Good video! Good instruction. I bo't a nice used natursl finish Wildkat. I installed the Biggs Fix on it even though I don't use the bar. It's the answer to a built in defect so I feel better about the guitar. Plus it stays tuned better even though I never touched the bar. NO further modifications required. The wiring, pickups tuners are all good originals. I love the Epiphone Wildkat! Yours must be a monster with all the changes! Good stuff.
Great series of vids - thanks! Personally I never use a whammy bar - therefore if this lovely guitar were mine, I'd replace the Bigsby with a trapeze tailpiece. But for those who do use a Bigsby, Bryce has pointed out the overly steep break angle as a problem, and has given us the solution to that problem.
I’ve found that I end up never using the whammy bar either. I had great intentions and this mod worked very well, but I actually think I’m going to take your suggestion and switch to a trapeze tail piece. Any suggestions on one that fits/works well?
@@RackedAudio Unsure as to what make, but given that I prefer to tune down a tone (D-D), my personal preference is for a tailpiece that is as short as possible, to give the maximum string length, which in turn gives more tension on the stings, enabling me to tune down. And, given that I don't do much by way of bending strings (I play fingerstyle, mainly jazz-influenced music) I tend to go for 12-54 gauge strings, or even sometimes 13-60. I prefer a wound 3rd string, which often I have as a D'Addario Chrome (flat-wound 3rd) so as to be able to do slides (glissandi) without 'squeaks.' Mainly I like to tune down because my voice is a baritone, therefore I can't reach the higher notes of songs typically sung by guys with a tenor voice. I also like to experiment with what strings sound best - for example on some guitars round-wound sound great, on others half-rounds are better, and on some flat-wounds best suit the guitar. Thanks again for your informative videos.
The paper clips were my wife's idea (she's the genius around here). Love the Biggs Fix, its one of the first updates I do with any bigsby (makes it a super easy plug!) One thing I didn't see that I'd love to add is a roller bridge, any suggestions there?
@@RackedAudio I've upgraded tuners on mine. Got Gotoh locking tuners, no additional drilling was required. Tuning is more stable now. I guess the nut is responsible for 75% of tuning problems on wildkats. As for the bridge, I'm planning to replace mine in some time. Electronics upgrade is the next step for me. Looking for pickups and pickup frames for mounting various pickups now.
Thanks for your great, clear explanations. Nice work. Also just watched episode 2. Looking forward to more. I just got a Wildkat Koa. Looking for upgrades and will follow your lead.
@@colinbdrake I just checked that Koa model out and it’s incredible! Thanks for the compliment on the video. The lollar pickups sound awesome definitely check them out if you’re looking for an upgrade. Next Tuesday I’ll post the install and sounds!
@@GuitarWorkshop awesome. I’ll check those tuners out. I was also looking at graphite for the bridge saddles. I’ve never tried those out but it seems like it’d be an awesome upgrade.
I do still own it, but they’re some awesome upgrades so I’m not surprised. Would love to see some pics of yours! I think that seafoam green color is really unique.
@@RackedAudio where can I send? Mine has just a roller bridge and lollar p90s at this point. Bought it like that recently! Not sure what other mods I want to/ can do for playability? I did find another way to tighten the bigsby nut by the way...a tool i got on Amazon
Definitely something I’m looking into. I did a bunch of googling and reading forums, and there was very mixed messages. Some say the tension is too high and it doesn’t actually roll and others say it’s life changing. I may add it and make another video with my findings. Any suggestions on a good roller bridge?
Why buy a "Biggs Fix" roller kit when all you need to do is put spacer washers under the front attach points to raise the whole unit? Total waste of money and it looks stupid.
Certainly washers could work but I think you might end up with some risks. I haven't tried washers so this is just how I'm thinking about it, but I do have a few concerns. 1) it would adjust the angle of the bigsby, and the neck side would sit higher, making the handle angle different and probably less playable. 2) instead of somewhat even pressure from the bigsby on the guitar top it would create pressure points where the washers are (less surface area) and also uneven pressure from the washers given the angle from concern 1 and dig into the top. Maybe its possible to use nylon washers but by that point they either compress and cause the same issues OR they're not fully compressed and could reduce tuning stability. Again I haven't tried your suggestion so its very possible it works great and I'm over thinking it, but for me the BiggsFix worked really well, was reasonable in cost and solved my specific problem. I appreciate you watching the video and taking the time to comment!!!
@@RackedAudio I have 3 guitars I've done it to, (an Epiphone FlameKat, a Gretsch Streamliner and a parts Paul), and they work flawlessly. You just have to make sure it's level side to side and not warping. On the B7 the angle difference is negligible, though you may need to use thicker spacer for the front most mount, and the washer under the spring can be left out if too steep. For a B5 I would just use 4 equal washers to raise the whole unit. Thanks for the reply!
Good video! Good instruction. I bo't a nice used natursl finish Wildkat. I installed the Biggs Fix on it even though I don't use the bar. It's the answer to a built in defect so I feel better about the guitar. Plus it stays tuned better even though I never touched the bar. NO further modifications required. The wiring, pickups tuners are all good originals. I love the Epiphone Wildkat! Yours must be a monster with all the changes! Good stuff.
Great series of vids - thanks! Personally I never use a whammy bar - therefore if this lovely guitar were mine, I'd replace the Bigsby with a trapeze tailpiece. But for those who do use a Bigsby, Bryce has pointed out the overly steep break angle as a problem, and has given us the solution to that problem.
