How to Install a Bigsby B7 and Vibramate V7 on Gibson Les Paul Standard by Scott Sill

Scott Sill takes you step by step on how to install a Bigsby B7 vibrato on a Gibson Les Paul Standard. He uses the no permanent modification method of the Bigsby Vibramate V7. This allows you to use the holes already drilled into your arch top guitar to install a Bigsby B7.
During the installation Scott demonstrates how to lemon oil your fretboard for increasing the life of your fretboard and help protect, prevent cracks, and moisturize the fretboard. He also goes through the proper way to change strings on a Bigsby guitar and gives tips on how to not damage your top of your guitar while changing strings. He also installs Schaller strap locks while working on this modification.
Lastly Scott plays the guitar with its new Bigsby installed to demonstrate the sound and playability of the guitar after the modification. He uses a Fender '65 Reissue Twin Reverb that was previously owned and played by Les Paul himself.
Equipment Used: Bigsby B7, Vibramate V7, 2012 Gibson Les Paul Standard, Fender '65 Reissue Twin Reverb, Shure SM-57 and SM-58, DegroovieS cables, Zoom H4n, Canon Mark II 5D
Like us on Facebook
/ the.flo.guitar.enthusi...
Follow Scott Sill on Twitter: / sillennium
Video by: Scott Sill
#Vibramate #Bigsby #Sillennium #HowTo

[@mr.rjryno5274]

funny how in my 20's, I didn't really care for vintage looking guitars or hardware. Now that i'm 40 yrs old, I'm thinking of adding the bigsby to my 3 pickup LP black beauty to give it that jimmy page look. Your guitars sounds great btw.

[@sillennium]

Thx

[@Paul_Warren_Wolfe]

I'm the same way... I'm 54 and have just ordered everything to add a Bigsby to my 3 pickup LP black beauty... as opposed to the original plan of adding white dimarzios to emulate Ace Frehley...

[@thisguy2973]

This kind of thing started happening to me a year ago. I’ll be 37 tomorrow, and I keep seeing things like this and saying “well…..I think I need that for one of my Les Pauls.”

[@sillennium]

Yep!

[@mr.rjryno5274]

@@Paul_Warren_Wolfe I just got the double cream dimarzios last night. Just have to decide which guitar I want them in.

[@jonpetit7063]

Adding the bigsby made that guitar the sexiest one I've ever seen.

[@sillennium]

Nice

[@MrUltraworld]

It's nice that it doesn't require any drilling to install. When you're sick of it going out of tune, you can return it to stock.

[@jcout25]

If you string your guitar properly it wont go out of tune when using the bigsby.

[@evankeal]

The only way a simple device like a Bigsby can go out of tune is the spring eventually wearing down but that really doesn't happen that much at all. Any tuning issues are found elsewhere. the design of the Bigsby would not cause issues after momentary usage, they will only cause permanent issues that are resolved by set up type changes.

[@sillennium]

Agreed , usually the nut is the issue

[@memoc6203]

Or the strings not sliding properly through the bridge

[@evankeal]

@@sillennium In my experience, it was always the nut, and always resolved by (my caveman like resolution of) a quick very light pass or two with a butter knife, just barely moving a few molecules of plastic, and some pencil lead. I cant tell if my bridge lubrication have helped because I had always touched the nut first.

[@9unslin9er]

I wish all guitar techs were as detailed and modest as you are.

[@sillennium]

Thx

[@linxMuppet]

Ok, first off, you're the man!!! My install went beautifully on my 2014 ES Les Paul...it looks absolutely ridiculous with the f holes, goldtop and bigsby b70.... I was initially scared that the vibramate would look like an ad on piece but it actually looks exactly like it could have come from the factory... I could not have installed it without your video(drilling and alignment have always terrified me and the vibramate solved that... Please know that you made an old Texan very very very happy!!!!!

[@sillennium]

+linxMuppet Glad to hear it. I have really been craving the ES Les Paul series since they came out, but I have wanted a LP with F holes since the Florentines were out in the late 90s. Some day I will get one. Glad the video helped and I am sure your guitar looks awesome with the Bigsby!

[@mcbrian]

Lol love how you start the video with "this is either really easy or I'm really stupid" cause I have definitely had those moments before

[@sillennium]

For sure!

