Loose Whammy Bar on a Bigsby

[Kyler Patrick]

So many months ago, I posted about the Epiphone Wildkat Royale. My parents got it for me for graduating high school!! :D/ Love it so much! It works with all different genres and I've never owned a guitar with a nicer tone.

 

...Just one small problem with the tremolo arm on the Bigsby.

 

When I would fit it into my case, I would turn the tremolo arm around so it could fit easier. What I didn't know was that I was loosing the screw that kept it tight and in place. Now it's gotten to the point where it swings and falls almost in the way that Hendrix's did. Of course on the Bigsby that just doesn't look good and it doesn't feel right. Does anyone know how I can tighten it and get the same feel without having to take off my strings? They're brand new strings and I don't wanna waste them.

 

Thanks!

[brc]

There should be a 5/16 nut on the underside of the tremelo arm.

You will need to remove the strings from the tuners so the arm can be folded over to get to the nut. Just don't crank it tight, as it only needs to be tight enough to be able to swing it out of the way when the tremelo arm is not in use.

[Bender 4 Life]

or....capo the strings.....loosen them enough to get them off the Bigsby pegs....then tighten the bar, re-peg the strings, tighten them & remove the capo.......might work, might not, either way, strings don't cost much.

[Kyler Patrick]

Very true, strings don't cost much at all, but stringing a Bigsby is a pain in the rear. I'm hoping to get a String Spoiler soon, but until then I'll just deal. Now that I think about it, my strings are in need of replacing. I do appreciate the help, y'all.

[Riffster]

When the bigsby bar in my Casino would become loose all I did was to push up the bolt up from under with something so the nut would grab a little bit and at the same time I would turn the screw from top without putting too much pressure, it would work every time.

[Dennis G]

stringing a Bigsby is a pain in the rear.

If so, then you're doing it wrong LOL. I have four guitars with Bigsby's and it takes maybe five extra minutes to change the strings vs. a stop tail.

 

Use pliers to bend the string 90 degrees at the "ball end". Aids in getting the string on the peg.

Use a capo to hold the string(s) in place while you tighten/tune it.

 

These two things alone will save you time and frustration. Also, search YouTube, there are tons of videos out there with tips.

[Kyler Patrick]

If so, then you're doing it wrong LOL. I have four guitars with Bigsby's and it takes maybe five extra minutes to change the strings vs. a stop tail.

 

Use pliers to bend the string 90 degrees at the "ball end". Aids in getting the string on the peg.

Use a capo to hold the string(s) in place while you tighten/tune it.

 

These two things alone will save you time and frustration. Also, search YouTube, there are tons of videos out there with tips.

 

I never thought about bending the strings to save time. Thanks!

[Kyler Patrick]

When the bigsby bar in my Casino would become loose all I did was to push up the bolt up from under with something so the nut would grab a little bit and at the same time I would turn the screw from top without putting too much pressure, it would work every time.

 

I'll give that a shot. What would you push the bolt up with?