Bigsby + Vibramate Installation and Review...With Details!

[@dantheman348]

Man it sounds even more honky and middy with the bigsby in a good way. Glad I ordered one can’t wait to install it

[@jonathanhorne6503]

I installed a B5 on a Squier bass vi. Install was strength forward except you need to pull the string mount pins and drill out with appropriate size drills.

[@bluesbubba7429]

I installed a Bigsby B7 and the Vibramate combination on my Gibson 57 Reissue Goldtop, I love. No issues with keeping the guitar in tune or stability. The only concern is the weight, which is expected. By the way, your Goldtop sounds fantastic, with great sustain. Good installation.

[@NathanSink]

Thanks, & good to hear you had success! I’m curious, do you have an issue with “lap dive” with yours? Whenever I play mine seated, it’s so heavy on the Bigsby end that it keeps wanted to slide off my lap. My other Bigsby equipped Les Paul (an Epiphone) doesn’t have this issue.

[@bluesbubba7429]

@@NathanSink No, not really, because I always use a strap due to my paranoia that the guitar would fall. My guitar is about 9 plus pounds, the Bigsby and the Vibramate which makes it quite heavy as you know.

[@NathanSink]

@@bluesbubba7429 gotcha. Sounds similar to mine. 👍🏻

[@jayfix9938]

Top video mate, very informative, many thanks!😎

[@NathanSink]

@@jayfix9938 thanks! Glad to help.

[@TROLLWANG]

THX BRO!! your sound comparison is good to me! then i ordered b7 and v7 at ebay!!

[@alainbrisebois8334]

I did the same mod to my Frankenstein Les Paul. Than I added a roller bridge to help tuning. It now works better than my Gretsch 5120. Smoother, and stays in tune. It also helps to go to 52 to 10 gages strings, and chaps stick every friction point. Verry nice Gold top by the way.

[@NathanSink]

Thanks! Yeah, I did actually end up going with a Tonepros roller bridge (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGqTd3qcqpiSgq8). It seems to work much smoother now. 👍🏻

[@tone9930]

I think from your video a Bigsby even opens up the sound more. I fixed all Bigsby issues on 2 guitars, Gibson LP and a Gretsch 6120 CA. . Even dive bombing now is no issue. Check the bridge and nut. Then you re home save. Watch your bridge when using. Is it moving?? Then fix that. Thx 4 sharing. I love bigsby s now ;)

[@NathanSink]

I had a Faber ABR 1 style bridge on the guitar at first, but I was having tuning issues with the Bigsby. (In retrospect, I think it was because the notches on the saddles were very small & needed to be filed/rounded). I went to a TonePros roller bridge, but I’m still having some small tuning issues. The bridge does rock back & forth a bit, & I’m not sure how to stop it from doing so. 😑

[@beaucroft]

Nice. I think that Bigsby has improved the tone. I'd use a longer screw for that strap button though and maybe replace the spacer with one that fits into the slot instead of on top.

[@NathanSink]

Thanks!

[@anthonyfrancis2374]

It would pay in the long term to measure and replace any of the fittings you can with stainless steel as fittings generally are one place to skimp on cost and quality such as that spacer on the strap button and the strap lock in fact while your at it have a mid life screw change on the whole of the guitar any screw that’s not been damaged through tightening over the years and stainless is the answer.

[@petemarron6677]

My first guitar was a 69 Gretch, those bigsbys are too cool.

[@anthonybags2626]

Nice job looks and sounds great. You should get the string spoiler.

[@NathanSink]

Thanks. I've thought about it, but I don't know if I like the looks of it...or the thought of any extra weight (even though it's really negligible).

[@benrobinson3438]

A year late to the comment section but Callaham makes an after market string through string shaft like the Gretsch player series. Looks more original that way.

[@cheesygoodness5415]

If it seems to buzz at the hinge, Put a thin piece of leather between it and the body. Or use two of the felt dots.

[@switch625.]

I always thought you had to drill into the body to install a bigsby. Great job man

[@NathanSink]

Thanks! The Vibramate is nice. I didn’t think it was “purest” enough for a long time, but I really like it.

[@BrianLeverett]

Great job! Sounds great! I’ve watched a few of your vids now because you’ve done some mods I’ve been thinking about for my own LP. New subscriber.

[@NathanSink]

Thanks, Brian! I appreciate it. 😊

[@SH4M4N_YT]

Huge thanks for this wonderfully in-depth video.

[@NathanSink]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad to help!

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

I had no issues on the Les Paul. The 335 was a different story. OMFG weird things happening at the saw table at Gibson

[@NathanSink]

😂

[@Bobby_Digital37]

Thanks for making this!! Great explanation and demo!!

[@NathanSink]

Glad to help! 😊

[@ParrotGaming123]

Do you think this specific Bigsby and vibramate will fit on a Gretsch G5220?

[@NathanSink]

I would think so, but you might want to contact Vibramate to be sure.

[@ParrotGaming123]

@@NathanSink thank you!

[@parkingcurb]

Wondering if you’d be able to “top wrap” the bigsby. As in putting the strings over the second bar and into the saddles. Thanks!