[@sillennium]

Thanks so much, the vibramate method is a great way to do it. Let me know if you end up doing it!

[@sillennium]

you will love the ease of the vibramate, and in my opinion a Bigsby is just so cool and fun to have when needed.

[@jacobwood9607]

Very useful. You've saved me a lot of money as i was going to get a tech to do it. I realise now I can do it myself. Thank you!

[@stripedpants1668]

That would be such a waste of money man!

[@sillennium]

Yes you can

[@ghawwk86]

Waiting on my Bigsby and Vibramate to be delivered! Thanks to your video I'll be trying to install it myself. 🤞

[@sillennium]

Good luck shouldn't be too hard

[@ricardolima5817]

Hi, where did you buy your Bigsby b7? Thanks

[@sillennium]

Got mine through Amazon a long time ago

[@TLOTTrike]

Thanks for the video very clear and helpful. One question did you find the tuning stability with the bigsby was ok? I’ve heard others recommend using a roller bridge to help with tuning stability

[@sillennium]

Haven't felt the need to go to one, but I would say it can't hurt

[@travisfritts6262]

Getting ready to help neighbor do this upgrade to his Les Paul. Great video; clean and clear install! Thanks for the confidence builder! Nicely done, sir!

[@sillennium]

Glad to help

[@chengliu872]

''I'm either going to show you how easy it is, or I'm going to show you how stupid I am'' 😁😁😁 great vid btw. I'm going to do this on my ES-335 copy one day when I have the funds.

[@sillennium]

How did it go

[@richardmiller191]

Hey great video! Thanks for posting! I just ordered a Les Paul classic and now going to order Bigsby. Never knew there was an easy way to install it until now. Les Paul's only come with Bigsby's on their high end Customs. Your video was excellent.

[@sillennium]

Thank you!

[@Bruno123321123]

Does the guitar still fit inside the case after installing the bigsby? I have an Epiphone with a guitar shaped case and am afraid it would not fit inside if I install a bridge like this :/

[@RaphaelNano]

Bruno Nascimento very late reply but others might wonder this too so, yes it should fit. MANY guitars from Gibson comes with bigsby and a traditional Gibson case. Also, if somehow it didn't fit, there are different spring sizes for the bigsby that change the feeling/tension and how high or low it is.

[@sillennium]

Yes it does

[@sillennium]

@Sven Thank you for the nice words. I am really glad I could help you! Please come back and visit again!

[@rdlaw8868]

Will this setup work on an Epiphone Les Paul? Thanks

[@sillennium]

Yes it will.

[@ozbizbozzle]

How about a Godin Montreal Supreme? thanks

[@TheRealCaptainFreedom]

ozbizbozzle If it's an arch top and the dimensions are right.

[@sujitbhusal3499]

Captain Freedom

[@tiptopchannel3003]

RDLaw88 of course Is te same body

[@davidhigginbotham5451]

Well done. Very careful and methodical. Background music properly placed IN the background, thank you.

[@sillennium]

Thank you glad you enjoyed it and hopefully it helps you

[@Goomer]

May I recommend 2 hands on the screwdriver to avoid a slip. Good Job.

[@usefulvidiots7869]

LOL, I was freaking out!

[@sillennium]

Thx

[@sillennium]

My bad

[@ShakeItJordie1987]

"It is my first time, so I'm either gonna show you how easy it is or how stupid I am." I love that and I'm gonna use it in the future.

[@sillennium]

Thx

[@jamiemock1]

Seriously, though-- thanks for saying "vibrato"-- I hate the common misconception calling a vibrato arm "tremolo", which is nonsense.

[@sillennium]

Thanks man!

[@TheRockinDonkey]

We have Leo Fender to thank for that.

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

Jamie Mock lmao

[@Yourveryowncarrot]

Vibrato is rapid vibration of an altering pitch. Tremolo is rapid vibration of pitch or volume. They both work perfectly, tremolo isn't nonsense at all.

[@McSaggerson]

Do you also prefer people call it a Floyd Rose Vibrato System? You tried to sound smart.

[@RICKRATT1]

Great vid, you are very meticulous in the way you pay attention to small details. Now I have Bigsby lust for my les Paul. Thanks dude.

