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Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension bar)

Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 6:34 am
by DeathByVolume
Sorry to double post upon first joining the board but I have ANOTHER topic for debate. I've got a lot of my mind so just back off. Jeeze. ;)

I have a Reverend Buckshot that I REALLY want to add a Bigsby to. I know it is possible and actually works out pretty well from what I understand.

Here is the big question. I have seen this done on Les Pauls with Tune-O Matic bridges so I assume that it is possible with this Reverend. I want to either run the strings over the tension bar or remove the tension bar entirely. Will the break angle be okay? I will need to use a vibramate which will raise things a mm or 2.

Please correct me if I am wrong because this won't be worth my time if so. I am hoping this will allow me to be able to play behind the bridge as one would on a Jag or Jazzmaster to get interesting harmonic content/noises that relate to what is being fretted. Also I hope it would add some sympathetic strings sound from behind the bridge when playing normally. Will this be the case?

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 12:05 pm
by dubkitty
it depends totally on neck angle and bridge height from the body. taking the tension bar off the Epiphone Wildkat i used to own made it impossible to keep the strings in their saddles; i was able to put a B3C (no tension bar) on my Gretsch Pro jet with fewer problems, but had to go to a Gretsch bar bridge to stop the high E string from wandering. happily, they drop right onto the narrower "Nashville"-sized posts.

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 9:42 pm
by DeathByVolume
Well the Buckshot has a tune-o-matic that is jacked up pretty high so it is kind of a gamble (as I expected) but I want a trem either way. I love LOVE LURV this guitar, great Pups, but I became so accustomed to behind the bridge playing that I feel naked without being able to bring the noise! Is there another trem option BESIDES a Bigsby that would insure that I would be able to play behind the bridge that would fit on a Reverend Buckshot?

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:36 pm
by kaeth
Image

Like this? Could even throw it back a little farther. These type seem like they might be kinda cheap, but I haven't actually used one yet. I plan on putting one on a project of mine soon that has very little room back there.

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:40 pm
by Chankgeez
Sounds awesome, I hope it works out for you.

You might wanna post this question on the Revered forum if you haven't already. They might be of more help.

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:48 pm
by dubkitty
is that a set neck or a bolt-on? if it's a bolt neck you can create more bridge height/neck angle by shimming the neck pocket.

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 12:06 am
by DeathByVolume
kaeth wrote:Image

Like this? Could even throw it back a little farther. These type seem like they might be kinda cheap, but I haven't actually used one yet. I plan on putting one on a project of mine soon that has very little room back there.


What is this thing called/where can I purchase it!

Also it is a Bolt on but I would like to avoid shimming if possible. Probably not possible with a bigsby.

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 12:09 am
by Chankgeez
DeathByVolume wrote:
What is this thing called/where can I purchase it!


Looks like a cheap 60s/70s Japanese whammy bar to me.

I'd look on eBay.

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 12:16 am
by dubkitty
yeah, there's a seller on eBay who has that tremolo new for something like $25 or $30.

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 12:19 am
by kaeth
http://www.guitarfetish.com/Vintage-Sty ... p_839.html

This one too. Says the vintage ones are from Teisco, Hohner, and Hofner guitars, which might help search results.

On second thought, I might have some reservations about screwing a cheap trem like that onto such a nice guitar as a Reverend, but it's another option if you need one and the Bigsby doesn't do what you need.

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 12:24 am
by dubkitty
Teisco will give the best results. i've just spent weeks searching for parts for 60s guitars on teh Bayz...trust me on this.

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 2:10 am
by ryan summit
loved the way that sounded on the teisco
always tempted to put the trem on my samick
this is sparkin my interest with it again
the lack of surface mount trem choices blows
i spent a fair amount of time searchin too
tryin to decide between this
dig a hole for a wigsby
or pay out he butthole for a b7

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 2:47 am
by dubkitty
i think i'd use a different handle, though...that butter-knife handle looks pretty uncomfortable.

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 2:57 am
by theavondon
INSTALL JAZZMASTER TREM

Re: Playing behind the bridge w/ a Bigsby(bypassing tension

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 3:03 am
by DeathByVolume
theavondon wrote:INSTALL JAZZMASTER TREM


Want. So Hard. Don't think it is possible though.