Bigsby Copy / X-trem / and Other Vibrato Questions

[Tiga]

I'm close to finishing my barncaster project and the wheels are turning on redoing my previous tele-ish project from a couple years ago. My plan is to paint, convert to short scale, and install some sort of vibrato. I'll admit to being cheap and not wanting to spend on a new bigsby (although I haven't ruled that out). This will only be used for the occasional surfy warble, no dive bombing. Does anyone have any experience with the bigsby copies for sale on ebay? Also how does the x-trem from GFS compare? Any other recommendations? Thanks all!

[honyock]

I'm close to finishing my barncaster project and the wheels are turning on redoing my previous tele-ish project from a couple years ago. My plan is to paint, convert to short scale, and install some sort of vibrato. I'll admit to being cheap and not wanting to spend on a new bigsby (although I haven't ruled that out). This will only be used for the occasional surfy warble, no dive bombing. Does anyone have any experience with the bigsby copies for sale on ebay? Also how does the x-trem from GFS compare? Any other recommendations? Thanks all!

I bought a cheap Bigsby copy ground off the stop and flipped the handle, they work about the same.

[Gear_Junky]

I bought a no-name Bigsby copy from Guitar Fetish around a decade ago and still have it on my LP copy. This one was a tension bar model (meant for semi-hollow and solid guitars with arched tops). It looks exactly like licensed bigsbies of the same model, just no logo. I think the lawyers put the kibosh on that since then. I figure that non-US "licensed" Bigsby models are likely made in the same factory(ies) by the same people. I think they work fine. If you think about it, a $150 for a contraption like that, as awesome as it is, is pure insanity, even if it's dipped in real gold.

I have a gold finish B3 bigsby (used and "relic-ed") that I had on my Epi LP and decided to go back to proper LP hard tail. It's in good condition, but a tiny bit of plating flaked off near the tip of the bar (no effect on function) and overall the plating is slightly "aged" after I wiped it off after 8 years in a guitar case. I have everything - screws, spring, it's complete. I am more into trades, but this may not be what you need for a tele.

What I insistently recommend with any vibrato: upgraded nut (i.e. graphtech or tusq or slipstone or delrin, etc.) and a roller bridge. I happen to have a locking wilkinson roller bridge that I took off that same guitar.

But I think there are tele-specific models of Bigsby that account for the bridge pickup (and grounding, don't forget that!) and perhaps they have a more proper way to incorporate a bridge. I've never seen those up close. I would recommend something properly for tele, unless you're adventurous

[OMB]

I have had multiple Knock off Bigsby's, X-Trems, Licensed Bigsby's and US Made Bigsby's. I would stick with a Real (Licensed or US Made) Bigsby but then I am Bigsby obsessed.

[golem]

I'd go for used real or licensed. When you get cheap there can be issues long term. I buy used and I've seen guitars with cheaper metal where the wear on bridges was just absurd.

[OMB]

The arm on the Xtrem is way too short. I contacted GFS about that years ago and got no response. I guess I understand but still.

[glasshand]

I'd like to put in a good word for the Duesenberg Les Trem II. Bigsby-style tremolo, but bolts right into your existing tailpiece bushings.
https://store.duesenberg.de/en/tremolo- ... es-trem-ii

[Gear_Junky]

I'd like to put in a good word for the Duesenberg Les Trem II. Bigsby-style tremolo, but bolts right into your existing tailpiece bushings.
https://store.duesenberg.de/en/tremolo- ... es-trem-ii

Now THAT'S a great design (looks like). Kills the bird with 2 stones (no need to drill, string angle issue), looks good... I wonder about stability over time - seems like it'll put some rocking leverage on those anchors (studs), I wonder what that'll do to the wood after a while.

[mickey]

I'd like to put in a good word for the Duesenberg Les Trem II. Bigsby-style tremolo, but bolts right into your existing tailpiece bushings.
https://store.duesenberg.de/en/tremolo- ... es-trem-ii

Now THAT'S a great design (looks like). Kills the bird with 2 stones (no need to drill, string angle issue), looks good... I wonder about stability over time - seems like it'll put some rocking leverage on those anchors (studs), I wonder what that'll do to the wood after a while.

Priced like a great design too.

[Gear_Junky]

True, I forgot to mention that, but was thinking it. Sometimes some people also want the look of the Bigsby

[glasshand]

I'd like to put in a good word for the Duesenberg Les Trem II. Bigsby-style tremolo, but bolts right into your existing tailpiece bushings.
https://store.duesenberg.de/en/tremolo- ... es-trem-ii

Now THAT'S a great design (looks like). Kills the bird with 2 stones (no need to drill, string angle issue), looks good... I wonder about stability over time - seems like it'll put some rocking leverage on those anchors (studs), I wonder what that'll do to the wood after a while.

Actually I don't think that is likely to be an issue. I'm having trouble finding a picture that shows exactly what I want, but there is also a "foot" to the Les Trem that rests on the guitar body, with a cork pad under it, and the tailpiece bolts are both pretty beefy and screwed down fairly tightly to the body, so there isn't really much motion around them.

This is about the best picture I could find that shows the setup:

[OMB]

I also had the LesTrem. It is a nice alternative to drilling holes and any idiot (--> me) can install one. It worked fine but I just did not care for the looks but if that isn't an issue then go for it!