Searcy Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Really Ok kids, I ordered one of these today with plans to install it on my Faded SG Special. Ordering it was not easy as the StetsBar site seemed to not be able to verify my card. I ended up ordering it with PayPal. Total p[rice for the Stop Bar system in chrome was $229. With shipping it was $249USD. http://stetsbar.com/ https://stetsbar.com/documents/Instructions.stop.tail.USA.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Keep us posted, I wanted one of those a while back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 . I'm a trem guy and have thought about trying a Stetsbar. Very interested to get your comments on the installation and how well it works - pitch change, tuning stability, etc. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted July 2, 2012 Author Share Posted July 2, 2012 I'll do a full install and run down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manse Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 I am so close to buying one for my SG or my Firebird..... but now I can wait and see how you get on before I push the button. Excellent. If you give this product the thumbs up, I bet there is going to be a surge in orders from forum members..... you might want to negotiate some kind of commission arrangement with Stetsbar.... ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted July 2, 2012 Author Share Posted July 2, 2012 The reason I paid full price and didn't hit them of for a review discount is so I can be straight about it. If anything sucks you'll see it here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manse Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 The reason I paid full price and didn't hit them of for a review discount is so I can be straight about it. If anything sucks you'll see it here. I like that! Integrity, honesty and tell it like it is!! Good man!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duane v Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 I tried a guitar with one, and it didnt stay in tune worth a hoot ... It needs fine tuners and a locking nut Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 I'll do a full install and run down. Definitely be looking forward to seeing how it turns out. I read somewhere there is a no-drill Bigsby out too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted July 3, 2012 Author Share Posted July 3, 2012 I don't expect it to have Rock solid tuning without some work on the nut. I have a friend with an XOX guitar that has one of these and Planet Waves locking tuners that he says is rock solid. Well see. I'm betting it will need locking tuners too but I'll buy those when I need them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinner 13 Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 I tried a guitar with one, and it didnt stay in tune worth a hoot ... It needs fine tuners and a locking nut I ran into that issue when I first installed the bigsby on my Junior. I switched to Sperzels, problem solved. I understand that the stetsbar has more throw so therefore probably would have more of an issue in that regard. it will be interesting to see the end results, looking forward to the report on it, I have been very intrigued by these since I first heard about them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted July 3, 2012 Author Share Posted July 3, 2012 I'm expecting it to have fewer tuning issues than my Bigsby just based on the design that doesn't slid the string over the saddles. We'll see if it lives up to that expectation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaleb Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 There's ways to keep em' in tune with regular tuners. My remedies: 1. My ultra-wizard of a technician 2. Pencil shavings 3. Fewer wraps on the tuning machines. I have my ways. My stock MIM Strat stayed in tune throughout a three-hour show due to a great setup from my wizard tech. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sellen Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 Have you installed it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted July 9, 2012 Author Share Posted July 9, 2012 Took 3 days for my PayPal check to clear. It should arrive in the mail today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sellen Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 ok, cool project Hope it's good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted July 10, 2012 Author Share Posted July 10, 2012 We will soon know. May work on this tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted July 10, 2012 Author Share Posted July 10, 2012 First impressions. 1. Man, this thing is really light. I'm not sure it isn't aluminum. 2. Instructions seem good but I have already found an issue with mounting this on my SG. Do you notice anything different about the SG on the front of the instruction book? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted July 10, 2012 Author Share Posted July 10, 2012 Here's a clue. Still don't see it? Ok, I'll tell ya. The instructions say that the StetsBar needs to sit flat on the guitar top. This mean the pick guard will need to be cut out to accommodate the base plate of the StetsBar. I have two other guitars that the StetsBar would bolt straight too but I was really wanting to try it on the SG which is set up for 9's. I'm a little disappointed that this wasn't more clearly pointed out on the web site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted July 10, 2012 Author Share Posted July 10, 2012 Just a few shots of how things all fit together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 ... The instructions say that the StetsBar needs to sit flat on the guitar top. This mean the pick guard will need to be cut out to accommodate the base plate of the StetsBar. ... I have two other guitars that the StetsBar would bolt straight too but I was really wanting to try it on the SG which is set up for 9's. I'm a little disappointed that this wasn't more clearly pointed out on the web site. Bummer about the pickguard. They definitely should've included that info on the website. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted July 10, 2012 Author Share Posted July 10, 2012 Yep, yep, Lucky for me I have 3 more of these so I'll just try my hand at cutting down the chrome plated pick guard. Step one: Remove the original Gibson Stop Bar and TOM bridge. Save all the parts so you can put them back if you ever decide to sell your guitar or if you decide the StetsBar ain't for you. It happens... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted July 10, 2012 Author Share Posted July 10, 2012 Step Two: Mark out where pick guard needs to be cut. The instructions state that the stats bar MUST lay flat on the top of the guitar or there will be problems with high action. This means the pick guard will need to be clearanced around the TOM studs. I temporarily installed the StetsBar and used a fine point marker to trace where the pick guard will need to be cut away. Problem #1: One of the supplied button head mounting screws has some rough thread and will not screw into the stock bushing. Forcing it would ruin the bushing. I am 100% sure that Eric Stets would send me a new one but I have thread cutting dies and will just chase the threads out myself instead of waiting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 Very ambitious on your part... What did you use to cut the plate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted July 10, 2012 Author Share Posted July 10, 2012 Step Three: Remove the pick guard. Remove the 11 screws that hold the pick guard on and the 4 pickup height adjustment screws so you can do some chopping on the guard. I have seen some reports that guys had to grind down the TOM bushings in order to get the StetsBar to lay flat against the top of the guitar. Perhaps this was an issue with the original StetsBar but this StartsBar Pro II has reliefs made into the bottom of the base that more than accommodate the TOM bushings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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