[@NathanSink]

Are you referring to the bar closest to the bridge as the second bar? If so, it all depends on the height of that bar relative to the bridge. Given the right configuration it is possible. See this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIarXnaFntp6n9k Otherwise the stings already go over the other bar. Hope that's somewhat helpful.

[@parkingcurb]

@@NathanSinkyes, and ah okay I gotcha that makes sense. Thanks man

[@stuartbrookes7785]

Want to do this to my Les Paul, but can anyone tell me: does the Gibson case still close with it fitted?

[@NathanSink]

Yes, it does! You just have to swing the Bigsby arm down to the tail end of the guitar first.

[@stuartbrookes7785]

@@NathanSink ah nice, thanks mate.

[@LYSTOK55]

Can you put a Bixby on the Les Paul special without drilling into the body?

[@NathanSink]

No, the Les Paul special has singular bridge/tailpiece. The Vibramate can only be used on a traditional Les Paul configuration.

[@LYSTOK55]

Not mine. It has a separate tailpiece and bridge.

[@NathanSink]

@@LYSTOK55 oh, then yes I think it will work. 😊

[@74dartman13]

That was a nice easy install.I like it!👍😎🎸🎶

[@NathanSink]

Hey friend. Thanks! 😊

[@74dartman13]

@@NathanSink yep!🙂

[@adamkrauss303]

I am assuming you can still manage to install a set of strap locks? In your tone test, it sounded to me like the bigsby caused some high end roll off ?

[@NathanSink]

I can’t totally confirm that all strap locks will work, but imagine most would (ie Dunlop’s version). I can verify that you can use the red rubber/silicon strap locks (ie Grolsch style: Fender makes some, as well as Brightvision). As far as the high end roll off, it’s possible. I can’t tell though (it’s not noticeable).

[@adamkrauss303]

Nathan Sink - Thanks!

[@arenimsong3227]

I have Epiphone Les Paul slash afd which is a flat top, please help me which bigsby version to buy.

[@NathanSink]

You want either the B5, B50, or B500. Any of those should work.

[@feisalirfansyah964]

please tell me it gives extra weight.. Cause my Les Paul way to light...

[@NathanSink]

Yep, it adds around a pound.

[@josenoe5231]

Do you feel it change the sustain of the guitar ? How well stays in tune ?

[@NathanSink]

I was having some tuning issues & decided to install a Tonepros roller bridge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGqTd3qcqpiSgq8. Regarding sustain, I haven’t noticed any difference. This is an interesting video where someone actually noticed & documented MORE sustain with the Bigsby: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3vam6ilhqqed68

[@skaboosh]

Does it still fit in the case?

[@NathanSink]

Yes! you just have to fold the arm down towards the end of the guitar. The padding in the hard case will conform to the "bump" of the Bigsby.

[@blankymcalias1962]

great video. few questions: is this a gibson or epiphone and what hardware do you have as far as nickel, chrome? Also, what is the finish on the bigsby? Polished aluminium or chrome or matte? thanks

[@NathanSink]

Thanks! It’s a Gibson Traditional. I got it used. I’ve basically changed out all the hardware. I know for sure the pickup covers were chrome. The bridge that came on it was an ABR1. I swapped it out for a Faber bridge & then a Tonepros roller bridge (all nickel). The Bigsby is aluminum (sand cast) with a shiny finish. I recently aged it & made it matte/brushed looking. I also just swapped out the covers for raw nickel ones. I’ll be doing more videos on this guitar soon. But here are some of the ones I’ve already done: Tuners: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gILHYodmnqaVb6M Faber Bridge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5_EZp-KiNmSg9k TonePros Bridge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGqTd3qcqpiSgq8

[@NathanSink]

Thanks! It’s a Gibson Traditional. I got it used. I’ve basically changed out all the hardware. I know for sure the pickup covers were chrome. The bridge that came on it was an ABR1. I swapped it out for a Faber bridge & then a Tonepros roller bridge (all nickel). The Bigsby is aluminum (sand cast) with a shiny finish. I recently aged it & made it matte/brushed looking. I also just swapped out the covers for raw nickel ones. I’ll be doing more videos on this guitar soon. But here are some of the ones I’ve already done: Tuners: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gILHYodmnqaVb6M Faber Bridge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5_EZp-KiNmSg9k TonePros Bridge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGqTd3qcqpiSgq8

[@blankymcalias1962]

@@NathanSink I just recently acquired a 2021 gibson 50s gold top. Gibson Def got their shit together these days BTW. Anyhow, it's got all nickel hardware. As far as I know bigsbys are only gold, aluminum, or polished aluminum. I'm not sure if aluminum or polished would go better with the Nickle hardware.

[@NathanSink]

@@blankymcalias1962 nice! From my experience the B7s only come in polished aluminum & gold. If you don’t like the polished look you could always relic it. Here’s a good video demonstration (not mine): kzbin.info/www/bejne/amKsh5aletOHa9U

[@Atricks861]

Wouldn't you want to leave the felt pieces so the guitar doesnt get scratched?

