Abe567 Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 If I installed a bigsby b6 would it match my tailpiece holes? Certain bigsby's come with a different bottom peice that's is compatible with archtop gibsons which is roundedd compared to the triangular one. If possible is he. Bigsby b11 an option? And what bridges do you guys recommend ? Thanks everyone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelDeVille Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 I would Imagine a B3 with a Towner tension bar would be the ticket. something like this... Traditionally I think a B7 is used, but it has a built in/non-adjustable tension bar, and your tailpiece holes are just hanging out in the wind. Then a fugly plastic name tag type plastic plate is used to cover them. IT LOOKS HORRIBLE. The triangular endpiece is meant for Gretsch guitars. I think you want a more squared endpiece, but a dremel would take the pointy overhang off a triangular one like I did on two of my guitars. I'd stick with a Tuna-Matic bridge, and just make sure your nut is cut correctly. You do not need fancy roller bridges and nuts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingarmadillo Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 I just started putting a B-7 on mine. I'm not worried about holes not matching, just fill them with toothpicks and glue, then sand them smooth before you drill new holes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis G Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 I'm with flyingarmadillo. Had a B7 installed on my Elitist Casino about 5 years ago (my luthier did it). No special bridge, nut, etc. and no holes show anywhere. I knew I "wasn't going back" so wasn't worried about them. See avatar for photo (sorry, I'm still trying to distance myself from Photobucket). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingarmadillo Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 I'm with flyingarmadillo. Had a B7 installed on my Elitist Casino about 5 years ago (my luthier did it). No special bridge, nut, etc. and no holes show anywhere. I knew I "wasn't going back" so wasn't worried about them. See avatar for photo (sorry, I'm still trying to distance myself from Photobucket). Unless this is something really special I'm leaving my Elitist as it is for now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abe567 Posted August 10, 2017 Author Share Posted August 10, 2017 I would Imagine a B3 with a Towner tension bar would be the ticket. something like this... Traditionally I think a B7 is used, but it has a built in/non-adjustable tension bar, and your tailpiece holes are just hanging out in the wind. Then a fugly plastic name tag type plastic plate is used to cover them. IT LOOKS HORRIBLE. The triangular endpiece is meant for Gretsch guitars. I think you want a more squared endpiece, but a dremel would take the pointy overhang off a triangular one like I did on two of my guitars. I'd stick with a Tuna-Matic bridge, and just make sure your nut is cut correctly. You do not need fancy roller bridges and nuts. I don't believe I would need that plastic cover since the casino is an archtop, that first photo is an es 335 or dot not casino, thanks for the reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abe567 Posted August 10, 2017 Author Share Posted August 10, 2017 I'm with flyingarmadillo. Had a B7 installed on my Elitist Casino about 5 years ago (my luthier did it). No special bridge, nut, etc. and no holes show anywhere. I knew I "wasn't going back" so wasn't worried about them. See avatar for photo (sorry, I'm still trying to distance myself from Photobucket). The only reason I ask is because I don't want to drill holes, and I see many 60s casinos with a b6 equipped so I was curious if I'd be able to use that instead , thank you for the reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelDeVille Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 I don't believe I would need that plastic cover since the casino is an archtop, that first photo is an es 335 or dot not casino, thanks for the reply. Archtop has nothing to do with it, tailpiece style does. Does yours have the trapeze tailpiece? like this? You could still go with a B3, but you couldn't control the break angle. but you wouldn't have to drill into the body. and the break angle would be just fine. and I think it looks nicer than the B7. A B7 need to be screwed into the top. and if the break angle is too sharp it can be shimmed. B3 B7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parabar Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 I have a Sorrento with a B-3, and it works ok as long as I use fairly heavy strings (currently .011's). When I got it, it had .010's, and the break angle was so shallow that the strings often popped out of the bridge slots. The B-7 (or B-70) is the one that was designed for thinline archtops like the Casino; it's what both George Harrison and Paul McCartney used on theirs, as well as Gary Clark Jr. and many other Casino players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingarmadillo Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 The only reason I ask is because I don't want to drill holes, and I see many 60s casinos with a b6 equipped so I was curious if I'd be able to use that instead , thank you for the reply. I finished with the B7 install and it's not too bad. The two original holes for the tailpiece worked for the top two tailpiece holes on the B7. You have to drill the 2 lower holes for the Bigsby tailpiece (there are 4, the original trapeze has two) and maybe the strap button hole (I did but it wasn't by much). The two holes in the top aren't difficult, but make sure you tape the top first to prevent chips and change the drill bit to 3/32. The only problem I had was that I got careless and partially stripped the screw heads on the lower two tailpiece screws. Restringing wasn't much of a problem and after tuning up the intonation hadn't changed. Took me about 30 minutes in all to do. It does change the balance of the guitar some. Edit: Here's what it looks like before and after: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Summers Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 My Gary Clark Blak and Blu w Bigsby came with a B-700. Uses 2 screws in the top. Works nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chillybilly Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 Get in touch with Towner at townerusa.com - he will mix n match Bigsby parts to suit your guitar. I have a Sheraton that had a Frequensator but I got frustrated with string breakage and fiddling with the two forks when restringing a single string or a full set. Towner sold me a B6 with a B3 hinge plate for full coverage of the butt-end. The Sheraton lacked any tailpiece posts or holes (as you may know) so after some research on others' experience I went with the B6 without any drilling or a Vibramate. Also crucial (for me at least) was the Towner hinge plate adapter which allows a Dunlop strap lock button to be installed along with the Bigsby hinge plate. I also use a Vibramate bridge spoiler which, as you may also know, allows for easier stringing/restringing with the use of the Bigsby. I find that it also decreases the chances of string breakage at the bridge since the string angle from bridge to tailpiece is quite shallow - even more shallow than it was with the Frequensator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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