Why BIGSBYS aren't more popular... | Friday Fretworks

[@PaxAmor1]

I think another reason the Bigsby has survived is aesthetics. They just look so great and have that classic look that so many guitarists love.

[@KennedyIvy]

This. I love the looks of my bigsby but I don't even touch it because my guitar will go majorly out of tune

[@matt-fn9gr]

Looks is all that really matters

[@superbroadcaster]

Guitar is a feelings based hobby which is good but we really should not expect as much objective thought as we tend to think there should be

[@Eric-fb2wp]

Cant beat the looks of a Gretch and a Gibson 335 with a Bigsby

[@kevinp_25]

I don’t know a thing about Bigsbys, but I do know this: Chris Buck is a stunningly good player.

[@VillageTechnologies]

Right?

[@robertstevenson8728]

I mean those jams are so gooooooooood

[@padawan9127]

Bigsby Malone! You never heard of him??

[@thomasinibarra2787]

Like death and taxes

[@bengibson3955]

I once saw/heard him get good tone out of a tennis racquet. True story!

[@carltonlarsen]

As the owner of a VERY old Bigsby that came on my first ever electric I have one tip: after 40 years the grease on the bearings can dry out. If you get a pair of outside snap ring pliers and if you are patient and careful you can clean and regressed it yourself. There are something like 30 needle bearings on each end of the shaft. They look like mechanical pencil leads. Take it all apart and clean off the old grease. Lube the bearings and races with Vaseline or lithium grease and reassemble. Should run another 40 years!

[@Subropontes]

I have Bigsbys on all my guitars and I just can’t live without them. With the right setup and technique you can go crazy on them without getting out of tune, it’s a beautiful thing.

[@StealthParrot]

Agreed, I found due to the short body on my Les Paul the break angle from the B70 to the bridge was so sharp, I had to swap to a roller bridge to prevent the strings hitting the bridge block. Other than that it works fine.

[@paulterl4563]

So hard to change strings...

[@paulterl4563]

@@StealthParrot I have one with rollers from the factory, an Ibanez, but it goes out of tune the same.

[@Subropontes]

@@paulterl4563 none of my guitars have roller bridges and they all stay in tune very well. A properly cut nut and a Bigsby that is not overly tight should have great tuning stability and I find that a bit of lubricant on the nut and saddles (I use nut sauce) and heavier strings help a lot. And about changing strings you get used to it. I change all of my B7 equipped guitars without any trick quite quickly, the only one that it’s a bit tricky is the low E on my tele with a B5, but I put a piece of foam under the Bigsby just for that string and it does the job well. 👍

[@mannyhoward2353]

@@paulterl4563 I find it dead easy, just bend the ball end of the string and then hook it under. Simple :o)

[@douglasbailly8519]

This man should have a million subscribers

[@arottie4097]

Agreeed! I have to believe they are coming!!

[@Chris-oo9bc]

This man should have a million dollar !!!

[@michaelbrooks5178]

Your control over the guitar is astounding. I love your playing.

[@JoeySonal]

Literally every comment on Chris's videos is about how good his playing is (half of them are probably me). Let's appreciate the great informational content he's putting out as well!

[@Moon-nf5fr]

Lol. He is bloody good, but. He's so different to most other guitar players. I just stumbled across this video because I'm fitting a bigsby to a telecaster. So glad I did. The two sections of guitar playing I've seen thus far are top notch. Really tasty stuff. I now want a Les Paul gold top with p90s on it...and a Bigsby.

[@ryanjohnson9838]

True - the excellent playing is a bit distracting from the content!

[@Cade_Media]

coz they look cool AF

[@gringogreen4719]

They sound cool AF too!😉👍✨

[@auguste1219]

i installed one on my les paul epiphone bro it’s gorgeous

[@Hickeroar]

A roller bridge works wonders to keep a Bigsby from throwing things out of tune. A graphtech nut or some nut-sauce also helps on the other end.

