Rob Lee Posted October 23, 2020 Share Posted October 23, 2020 I have a Gibson ES 345 TDSV reissue, gold hardware. Can a Bigsby vibrato be installed without damage to stereo or other controls? If so, what model would work; B7, B30, etc.? I know it wpuld leave two holes where stock bridge exists, but they are usually covered up by a black/white lettered "CUSTOM" insert. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted October 23, 2020 Share Posted October 23, 2020 If I am not mistaking, this model is setup like a stock ES-135. Those had a trapeze tail piece as well.. which in fact looks just like the examples of ES 345 TDSV I see on the net. There is no stop bar. Just the posts for the bridge. FWIW I added a bigsby B7 to my ES-135 and not only did that guitar come to life (removing the trapeze tail piece really helped...) I had no ground issues or electronics problems at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerwagonjohn Posted October 23, 2020 Share Posted October 23, 2020 I installed a Bigsby B7 on my 2009 Es-345 using a Vibramate. It worked great. Not only did I avoid drilling any holes in my guitar but it raised the Bigsby high enough off the face of the guitar to make the bridge break angle perfect for smooth operation of the Bigsby and keep the guitar in tune. Thanks john 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Lee Posted October 24, 2020 Author Share Posted October 24, 2020 10 hours ago, Fish Crumpet said: Bigsby B7. It shouldn't interfere with wiring in general, but I believe that the 345 grounds at the stop tailpiece. With that string/ground connection gone you can see that you have to run a ground to the Bigsby at the end pin location where it screws into the rim. Since the body's center block is there, you'll have to create a hole and thread the ground from the controls diagonally through the block to the endpin location. It's an easy job to mess up. Good luck. Think I'll pass on installing one. Thx for the reply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Lee Posted October 24, 2020 Author Share Posted October 24, 2020 Thx for replies. Think I will let it be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsongs Posted October 25, 2020 Share Posted October 25, 2020 You can use a Vibramate & install a Bigsby without cutting any holes or damaging any part of the Guitar... It's completely reversible & leaves no marks that would show it was ever there..... I have one on my Gibson ES Les Paul Memphis Blacktop.. Looks great & works perfect.. Bigsbys are an & important Effect to have on your Guitar.. I won't buy any more Electric Guitars without a Bigsby or a Tremelo... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerwagonjohn Posted October 25, 2020 Share Posted October 25, 2020 The Vibramate spacer plate is held to the guitar by the endpin then the Bigsby screws to this plate so no holes. Thanks John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 22 hours ago, powerwagonjohn said: The Vibramate spacer plate is held to the guitar by the endpin then the Bigsby screws to this plate so no holes. Thanks John I think the Vibramate kits all need to be installed on something with a stop bar. The model in question for this tread I don't believe has one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsongs Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 I wouldn't rely on anybody guessing? They even make Vibramates for Tele's.. It's pretty simple to go their Website & check if you're interested in finding out for sure.. Not guessing.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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