Epi BB King Lucille - Adding a Bigsby

[rocket launcher 0]

Good afternoon all,

 

I recently picked up a barely used BB King edition 345 at GC, my first EPI. I play in a neighborhood jam band once a week so having a guitar with versatile tones is a plus. So far I really like it. I run it through a rack of mostly old analog pedals into a Fender Blues Jr IV.

 

Its bone stock right now, only mod i have made is taking that ugly "E" off the pick guard.

 

I want to add a Bigsby (in gold of course) and was wondering if any of you have done that yet and could offer any advice?

 

I am very open to upgrading the bridge, I am worried those tiny flimsy threaded bolts that hold it up will move a bit when using the Bigsby. Any suggestions?

 

Thanks all!!

[kidblast 1,365]

I am not sure about the bridge set posts, I've got a few aw/bigsby (gibsons) and no issues at all.

 

I suggest a vibramate kit is the just thing.. no mods to the guitar at all, and 100% reversible

[Dennis G 319]

I have two Epi's that I added a Bigsby to. First was an Elitist Casino (avatar) and the other was a Dot. Neither needed a roller bridge, but then again, I don't "dive bomb" with them either, just subtle movements. In any event, on string changes, needle nose pliers and a capo are your friends. No experience with the Vibramate so no comment on that.

 

And congrats on a nice looking "Lucille".

[kidblast 1,365]

agree no need for a roller bridge, in fact, the one guitar I had one on, the low E string would quite easily pop out of the slot while playing.

 

Not all that convenient... Just use some Big Bends Nut Sauce or something comparable to help the tuning stability,, should be all you need to do.

[mihcmac 779]

Bigsby's are great specially if you want the traditional Gibson look. The standard bridge will work fine unless you have a really sharp angle crossing the bridge. Nut lubricant is a really good idea so the strings won't grab going across it.

 

I have 3 Duesenberg Les Trem II's that I have had really good luck with. One of the nice things about them is that the tremolo bar is round and the position is set with a set screw, depending on how much attack you want. They are very well made German steel but run about $120 with shipping and can be found on different internet sites but normally shipping from Germany.

 

Duesenberg Les Trem II

 

 

 

 

[Bronx 12]

 

Its bone stock right now, only mod i have made is taking that ugly "E" off the pick guard.

 

 

Didn't have to worry about that with my Casino. The E fell off on its own.

 

Bronx

[Revolution Six 880]

The cheap Less Trem is perfect for an Epi

 

[AngelDeVille 132]

B3 and a Towner bar, leave the bridge alone.

 

I understand the stesbar works really well, but it is just about the fugliest thing you can bolt to your guitar, and I think Floyd Roses look pretty.

 

[kidblast 1,365]

Didn't have to worry about that with my Casino. The E fell off on its own.

 

Bronx

 

HA!! makes for some interesting looks from band mates don't it? Especially when they hear it before you realize what happened

(True story)

[Dennis G 319]

...The E fell off on its own.

 

Bronx

Funny, (or maybe not) but on all of my Epi elec's, (Dot, Casino, Wildkat) none of my "E"'s has fallen off. Go figure, huh?

Edited November 12, 2018 by Dennis G

[rocket launcher 0]

Well after some noodling around quite a bit, and your suggestions, I am going to get the Bigsby B5 and a Vibramate.

 

I am still wanting to upgrade the bridge. Those skinny studs cant be giving me as much as a better design would. And they let the bridge rock some which could affect tuning.

 

Any bridge upgrades you recommend? I am ok if its not a roller bridge, as long as it comes in gold.

[AngelDeVille 132]

I’m pretty sure I have a USA made B5 and a vibramate or two in my parts box.

 

Message me if you are interested.

 

I still think the bridge will be fine, if it rocks it will rock back the the same point.

[rocket launcher 0]

I’m pretty sure I have a USA made B5 and a vibramate or two in my parts box.

 

Message me if you are interested.

 

I still think the bridge will be fine, if it rocks it will rock back the the same point.

 

Message sent on the B5.

 

I still think I want something more solid for a bridge. Those studs sure felt like light scrap metal. I dont mind spending the $30+ dollars for a better quality one.

Edited November 21, 2018 by rocket launcher

[AngelDeVille 132]

Totally spaced that you needed gold!

 

Mines silver!

[crust 175]

So, is that modification complete, now ? What is the result I would kind of believe, that by doing that, to that, you would be pretty happy with the finished results. So, is that the case, in this instance, with that ? pics

[rocket launcher 0]

So, is that modification complete, now ? What is the result I would kind of believe, that by doing that, to that, you would be pretty happy with the finished results. So, is that the case, in this instance, with that ? pics

 

I am still collecting data and ideas, then I will order the goodies and slap them on.

 

I am solid on the B5/Vibramate combo. Still looking at the bridge update options.

 

I hope to have these new hardware options by the Christmas break.

 

Stay tuned....

[rocket launcher 0]

I am still collecting data and ideas, then I will order the goodies and slap them on.

 

I am solid on the B5/Vibramate combo. Still looking at the bridge update options.

 

I hope to have these new hardware options by the Christmas break.

 

Stay tuned....

 

Update: Ordered a Bigsby B6 and a Towner bar kit.

 

Now that I can adjust the break angle over the bridge, I still want to get a more rigid bridge. Any suggestions?