[@JustChiminin]

That's exactly what I was going to say as well. I never have tuning issues with my Bigsby guitars.

[@JohnQGuitar]

Chris Buck is not only one of the best guitar players out there, but he's also one of the most articulate and intelligent.

[@TheMDGMobile]

I Agree!

[@NeverGoBack2]

You are related?

[@imannonymous7707]

He didnt play a bigsby tho...I dont ever remember seeing him play one

[@darinplott5186]

I wanna hit the thumbs up about 100 times. Thanks Chris your playing is so inspirational to me.

[@StamateTudorGuitar]

Nooo. If you hit it 100 times it will end up not being a like. :•)

[@mark1781]

What a wonderful take on a certain very famous solo! I'm numb.

[@marcusl3828]

I think using lip balm is the only thing we have in common! 😆 Your phrasing is absolutely impeccable.

[@nathanlittle1460]

Genuinely inspirational playing Chris.

[@Seaker24]

You are amazing. Johnny A. makes good use of a Bigsby. Someone once said something negative about it at a show and Johnny’s reply was, “If it was good enough for Les Paul, it’s good enough for me.”

[@tovarisch2788]

Regardless of anything else, Buck's tone is to DIE for.

[@MrCrazyChemist]

Flatwound strings and bigsby's are a match made in heaven.

[@harveydean7952]

Yes indeed. I use flatwounds on my Duesenberg. They improve the tuning stability massively and act like a natural compressor, ironing out volume inconsistencies between treble and low frequencies.

[@ciaranw520]

Could someone elaborate more on this please? I have a bigsby on a Gretsch that I love and if I could make it sound better I will!

[@MrCrazyChemist]

@@ciaranw520 flatwound strings are a type of string with a smoother surface, often used by jazz guitarists. Google em, buy a pair, try em out

[@prod.rh3toric676]

@@Ndlanding last time I checked the highest three strings aren’t usually wound and the 3rd one can be wound or not, maybe I’m mistaken

[@big_bicep_bill7594]

@@prod.rh3toric676 you realise he was joking?

[@johndogwater]

Man that piece on the Goldtop with p90s was one of the greatest bits of guitaring I've ever heard.

[@yeknommonkey]

It was properly awesome. He’s pumping out so many amazing licks in all his videos they seem wasted not being the highlight of a well know hit.

[@kidnose2231]

You could really hear Slash coming through the entire last half of that play :D

[@charliejohnson7703]

holyhell that was some incredible playing! That outro was INSANE!!!!!!

[@billkeaveney1526]

Thanks Chris that was wonderful and educational as always, the intro was special

[@watersignphotography]

Lip balm and using a capo when stringing - gold!! 👍 (plus the usual awesome playing!!)

[@okiwatashi2349]

Biggest problem with tuning with bigsbys is the tension bar models. If you can get a model without one that gives you enough angle over the bridge, and especially if you have a roller bridge or graphite saddles or similar, a well cut nut they work perfectly well.

[@joebruley4117]

Yes, this is a big one! I have a Bigbsy B3 on my SG. It attaches at the bottom strap button so no drilling required. The B3 doesn't have a tension bar, but Towner sells an adjustable bar that drops in where your TOM stopbar went. You can set it up to provide just a hair of downward pressure to keep your strings seated during those big bends. My SG has standard factory saddles and provided my strings are new and decently lubed, I can dive my Bigsby until the handle touches the body, let it go, and it will return to pitch. No locking tuners or rolling saddles necessary. Bigsbys can be tricky, but once you figure them out, they're one of the best vibrato systems.

[@eduardo_zerobala1340]

That solo on the Les paul was amazing! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@paulillingworth90]

There’s a ton of Slash in this solo. I think it’s Chris’ version of the solo from Anastasia by slash.

