Vibramate V5-ST Bigsby installation on Gibson SG Tribute

[@stringspicksandfiddlestick6388]

I have a two Gibson Faded Series guitars. I put Tusq Tune O Matic saddles (the Cream colored ones) on both and the improvement in tone is impressive. Those saddle would be very good on a guitar with a Bigsby. I think I'm going to put the Bigsby I have on my Les Paul Special DC. It has P-90's.

[@Идиот-н9и]

Благодарю вас за это видео, теперь я куплю sg и знаю что это модификация будет мне под силу для установки самолично.

[@kevinswedlow5546]

Cheers. Happy to help!

[@kevinswedlow5546]

I left out the step of removing the felt stickers from the bottom of the Bigsby B5. Sorry.

[@marcuswilson3485]

I found the break angle of the strings between the Bigsby and the bridge saddles very extreme. I’m gonna try out a few solutions because it makes the tension too tight for note bending. Just a heads up for anyone considering this mod. Otherwise, it’s a great bit of kit! 9/10

[@kevinswedlow5546]

Marcus Wilson interesting point. My main platform is a Tele with 11-53 strings. I have the same strings non this and don’t have an issue bending. I also don’t have the strings in the back of the tune-o-metic behind the saddles which makes me thing the break angle is appropriate. Before the install I had to raise the stop bar to prevent the strings contacting the bridge. Sounds like you experience might also had the neck set angle worth looking at.... maybe. Do you top wrap?

[@marcuswilson3485]

Kevin Swedlow I recently tried top wrapping on my Les Paul and it did the job. But with the Bigsby I’ve seen someone bypass the tension bar and go straight from the anchor points to the bridge. Don’t know if that will work but I’ll give it a try. I’m going to invest in a roller bridge as well. Good vid, by the way. 👍🏻

[@jessicataylor6014]

Thanks for this. I know there's felt pads on the bottom of the Vibramate, but does it really prevent scratches or damage to the guitar top? Just want to make sure that if I were to install it can be reversible with no harm done!! Thanks!

[@kevinswedlow5546]

Correct. It is a non invasive mod. I have done. Ore damage to this SG playing it over the last year than I did installing the Vibramate/Bigsby kit.

[@jessicataylor6014]

@@kevinswedlow5546 Excellent! Thanks so much!!

[@andy100hp]

Do you have to buy also the Vibramate V5-ST or just the B5 Bigsby?

[@kevinswedlow5546]

Those are 2 different products, so yes. There are some “sets” available around $225.

[@andy100hp]

Hi! Will it work for any Gibson SG? Also -- does the mod makes it harder for bending?

[@kevinswedlow5546]

It will work on any flat topped guitar with a standard stop bar and tune-o-matic. Does not really affect bending. It does change the access to the knobs a little bit.

[@andy100hp]

@@kevinswedlow5546 I dont know what is flat topped guitar/standard stop bar/tune o matic. I have lots to learn

[@siennamcgeehan6216]

I have an Tribute SG , would it be the same Vibramate ?

[@kevinswedlow5546]

The SG in this video is a Tribute SG.

[@joeking5610]

Way late to the chat, but is there a difference between B5 and B500?

[@kevinswedlow5546]

I’m not exactly sure. The B-5 is the original model. B-50 is an import version that says “Bigsby Licensed” that is reported to have slightly better molding but might not fit as perfectly. All I can see for sure is the B-500 is part of the “Lightning Series” and all the pics I see are of the unit in Black finish instead of chrome or gold.

[@emanhacker]

Where Do I find this vibramate for my sg?

[@kevinswedlow5546]

I searched on Reverb.com

[@emanhacker]

I think but not sure If a B3 bigsby will fit on my sg

[@atonofspiders]

Would this work on a firebird?

[@kevinswedlow5546]

Yes. This is the “Short Tail” version of the Vibramate kit that is recommended for the “batwing” SG pick guard. The standard V5 from Vibramate should be great on a Firebird with a ruminative and stop bar tailpiece.

[@tanatornism]

can I use b5 on my 335

[@kevinswedlow5546]

I believe the B5 can be installed on a 335, but I don’t know if the Vibramate unit for it would work in the arched top. I know Vibramate makes a unit that allows a noninvasive install of the Bigsby B7

[@tanatornism]

@@kevinswedlow5546 so installing b5 without vibramate will be find right?

[@kevinswedlow5546]

@@tanatornism it gets done, but would involve drilling into the guitar. Permanent modification.

[@CLR213]

Hi Kevin its Liam

[@kevinswedlow5546]

That’s my guitar.

[@ticklesmcqueen2702]

Little tip, Eat before you make a video because all's i could hear was your stomach making horrible noises, had to turn off as it was making me feel sick