Bigsby models qestion

For guitars of the straight waisted variety (or reverse offset).
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Peter Krasov
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Bigsby models qestion

Post by Peter Krasov » Tue Dec 18, 2018 1:03 am

Hi folks,

I'm looking for a Bigsby or Bigsby-like trem for my Cort Yorktown archtop guitar.

The question is that there are US-made B3, B5, B6, B7 models and their Korean (?) relatives B30, B50, B60, B70, and also some variations, branded as Ibanez, Gretsch, etc, and probably, produced at the same factory that produces B30, B50, etc.

I have not had a chance to compare, that would be my first Bigsby, I only read some sources on the web. But the question is - is there a real difference in action between US and licenced Bigsbies? They both utilize aluminium, US-made ones are sand-casted, Korean are die-casted. But what does reality tell us?

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Re: Bigsby models qestion

Post by MKR » Fri Dec 21, 2018 4:51 am

i would say that the US made bigsby should be your first choice. I have owned a lot of bigsbys over the years some of which were the korean liscenced ones and they are inconsistent when it comes to quality. I have had some that felt good, but i have also owned some that were wonky (annoying friction type metal clicking sound everytime you used it, the arm nut/bolt loosening over time, etc). US made ones however tend to be rock steady and good all the time.

as for which model would best suit your guitar i could give my 2 cents, but i don't really know what your guitar looks like. post a pic.

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Re: Bigsby models qestion

Post by Peter Krasov » Fri Dec 21, 2018 4:55 am

Hi,

Here it is:
Image

B6 would fit 100%, it is typical for such type of guitars.

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Re: Bigsby models qestion

Post by Squirrel » Fri Dec 21, 2018 5:03 am

I'd go for a USA one. In my experience with the licensed ones, the bearings usually end up with an excessive amount of play or start grinding after a while.

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Re: Bigsby models qestion

Post by MKR » Fri Dec 21, 2018 5:22 am

Peter Krasov wrote:
Fri Dec 21, 2018 4:55 am


B6 would fit 100%, it is typical for such type of guitars.

yup. b6 or a b3.

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Re: Bigsby models qestion

Post by Debaser » Thu Dec 27, 2018 8:32 am

The quality on the import licensed Bigsby Bx0 is good, and not worth swapping out to a MIA Bigsby, IME. Purchasing new is a different matter. I wouldn’t mind having either type, but I avoid the B50 and B70 because they use nylon bushings for the string tension roller bar. In the many that I use and own, there was never any play or grinding. I have had MIA ones that were not cast correctly and were slightly out of alignment either for the bearing mounts or the tailpiece hinge. I’ve had clicking sounds and stiff feel on a MIA B11 and it was due to poor adjustment of the handle assembly.

If I had a leftover import Bigsby or could have a used one for cheap, I’d use that. When it comes to new, the price of the import is high enough that I’d just shell out for the USA model. Main reason: I like the hand-made looks, and the fact I can buy replacement parts and use Chet/Duane arms.

I’d also get a B6/B60, but you’ll need to measure. I’d want more handle in the ‘playing area’, hence going with the B6 family.
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