[@daryllossing1340]

Friday is my favorite day of the week. Thanks Chris. Awesome as usual

[@seanflynn800]

I've been playing bigsbys for around 20 years and there's still some gems you've shared here that I did not know, and will try for sure! Thank you Chris for your generosity in sharing your knowledge

[@thebigreveal3083]

Hey, Man. That intro Solo was just beautiful.

[@smalltowninnewmexico]

that thing u play at 7mins in.......man i replayed it about 7 times!! much love from australia dude

[@switchbacksentence1244]

THAT INTRO! Farrrrrrk! 🤯

[@pmcm-ih1ep]

Mind-blowing chops!!!

[@gadgscoastguitars7494]

Cool - some good ideas on the dreaded Bigsby young Chris. Thanks

[@Matthew-ez4ze]

You floor me with these intros, week after week. Amazing!

[@dereklubbe4360]

Hi Chris, Try stringing over the Bigsby pole piece and not under. This will relief the tension greatly and improve stability

[@alainbrisebois8334]

Beatifull playing Chris, specialy at 6:38 it gived me goosse bumps..

[@Matt-1d]

Great video! I pre-bend strings by wrapping the ball end around a pencil. Works like a charm!

[@Ugolino]

I save the phrase "my knickers fell off" for the little chats with my wife when I tell her that something amazing, really amazing has happened. Well, we were watching random videos on KZbin and then all of the sudden a guitarist started to play... We both stopped what we were doing to listen and by the middle of the song I just had to say it: "Well, my knickers fell off". She agreed. Amazing guitar player. Now I'm a fan. Really amazing job on that album. Cheers, man.

[@riadmiah3342]

Thank you Chris. It just happened I received a Bigsby in the mail today to put on my Les Paul. Your video came up right as I was installing the Bigsby on my guitar. Your tips are so useful. Thank you

[@bryancotter9602]

Could just watch Chris play all day. He just plays with such good taste--not just playing around scale patterns or chord shapes. Mixes it all up in a way that surprises. Very nice.

[@andrewbanner7165]

Every jam today was amazing. Not that that's anything new! 😂

[@p1y2t3h4e5r]

Man, your videos are always great to watch, informative and to the point... And damn can you play...

[@frankcapek6115]

Chris, thanks for your video. I’ve used Bigsby’s for years. Here are two things I’ve found to address the issues you highlighted. The first is adding a Vibramate to the Bigsby. This eliminates the need to wrap around the tailpiece and makes string changes a lot easier than just about any other guitar. The second is swapping out the multipart bridge with a single brass Compton Compensating Bridge. This is made to match your string spacing and gauge. The strings slide more easily over the bridge and replacing a bridge with more than a dozen individual parts with a single piece improves the translation of vibration to the top of the guitar. The tone improvement is very noticeable in any guitar with a chambered or hollow body.

[@davidpepper442]

Thanks for the video Chris, and for the very tasteful playing with the most tasteful vibrato arm. Have a great weekend man!

[@yourstruly5687]

Dude, thanks for the tricks and tips to having my Bigsby on my axe more usable and enjoyable!

[@m42tyn]

I also don’t know much about Bigsbys but Chris’s demo is making the Revstar very appealing 😊

[@richardrejmer8721]

As always. . Such tasteful and interesting playing. . Oh yeah. . The stuff about the Bigsby was good too

[@lunarpollen]

I had tuning issues with my Bigsby-equipped Epiphone Les Paul for years... I finally eliminated most of the issues after applying a bunch of fixes... * swapped out the stock spring for a taller spring * swapped out the stock bridge for a roller bridge * swapped out the stock tuners for locking tuners * replaced the stock nut with a graphite nut * added a TruGlide (probably the one element that contributed most to mitigating the issue) I also highly recommend a Vibramate string spoiler, which makes string changes much easier. I like a bigger/stiffer spring, as it helps stabilize things and enables more pitch range to vibrato bends (i.e., a little goes a longer way). I've also swapped out the stock vibrato arm for a Chet Atkins assembly, for which they also make a longer handle, so you can swap out the stock handle that comes with the CA assembly for one that makes it feel softer to depress due to the additional length (and it is a bit easier to reach)

[@vocalion9519]

Adding a Vibramate String Spoiler means that you can avoid having to hook the ball ends of your strings to the tiny pegs on the roller. I was doubtful at first, but it works very well and doesn’t look out of place.