[@sillennium]

Thx much appreciated

[@yoshiyukitakahata0419]

穴開け無しでレスポールにビグスビーをボルトオンで装着出来るんだ、これは試してみたい。

[@yoshiyukitakahata0419]

SoundHouseに両方在庫あり、合計23522円 これなら自分で出来るので工賃はかからない

[@sillennium]

Ok

[@mouthfulloffeces]

A million thanks for the "bend the string with pliers trick" I was on my third set of strings and about to rip out what hair I have left!!!!! Other than 'tying' them in a knot. . . those damn things are near impossible to secure to those little posts on the bridge! crazy glue? Thank you again.

[@sillennium]

mouthfulloffeces no problem. Bigsbys are great, but can be frustrating at first if you don't know the tricks. You should also google Steve Hunters String Wedge for the Bigsby. You might dig that too.

[@CoryMura]

its a les paul! beat the shit out of it! Stop polishing! marks and scratches gives charakter! be a MAN!!!!! :DDD

[@sillennium]

Cory M A real man keeps his paul nice and clean :) Thanks for watching.

[@tanihcstuag3109]

If you wanna have a garbage guitar it's your deal!!

[@joshjames086]

sillennium A real man doesn't care about damage, cleans and plays it. I have a few 50's and 70's les pauls that are beat to shit but well kept and i find them way better then my brand new mint collectors guitars! But to each man his own.

[@sillennium]

Issei Araragi It gets played, and I am real man, but thank you for the concern.

[@foshizol]

I'm so glad this fade is over. I didn't see any distressed guitars at NAMM this year.

[@virtualguitars]

Great video. I've watched it several times. Thanks for sharing this.

[@sillennium]

Awesome glad it helped

[@virtualguitars]

@@sillennium I shared it on my Virtual Guitars page on Facebook. It's convinced me to get a Bigsby on my Gibson Memphis '63 ES-335 reissue.

[@sillennium]

Thx for the share. I did one on putting on a bigsby on a telecaster too. A bit more involved but still easy for a novice

[@luismedrano653]

I feel like I'm watching an episode of Mr. Rogers. I'm relaxed. Well done!

[@sillennium]

I put on my shoes in the out takes

[@Razorboy60]

I have a 2000 gibson les paul custom '57 reissue black beauty, the three pick up version, and I did the same thing with the bigsby and the vibramate. I ran I to the same problem with the strap button hole being to the right, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one!

[@sillennium]

Buck Squires that is a bummer, I suppose Gibson changed the type of wood screw over the years. There are tricks to filling hole such as using toothpicks. I am sure you can find something out there on KZbin to help.

[@mikebishop8489]

No joke. I just liked your video. A friend of mine recently put one of these on his Les Paul. No drilling needed. I wanted you to know about the StringRay clip to help you restring any of your Bigsby -equipped guitars.

[@sillennium]

Mike Bishop cool thanks for the tip. I will look it up. I just posted a new video on Steve Hunters STring Change Buddy which is another cool tool to use on Bigsby too. You might want to check that one out too.

[@nikolaibarbarich7887]

A little bit of foam works well of holding the strings in place. Once I've got it tuned up when I restring I usually do a string at a time

[@sillennium]

Yeah Steve Hunter actually invented a foam wedge block that he sold

[@sillennium]

Thanks for stopping by

[@antonymcewan9987]

Brilliant video - ideal for us first-timers. I'm thinking about installing a B7 on my LP or SG - this video very helpful!

[@sillennium]

Antony McEwan Thanks man much appreciated. Good luck with your install.

[@mariabicknell8156]

Good video. I appreciated the step by step approach. Plus, showing the result of each step made it easy to assess the correctness. Thumbs up.

[@sillennium]

Thank you

[@jbarrantes98]

since i abandoned the idea of installing a bigsbi on my les paul because of the holes, this is an excellent idea!

[@sillennium]

Yes it is

[@sillennium]

@Vapotti, yes it fits into an original Gibson Hardcase. You just need to rotate the trem arm all the backwards till it stops to make sure it is at its lowest point to the guitar. This allow the case to close and doesn't change the tension on your guitar strings/neck.

[@belo1971]

B3+ Down tension bar is the best Bigsby system nowadays for LP style, even if this B7 seems to stay in tune pretty well, and has a better look !!!!

