Bigsby B7 vibrato set-up

[GattonFan]

I just installed a Bigsby B7 on my 355, my first experience with this type of vibrato. The arm is too high for my taste, so how do I get it down to a level I can live with? Buy a shorter spring, or what? Also, I'm looking at replacing the bridge with a roller bridge - any suggestions on a particular brand?

I have to say, after the Mosrite trems, and Hallmark trems, the Bigsby takes some getting used to ... not exactly the feather touch of the others.

Dennis

[MWaldorf]

There are two springs, a 7/8" and 1". The 1" spring is stiffer, so if you have that one, look for a 7/8" one. If you already have a 7/8" one, drop me a pm, I've got an older 7/8" spring that's pretty soft in my parts bin.

Also, the B-7 comes with a steel arm that has a small spring in the mount which gives it some play before it starts to move the strings. You can put a small washer in there to take the play out and the action will feel much more direct like a Mosrite vibrato.

[GattonFan]

Thanks for the info, Mel. I was wondering about that travel in the arm before it engaged - I thought I might have to take the thing apart and tighten something up. I'll check to see if I have the taller spring in there, too. Thanks, again.

Dennis

[MWaldorf]

When you have the arm disassembled, you'll see that even if you crank the screws all the way down, the spring still has play - that's why you need to put a washer underneath the spring.

Good luck, Mel

[sleeperNY]

All my Bigsbys came with a plastic washer at the base that the spring sat on. You can remove that if it has one and it won't hurt anything. You can also get the Chet bent wire arm on a swivel base and it can be setup to the height you want. It also has better response to touch over the flat handle models. The base is larger with the Chet handle. My Gretsch guitars have the Chet stationary setup and it works great. Instant response but you have to get used to it.


Jim

[jtr654]

Shaller roller bridge.

[GattonFan]

Thanks for the info! I've been eyeing those bent arms - I like the looks of them better than the flat ones. And I'll check out the Schaller roller bridge - the TOM bridge doesn't seem the best choice for the trem.
Dennis

[olrocknroller]

StewMac stocks a couple of nice roller bridges, one designed for the Bigsby for under $30.00, if memory serves, and the aforementioned Schaller for under $40.00 last time I checked. Before you get too anxious though, check the radius of your fret board...both of these bridges are 14" radius... People often wonder why the center two strings buzz after changing bridges!