I’ve found that I end up never using the whammy bar either. I had great intentions and this mod worked very well, but I actually think I’m going to take your suggestion and switch to a trapeze tail piece. Any suggestions on one that fits/works well?
@@RackedAudio Unsure as to what make, but given that I prefer to tune down a tone (D-D), my personal preference is for a tailpiece that is as short as possible, to give the maximum string length, which in turn gives more tension on the stings, enabling me to tune down.
And, given that I don't do much by way of bending strings (I play fingerstyle, mainly jazz-influenced music) I tend to go for 12-54 gauge strings, or even sometimes 13-60. I prefer a wound 3rd string, which often I have as a D'Addario Chrome (flat-wound 3rd) so as to be able to do slides (glissandi) without 'squeaks.'
Mainly I like to tune down because my voice is a baritone, therefore I can't reach the higher notes of songs typically sung by guys with a tenor voice.
I also like to experiment with what strings sound best - for example on some guitars round-wound sound great, on others half-rounds are better, and on some flat-wounds best suit the guitar.
Thanks again for your informative videos.
Excellent job with the filming and explanation. My Briggs bridge fix is on the way.
Cool! Thank you. Will do this with my Wildkat.
The paper clip idea is genius! I suppose if you used 2 it would be the same as a set of snap ring pliers. Thanks for plugging BricksBiggsFix!!
The paper clips were my wife's idea (she's the genius around here). Love the Biggs Fix, its one of the first updates I do with any bigsby (makes it a super easy plug!) One thing I didn't see that I'd love to add is a roller bridge, any suggestions there?
I don’t really have a fave. I suppose you should stay away from anything under $20 or $30 though.
Nice...Very practical...
You don’t need the roller bar at all. Just let your strings go over it. No more tuning issues and no loss of sustain
Thank you! Great video. Please do more videos about upgrading Wildkat.
There are 2 more videos coming out for upgrading the electronics. I’ve also been debating if I should do the tuners and bridge
@@RackedAudio I've upgraded tuners on mine. Got Gotoh locking tuners, no additional drilling was required. Tuning is more stable now. I guess the nut is responsible for 75% of tuning problems on wildkats. As for the bridge, I'm planning to replace mine in some time. Electronics upgrade is the next step for me. Looking for pickups and pickup frames for mounting various pickups now.
Thanks for your great, clear explanations. Nice work. Also just watched episode 2. Looking forward to more. I just got a Wildkat Koa. Looking for upgrades and will follow your lead.
@@colinbdrake I just checked that Koa model out and it’s incredible! Thanks for the compliment on the video. The lollar pickups sound awesome definitely check them out if you’re looking for an upgrade. Next Tuesday I’ll post the install and sounds!
@@GuitarWorkshop awesome. I’ll check those tuners out. I was also looking at graphite for the bridge saddles. I’ve never tried those out but it seems like it’d be an awesome upgrade.
Hello! What happened to episodes 2 and 3? can you reupload them? I'm interesting in the circuit changes
Great looking guitar. Do Bigsby make a shorter vrrsion of 5hat vibrato system?
That's nice n all but it's still gonna bind and go out of tune the answer is a roller bridge
The Bigsby should have pads under the it
Thanks for the vid. Once I have tightened it up there is still some play in it. Is this normal?
Are you seeing play in the spring itself or more in the roller bar?
Do you still own this?
If not, I believe I just bought this yesterday. One with same spec and upgrades
I do still own it, but they’re some awesome upgrades so I’m not surprised. Would love to see some pics of yours! I think that seafoam green color is really unique.
@@RackedAudio where can I send?
Mine has just a roller bridge and lollar p90s at this point. Bought it like that recently! Not sure what other mods I want to/ can do for playability? I did find another way to tighten the bigsby nut by the way...a tool i got on Amazon
@@jordanfeltcorn1645 Totally! Email me at meleteandmelody@gmail.com. With mine I've been using it mostly for slide guitar, it sounds awesome!
How come you didn't add a roller bridge?
Definitely something I’m looking into. I did a bunch of googling and reading forums, and there was very mixed messages. Some say the tension is too high and it doesn’t actually roll and others say it’s life changing. I may add it and make another video with my findings. Any suggestions on a good roller bridge?
@@RackedAudio Compton Compensated Bridge - the best of the best!
Why buy a "Biggs Fix" roller kit when all you need to do is put spacer washers under the front attach points to raise the whole unit? Total waste of money and it looks stupid.
Certainly washers could work but I think you might end up with some risks. I haven't tried washers so this is just how I'm thinking about it, but I do have a few concerns.
1) it would adjust the angle of the bigsby, and the neck side would sit higher, making the handle angle different and probably less playable.
2) instead of somewhat even pressure from the bigsby on the guitar top it would create pressure points where the washers are (less surface area) and also uneven pressure from the washers given the angle from concern 1 and dig into the top. Maybe its possible to use nylon washers but by that point they either compress and cause the same issues OR they're not fully compressed and could reduce tuning stability.
Again I haven't tried your suggestion so its very possible it works great and I'm over thinking it, but for me the BiggsFix worked really well, was reasonable in cost and solved my specific problem.
I appreciate you watching the video and taking the time to comment!!!
@@RackedAudio I have 3 guitars I've done it to, (an Epiphone FlameKat, a Gretsch Streamliner and a parts Paul), and they work flawlessly. You just have to make sure it's level side to side and not warping. On the B7 the angle difference is negligible, though you may need to use thicker spacer for the front most mount, and the washer under the spring can be left out if too steep. For a B5 I would just use 4 equal washers to raise the whole unit. Thanks for the reply!