[@sillennium]

Ok

[@pitol678]

Thanks for the vid, I can appreciate that this was your first time doing this which is encouraging to me in the case that I do this in the future

[@sillennium]

Go for it

[@majiddebly4550]

man this video was really helpful, im totally gettin a vibromate for my les paul, when i get a bigsby now.

[@sillennium]

Majid Debly awesome glad to hear it! You will love it.

[@sillennium]

Yes you are right, I have seen many B7s on arch top guitars, but as you mentioned the vibramate for the B7 specifically states it is for the Les Paul.

[@scottraycraft1885]

Roller bridge a must The wound strings are gonna wear out the saddles after time Love the video Wish the v7 kit wasn't so crazy pricey

[@sillennium]

Yeah, but a good nut works well to without the roller bridge

[@sillennium]

I ended up playing last for a good 3 hours or so and didn't really have a ton of tuning issues. I do think there is something in the guitar at the nut level that could use some adjustment, but I am also not honestly sold on DR Strings yet. I have been trying to find a new brand of strings, and recently started using DRs, not sold yet. Before that I used Gibson Vintage (pure nickel).

[@ngaston08]

great video - pretty funny at the start too :D heaps of helps, thanks for taking the time to show us

[@sillennium]

Thx

[@MisterJWJ71]

This seems really cool! The only real potential problem that I can see as far as installation would be if the strap button screw hole is not quite centered.

[@sillennium]

Hmm interesting.

[@sillennium]

I kept the stock bridge. However I did see a Les Paul Traditional with Bigsby at Truetone Music in Santa Monica it appeared they put the Schaller roller bridge on it stock. None of my guitars with Bigsby vibratos have a roller bridge, but I think I will try it on this Les Paul. Why not eh, can always put the original back on! That is why I love this mod, you can always return your guitar back to original

[@MrHughsg1]

Thanks :) I have one ordered with a vibramate. Will use this video when it gets here, it's very helpful !

[@sillennium]

Thx

[@karlsharpe5487]

Thank you , I like your careful, considered and detailed approach. Happy guitar playing...

[@sillennium]

Thank you

[@sillennium]

Thanks for stopping by @Johannes, feel free to come back anytime!

[@Alex-ze9tv]

Nice! I dig the look and sound you achieved.

[@sillennium]

Thx alex

[@sillennium]

It isn't an arch top, but it does have a carved top like all Les Pauls except the juniors. There is any F holes anythign like that if that is what youare asking like the Les Paul Florentine. One of my favorite Pauls in my opinion.

[@NDbound7]

Thanks for the video! Installed both the B7 and V7 on my Gibson Les Paul Classic with no trouble at all. Cheers

[@sillennium]

Awesome

[@urresta_8467]

Very good and clear video. I was thinking about installing one on my Epi 335. I was afraid because of the holes I thought I had to do. With the vibramate it really looks like an easy task so I´m going to buy me one. Thank you for making up my mind.

[@sillennium]

Awesome good luck with your install

[@hemovintage]

Excelent Video!!! Thanks from Buenos Aires, Argentina!

[@sillennium]

Awesome!!! Thx from the USA

[@sillennium]

@Mitch yes the guitar stays in tune. I have 5 guitars with Bigsbys and don't have an issue with them.

[@rustinpieces]

Glad I found this, was already mentally preparing to start drilling into my 2011 Classic Custom! That Vibramate is brilliant. Damn, I want this stuff now! :-)

[@sillennium]

Nice

[@MrHughsg1]

Literally just installed, really easy !! Video was a great help as well :) Sounds beautiful and looks astonishing :)

[@sillennium]

Thx

[@jeffspencer5366]

Thank you for the video! It has convinced me to get one for my Les Paul. I will subscribe to your channel!

[@sillennium]

Thanks man!

[@sillennium]

@Joe Osuna, good luck with the install you will love it.

[@creatingwithben9531]

I got this a week ago, can't wait to install it on my Epiphone

[@sillennium]

Good luck!

[@mikerecinto8253]

I’m going to install on my Epi LP. It has the ABR-1 bridge. Do you recommend installing using that or does it need a roller bridge? If so, what ones fit an Epiphone? Thanks!