[@RocktCityTim]

There's one on all 3 of my Bigsbys (along with a roller bridge).

[@apianta56]

Have a Bigsby in a Cort guitar. I put the Vibramate Spoiler and it is a great improvement for the strings installation.

[@howardmaryon]

The latest Bigsby’s from the factory have string through holes where those pesky pegs used to be. Hallelujah!

[@michaelwolfe603]

Chris, you are one amazing player. I love you way you build the solo, slow and smooth, and then come in for the kill. I'm taking notes. Great job, great playing, great channel.

[@yinkaayeni3843]

Who else clicked this video just to hear Chris' playing and not to hear about the Bigsby.... Great playing man

[@johnwebb2562]

"wow" Chris you're playing is knockout. Bugger the Bigsby man. What ever you play sounds Fab, pings en all. Best regards. John

[@JInfinity7]

Best You Tube guitarist out there...completely unique and amazing right hand technique.

[@OsbornIOW]

Always an interesting listen Thanks Chris

[@TorToroPorco]

If everyone could play like Chris they definitely would be. A Gretsch isn’t complete without a Bigsby.

[@jrthomson1001]

Agreed! I saw this Gretsch that i absolutely loved in a shop, but it didn't have a Bigsby so i couldn't justify pulling the trigger. I suppose i could've added one.....but that would be missing the point.

[@tamarmolerick3814]

Excellent video. A roller bridge helps a lot.

[@elliothewitt9156]

Astonishingly good playing.

[@WW-1995]

I fell in love with the 6:32 parts, things that happen few times a year. Great playing. EDIT: Still hypnotized by this solo, astonishing. I love everything about it.

[@rocktoya]

That jam at 6m was amazing. You really have the power to inspire.

[@aglees2b]

Obscenely good player and presenter. Hats off to you.

[@johnmoser2689]

Damn Chris that's a great camera angle and even better jam

[@friedem0n2004]

I gotta say that was one of your best opening jams!

[@markusmeyer2824]

The best "Bigsby" is the Duesenberg Tremola by Dieter Gölsdorf...works very smooth and tuning stability is fantastic

[@Cooper1]

Came for the Bigsby, stayed for that right hand technique. Just fantastic. Can’t get enough of those subtitle rakes. Beautiful stuff.

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

My first Gretsch (Electromatic) had the B-7 Bigsby on it. The nut created most all of the friction spots, especially with that wide headstock that didn't allow the strings to remain in a straight line. All of the friction was at the back of the nut. I invented a bone replacement nut that fixed that problem and sold hundreds of them around the world. The back of the slots pointed directly at the tuning post. Add a little graphite and it worked like a charm. You still can't play it like a Floyd Rose but it returns to pitch every time if used as it was intended.

[@TomaisMac]

You're such a tasteful guitarist, I could listen to you play all day.

[@agonzalezcoxcox]

This is definitive: You're an absolute IDOL, Big Thanks

[@wissewester1276]

The soul in that playing though 🌈 sick dudee

[@Atttuner]

Great vid chris sooo good.....I love Bigsby but I have 3 words of advice to add for anyone who loves them and wants reliability and playability Duesenberg Les Trem buy one.

