiliser, which uses the existing bar on which the tension bar sits. The newer unit (version three) does away with that, removing all (and any) difficulty with fitting the replacement part. See the video at the end to see how Version 3 Of the Bigsby Tuning Stabilizer fits.
So, here is the B50 with the bar that runs through the tension bar, partially removed. Don't be a cheapskate like me, and buy set of circlip pliers. I used two small screwdrivers to remove the circlip - see the fresh scratches on the B50. I'm an ass.
note, the crappy plastic bearings on the stock tension bar.
More to follow:....stay tuned.....
Comments
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Bigsby Teles also have the advantage of the lowest neck angle and bridge height of any guitar with one, so the angle over the bridge is inherently less to begin with.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Thanks for posting this.
I'm a big fan of T K Smith's work too. He makes some stunning guitars.