[@sillennium]

I don't use a roller bridge, your nut is really the key keeping tuning issues away. I am sure the roller bridge works great but just didn't feel i needed it

[@zvennn]

Dude, thank you so much! I couldn't have done this without you! Just installed my Bigsby B7 on my Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony, look beautiful! :-)

[@sillennium]

Appreciate it

[@timothyjerry1177]

Nice demo!

[@sillennium]

Thank you!

[@sillennium]

Glad to hear, new great demos coming soon!

[@khaledhafez7700]

I'd check if the strap button is aligned before installing. Nice guitar!

[@sillennium]

Thx for the tip

[@keithr2203]

Nice job Scott! I will NOW buy one and KNOW I can do it myself without damaging an American made beauty. Smart adding the cushions to the end of the tailpiece.

[@sillennium]

Thx enjoy

[@joediecast]

Sure is a pretty guitar. Love the fender style sunburst. So glad you chose to leave the pickguard off. I'm totally anit-pickguard when it comes to carved top guitars.

[@sillennium]

joediecast thanks so much for watching. Make sure and subscribe, i am sure you will see that guitar show up in future videos :)

[@dane6k6]

Enjoyed this video. I purchased a wrecked LP Epiphone so I could try my hand at making a custom. One of the items I wanted to do is add the wammy. I like the looks ans simplicity of the Bigsby B7. I think I'll use it. Thanks.

[@sillennium]

Awesome

[@TheFalloutExperience]

I am thinking of retro-fitting one of these things (this specific tail bar too, I really like the visual design of it) onto a knock off SG I am customizing. Will this model of Bigbsy and Vibramate work with SGs? Every video I find has just the one where you slap it onto the face of the guitar without the saddle hooking onto the side of the guitar like you have in this video. Little worried that it'll mess with the sustain really badly, ruin the action of the guitar or it'll bump and collide with my pick ups. I'm kind of new to this customization stuff anyways.

[@sillennium]

This won't work for you, you want the Bigsby B5 and Vibramate V5 system for your sg.

[@sillennium]

@JC Chrisitian, thanks so much. I really think it does look beautiful too.

[@sillennium]

All of my guitars with Bigsby vibratos on them have tune-o-matic type bridges. I have considered installing a roller bridge to give it a try, but I think most of the problems people experience are related to the nut. If you hear that "clink" sound when turning your guitar then your nut needs adjusted before you mess with the roller bridge in my opinion.

[@playmusic5978]

You should get a Vibramate Spoiler. Much easier/faster to change the strings:) Thanks for great video!

[@chengliu872]

PlayMusic!: He did, he showed it in a different video.

[@sillennium]

Yeah i did get one later

[@sillennium]

The action on my guitar did not change at all. I never adjusted the tune-o-matic piece at all. The strings coming off the tune-o-matic still have a great angle to help sustain too. I was worried i might have to adjust the action too, but it was needed at all and the guitar plays the same. Thanks for watching, feel free to come back and subscribe.

[@sillennium]

@Eligh Tony, not sure what that means. Thanks for stopping by though.

[@sillennium]

It should, I don't believe there is anything odd about the epiphone sizes versus the regular Les Pauls.

[@bobmichaela3509]

Goo job, thoughtfully and undertaken with care.

[@sillennium]

Thank you

[@montydaniels1054]

Nice job. I actually wanted to see a B7 installed since Bigsby has the B5. The B5 carries the shape of the bottom front of a Gibson, or Epiphone, which ever one you're wanting to mod. I guess it's up to the owner since the B7 has that older look & covers more of your guitar, Jimmy Page uses B7's on his guitars. It's a great video though, thanks for the upload... Dan

[@sillennium]

Thx

[@DeeTee79]

Great instructional vid, I'm thinking about one for my axe, btw, Lenny would also be the first song I'd play too! ;)

[@sillennium]

Thx glad you enjoyed it

[@sav7152]

That was great. I think I might get one for my LP now.

[@sillennium]

sav7152 thanks so much, don't forget to subscribe.

[@rd812]

Might as well install roller saddles while you’re are at it. It helps greatly to keep the guitar in tune.

[@sillennium]

My opinion is that any issues with tuning are due to the nut no the saddles.... but that is my opinion.

[@craigdwillia]

That was great and easy to follow. Thanks.