[@elohgenesis875]

Just heard one 2 days at a wedding party captivating tone as well as beautful

[@ricksigurdson2016]

I can't stop watching that pick move from use to out of the way of fingers to use again

[@jesuschrist-alphaomega]

I could listen to you play all day

[@philtron1969]

As a constant user of Bigsbys for the past thirty years, I'd like to add a few more suggestions. I learned early on to use a locking wrap on the tuning peg end of my strings that places fewer wraps on the peg (locked tightly in place) and less room for the wraps to unravel while pressing on the Bigsby. Additionally, the graphite from a common #2 pencil works great as a lubricant at the nut and bridge saddle. I try to apply it with each string change. The last note I have is to make sure that your strings are coming around the bar that the ball ends attach to in a straight line to your bridge saddle. Even at tention, these can tend to sit a little to the right or left, so the moment you press your Bigsby, they will slide towards the center making your string go flat. Good luck and happy twanging!

[@csgband]

I love the Bigsby. So expressive. Mine always stay in tune. I enjoyed the video, thanks

[@donaldryder5534]

Wowza your playing today was fire!

[@arthurblackhistoric]

I collect Gibsons and Epiphones, all in the shape of the ES-335. I fitted Bigsbys to every guitar that didn't come with one. I love 'em! I've found that if I thoroughly stretch the strings in when re-stringing the guitars, I don't have a problem with them going out of tune. If I really give the Bigsby some stick and the guitar's tuning does go a little flat, all I need to do is turn my sound off with the volume knob, then gently stretch each string in turn with a tug or two with finger and thumb, turn the volume back up, and finish the set. That'll keep the strings close enough to in tune that I won't mind. By the way, long nose pliers are the best for pre-bending the strings prior to fitting them I find that they produce almost the right diameter of bend to make slipping the ball ends onto the posts a piece of cake. Under the flapper in ever guitar case I have a set of wire cutters, a pair of long nose pliers, a small Phillips head screwdriver, a small regular screwdriver, and an allen key to fit the truss rod. Maybe I'll throw in a packet of strings as well, depending on how much the guitar is gonna get played. With that handy kit I'm prepared for most problems that could arise. I used to haunt the bargain shops and buy up big if they had any of those tools going cheap. Quality doesn't matter because I'm not gonna be using them all that much. One last thing . . I don't leave the strings on for years like some do. Two or three gigs at most, then I put fresh strings on for the next gig. I have a friend who only changes strings when one breaks, and then just the broken one! And he wonders why he can't get his intonation accurate?? Some of his wound strings have been on his guitars for over four years!

[@greenfly1264]

Beautifully aggressive soulful intro .👌

[@stickman55100]

Thank you for these Brilliant tips! I’ve experienced every frustration you noted. Thanks for saving my sanity.

[@smc8144]

Holy crap! The second take (with the Les Paul) was absolutely epic!

[@Igbon5]

I just got a Yamaha AES 1500 with a Bigsby. My first whammy bar type guitar. I love it. After checking for the basics online I find it is easy to restring, using your method, easy to play, and it stays in tune fine and it brings chords to life.

[@richardelg4412]

You are an amazing guitar player with a lot of good sense. Thank you for sharing.

[@christophertrimmer625]

I bought an aftermarket string shaft from Callaham that has holes where the string can pass through instead of the little pegs. Took 95% of the stress out of restringing!

[@mattrogers1946]

Those work so well.

[@schmoemi3386]

I modified mine that way, too! Really simplified the restringing process! 👍 And my Duesenberg has a Bigsby-style trem that's already built that way... 👍

[@extraswaggeroni]

such a helpful video. the step I was missing was that part about the Bigsby being too flush to the guitar body. fixed my tuning issues immediately.

[@johnfelser1164]

Just stumbled upon this video, as I work backwards through Chris' catalog! What an incredible player and teacher, providing concise instruction and examples. My favorite moment was Chris playing the P90 Goldtop in the middle of the vid! Makes me elated to hear his tone and phrasing, while also sad that I sold my Gibson 2002 '56 reissue Goldtop. Chris, please keep making your videos for all of us to enjoy! Much Thanks!!!

[@edcataldo7019]

Never miss Friday Fretworks and the wisdom of my fave guitar guru. Well done mate!

[@javtunstall]

Incredible playing yet again, I am constantly astounded by your playing keep it up x

[@leroybrady4288]

Awesome playing! Such feeling!

