wrvond Posted April 7, 2020 Share Posted April 7, 2020 Hello all, After much waffling about, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered an Emperor Swingster Royale from Sweetwater. Hopefully it'll be here by week's end. Pretty much my only concern with this guitar lies with the vibrato. I once had a Gretsch with a Bigsby licensed vibrato - it might have even been the B30. I found the vibrato with it's nylon bushings quite off-putting. Is there some kind of kit available to upgrade the B30 with higher quality bushings? I do like that this one comes with the Chet Atkins style bar, rather than the over large paddle, so there's that. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted April 8, 2020 Share Posted April 8, 2020 I had one just like picture, there was really nothing wrong with the Bigsby. I would think I'd have noticed some difference in that to the other Guitars I have with original USA ones. (3 USA Gibsons) Give it a chance as is, you may be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrvond Posted April 8, 2020 Author Share Posted April 8, 2020 I had a really hard time choosing between this and the Joe Pass Emperor. So naturally, until it arrives, I'm going to worry I made the wrong choice! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 I'm sure you won't regret it. I had a joe pass at one time too, late 90s... I liked the swingster better. The Swingbukcer pickups are cool and the bigsby gives you a lot more sonic space to hang out in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrvond Posted April 11, 2020 Author Share Posted April 11, 2020 Received it yesterday and after tuning and checking intonation, spent some time with it. TBH I was so impressed with fit and finish I didn’t even think to look at the vibrato bushings. My wife called it “stunning “ and I have to agree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrvond Posted April 11, 2020 Author Share Posted April 11, 2020 Well, in the light of the second day of ownership I am gratified to see the Licensed by Bigsby vibrato does not have nylon bushings. This appears to be a well built bit using metal bushings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 yep they're fine,, really.., enjoy the playing,, don't sweat the small stuff... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt4356 Posted April 12, 2020 Share Posted April 12, 2020 Glad you like it, like Kid says and you now feel, these bigsby are fine. I have 3 'import' bigsbyed guits, no problems. They're not for dive bombs. Dont worry you got the wrong one, you will ALWAYS still want the other one as well, it affects us all. Enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.