[@sillennium]

Np

[@buckwilliams2234]

Hi, thanks for sharing; nice attention to detail! Have been thinking of doing this mod on my 2009 Gibson 137 Classic (as shown in profile pic). Your video has help me make up my mind to go for it! Cheers from Liverpool, Englandps I agree with you; would never use a motorised screwdriver on any of my guitars! To further minimise potential damage, I also guide the blade of the screwdriver with the thumb and second finger of my free hand (just in case the blade slips!). Cheers again!

[@sillennium]

Thanks man, glad you enjoyed the video

[@sillennium]

@Super8en, thanks so much for the compliments.

[@niptodstan]

Excellent demo. Clear and precise.

[@sillennium]

niptodstan thank you so much! Don't forget to subscribe.

[@TheCrystalyne]

Nice video, very informative and well delivered.

[@sillennium]

Thank you

[@iwishiknew10]

That is a great looking setup.

[@sillennium]

Thx man!

[@danilor.pavonchavez5192]

Very good video! So far the best one ! Thanks!

[@sillennium]

Thanks Danilo!

[@sillennium]

@Ait70, You could use the Vibramate V5 and a Bigsby B5 to install on your 335. Some people have done this type of installation on an arch type guitar. Keep in mind the Bigsby and plate will not rest against your guitar, but kinda of float above, so it may look a little wierd. It does work though just not as pretty as you would like, but not new holes drilled in your guitar.

[@ChrisMcDaniel1]

Thanks for the great video! I finished putting my Bigsby B7 with Vibramate V7 kit together this afternoon on my 2013 Studio Deluxe II 60's neck. Oh my!!! This video helped tremondously!!

[@sillennium]

Awesome

[@sillennium]

@SavageDutchman, it fits just fine. The only thing you need to do is spin the Bigsby handle all the way backwards till it stops. That puts it at its lowest point to the guitar and allows everything to close nicely.

[@jensenbell]

Very helpful... thank you for this video.

[@sillennium]

Thx

[@zvennn]

Nice tutorial, thanks for uploading! I'm planning on buying one, gold plated.

[@sillennium]

Yes

[@derrickoliver289]

I just picked up a Gibson SG off of ebay last week that had a vibramate and B5 bigsby already on it and its an awesome guitar lot fun I would suggest a roller bridge of some kind they tend to go out of tune pretty easy with out one just thought I would put my two cents in!!

[@sillennium]

Ok

[@sillennium]

It should work on most Les Paul's but I have seen on forums where people said they had trouble using this install method on R9s, or special reproduction guitars etc. I wouldn't think you would have any issue with a studio or Traditional.

[@sillennium]

@Matt, it shouldn't leave a mark on the guitar. Everything touching the guitar is sandwhiched with felt between it. I imagine if someone over tightened the screws it could dent it a bit, but that would be because over tightening not due to the vibramate system.

[@sillennium]

@Jeffrey Attakarah, yes it still fits in the case just fine. You just need to spin the handle backwards till it tops where it looks like it is going backwards. That puts it at it lowest point allowing the case to shut just fine.

[@jcxstargazer]

well idk any brands i get it from a paint store and its unbranded but it works to seal in the fret board to keep dirt and grease from your fingers out lemon oils ok if your wanting to clean it then use the lin seed oil to seal it from dirt and grease

[@sillennium]

Hmmm

[@sillennium]

@Guus De Bruyn, you can remove it. That is the whole point that you can install a bigsby without changing or modifying your guitar. You should be able to remove it all and put it back to its original condition as long as you have the original hardware.

[@bayleebrown8167]

Bold as love in the background

[@sillennium]

Yes that is true, it's a great chord progression

[@sillennium]

Thank you so much. Please come back again.

[@mikebishop8489]

Thanks for the informative video! You may want to use a StringRay to re-string this bad-boy!

[@sillennium]

Mike Bishop I feel like a dud, but I am missing the joke or reference to a StingRay. Can you clue this idiot in?

[@TradingMike]

I wanna add one to my new Epiphone Les Paul in Worn TV Silver. Btw, your lp looks and sounds great. love the burst.

[@sillennium]

michael Metcalf thanks so much man. The bigsby would look great on that silver epi. Don't forget to subscribe.

[@tanihcstuag3109]

Thanks for your good explanations!

[@sillennium]

+Tanihcstuag you are welcome.