[@loutielli]

Great tips Chris. Thanks!

[@sirlost94]

Those revstars are getting out of control. P90s, single coils, Humbuckers and now filtertrons? That’s awesome

[@KozmykJ]

Stop it !! The nearest I have to a Filtertron is the emulation on my Variax ... G.A.S. is a hell of an affliction ya know 🤪

[@bengibson3955]

@@KozmykJ I’m sure there’s a support group for it. I haven’t found it yet.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

@@bengibson3955 Local guitar shop will sort you out !

[@ericbgordon1575]

One which seems to have caught on in the last 12 months, @@KozmykJ.

[@MajicFreeman]

yah there's never been another guitar with different pickup appointments before!!! wow!!!

[@lathspell87]

I have an ES-330 with a Bigsby. When I bought it, it was one of the best sounding guitars I have ever played. I loved having a Bigsby for vibrato, but I could not keep that thing in tune. I tried buying an ES-330 without a Bibsby, but it didn't have the same magic. After searching the internet for recommendations, I finally stumbled across a video with a guy who said he strings OVER the break bar. I decided to try this the next time I strung my guitar and, VIOLA!, the guitar stays in tune. Now, whenever I pick up the guitar, it is in tune, and after playing for 30 minutes and constantly using the Bigsby, it is still in tune. Break angle is a myth. As long as you have enough that the strings don't pop out, you are good to go.

[@1066wastrel]

what drove me tonto was, getting the strings around the string post `Just the way I wanted`, correct number of winds, all heading down etc, only to look back at the bridge & see the string was in the wrong string slot, also, I`m surprised Chris didn`t mention hooking the string ferrules onto the pins on the Bigsby? using a capo is a great shout, I`d never have thought of that, every day`s a school day folks!

[@michaeloberly6129]

Really good tips on stringing with a Bigsby, I'll definitely try those out. I like Bigsbys a lot, they have always just been a royal pain to string. Using traditional methods, it's almost a two man job. Still has never dissuaded me from having them. They look great, and sound great.

[@rdjones97439]

Chris, I really love your videos dude. You are my favorite player , gear head, gear historian on the planet! I'm a big P90 fan! You won the write a solo Paul Davids came up with. You nailed it out of the ten guitar players picked and I'm a huge fan of Danish Pete's playing and Rick Beato for everything he does!

[@trackerbuckmann1627]

You've got some incredible picking motions going on there.

[@MC-ee1ey]

Yet more sound advice that many of us have learned by trial and error but lip balm is new to me! My Hagstrom Swede Tremar has their own brand version of a Bigsby and a roller bridge that looks very similar to a Wilkinson. No tuning problems with sensible use. Keep up the great content Chris and look forward to catching you live at some point this year.

[@autistichead8137]

Chris your sense of the blues is inspiring.

[@richardwallace4212]

I have one on a Les Paul that I added last year and another stock on a Duo Jet. Friction points as ever are the enemy of the Bigsby. Great video.

[@markkennedy1022]

Great vid, Chris - super clear tips ... very helpful!

[@eliasvistven5503]

You are such a great player. very inspiring to listen to

[@memeavelo]

What a fantastic guitarist you are !!!

[@drivenmad7676]

OPENING JAM WAS ROCKING

[@grene1955]

Chris, if you ever decide to market a collection of your demo cuts, I think we can guarantee a Gold Album. I know I would buy it in a heartbeat!

[@wilkowilkins363]

Me too!

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Cheers guys! Stay tuned for more on that very soon...

[@wilkowilkins363]

@@ChrisBuckGuitar . Oh my goodness Chris! You're keeping us hanging!!!

[@thomasoconnor6857]

Whoooa stop right there, what are you telling us Mr Buck. !!!

[@tedfloyd4203]

@@ChrisBuckGuitar Yes yes yes!

[@itslateandimfat]

I just got my first bigsby equipped guitar. This video helped me tremendously.