[@NathanSink]

Good question. In my case the Bigsby doesn’t touch the top of the guitar at all: so it’s kind of a moot point. However, it’s definitely something to look out for. That might not be the case for every situation.

[@Lennard201]

Do you have less sustain now?

[@NathanSink]

If you go to @13:01 in the video, you can hear a before & after comparison. There might be slightly less sustain, but it’s negligible in my opinion.

[@azaz321able]

Wait.. you didn't use the bigsby trem arm at all...?

[@NathanSink]

I see your point but no, my approach was more of, “how does this effect the sound as compared to the original tailpiece”. I figured if people want a Bigsby then they already know what it’s signature vibrato sound is.

[@paulrichie3319]

dislike the tension the bigsby (you have to push it down to line up with the strap hole) puts on the strap button screw an with the origanal screw an one they supply not much goes in the guitar body i got one

[@anniedarkhorse6791]

I'm going to do this to my '65 Epiphone Wilshire. I hope it works. I think it used to have some kind of Vibrato that was replaced wtih a stop tailpiece after it damaged the wood.

[@NathanSink]

Hope it works out!

[@franknguitars7671]

Great video thanks a lot. Thanks a lot! I had no idea that It is that easy. I always wanted to have a

[@NathanSink]

Awesome! Glad to help. 🙂

[@franknguitars7671]

Parts already ordered 😉

[@NathanSink]

@@franknguitars7671 one thing I forgot to mention is that the bigsby can make you LP a little "butt" heavy. Slightly more awkward to play sitting down: just takes some getting used to.

[@franknguitars7671]

I‘ll just go with the flow. The nice thing is that it is reversible. Do you feel a roller bridge is necessary? I have my eye on an ABM one

[@NathanSink]

@@franknguitars7671 as a matter of fact, I just switched to a roller bridge and made a video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGqTd3qcqpiSgq8 I will say that I think the ABR-1 (Faber) bridge could still work. But I think the saddles need to be filed/rounded, and I just don't have the tools to do it. I think the shallow "V" cut into those saddles made the strings catch on them.

[@chadsings6917]

Thank for that lesson!!! I feel like listening to both I think the bigsby sound better that's the sound I'm looking for I feel like the original sounds chimere But Bixby has more time and it sounds more bluesier so I like the Bixby one

[@NathanSink]

Right on. Glad to help. 👍🏻

[@kevinbridger2989]

😍

[@williammcmillan1160]

If you have a 1976 Gibson Les Paul Recording Guitar like me this B7 Bigsby will not fit this Les Paul. The Recording Les Paul is BIGGER. The B7 is 6 inch from mount to end strap mount. The Recording is 6 1/2 inch from mount to end. Thus too small for this Les Paul. Just alittle FYI. Have found no Bigsby to add to Recording Guitar so will have to find 2014 RECORDING II which comes with Bigsby stock and add it to my collection. All other years 1971 thru 1976. Very rare to find one which Bigby. Just alittle more information about B7/V7.

[@NathanSink]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻

[@NathanSink]

@@williammcmillan1160 right on. I love learning these little details.

[@RickFoxx777]

Uhmm...where is the trem review?

[@NathanSink]

I guess you’re right: I did’t really elaborate on the Bigsby itself. I did follow up with this video though, which talks about the Bigsby spring & shows the trem in action: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2KVgI18ipuDlck Hope it helps.

[@rickflippin1]

Big sub from me

[@NathanSink]

Thanks!! 🙌🏻

[@sss_94rvn]

Bigsby decreases the sustain

[@NathanSink]

Thankfully a Les Paul usually has plenty of sustain to spare!

[@リベリオン]

It's a great item but so and so expensive... 300± bucks for the bigsby with no drilling system and bridge...

[@NathanSink]

Agreed, it can be expensive. However, I got both items (Bigsby + Vibramate) for $185 new (see @1:21in the video). You just have to keep your eyes open.

[@リベリオン]

@@NathanSink I know, but I mean the golden version, and it's overpriced.

[@NathanSink]

@@リベリオン I hear ya. It probably costs them $50 to make, and then by they time you pay full price, you could buy a decent Epiphone or Squier! 😑

[@リベリオン]

@@NathanSink what you can say about the roller bridge? Do we rly need this? Does the strings are broking easily without this or we can use the common les paul bridge?

[@リベリオン]

@@NathanSink maybe hahahah😂. But I'm playing on a serious les paul custom, so... I prefer the new pedal or something like that 😉. But the bigsby... Damn, I can buy 2-3 good pedals for this price.

[@victorsantiago7391]

Pro tip: NEVER reuse old strings

[@NathanSink]

Why not?

[@victorsantiago7391]

@@NathanSink its like reusing your old engine oil on a different engine.

[@NathanSink]

@@victorsantiago7391 I get it, to an extent. But if my strings are like 5 days old, I’ve barely played on them, & I need to take them off for something like this, I’m gonna recycle / reuse! 😁

[@AndreaAustoni]

Tech details from a person with a bible verse? I don't think so!

[@NathanSink]

So I guess over the course of history there have been no christian scientists, inventors, doctors, etc that have made significant contributions to the world?