Pretty cool video for the basic install. Wish it had been a more comprehensive installation but non the less was interesting. From my reading there are many items to check and some modifications that may need taken care of for a proper installation. Such as, beak angle, checking the rollers for free wheeling, the right nut, etc, etc. It is should be noted installing the Bigsby is not generally a simple plug and play as it requires some skill for a proper installation. Thanks for sharing.
Good points. Assuming the instrument plays well to begin with, the Vibramate makes the install as plug n play as it can be, IMHO. It does reduce the break angle of the strings compared to the string through setup, but is not considerably different than a top load bridge. This setup does better at retaining much of the character of a Telecaster compared to a factory install that uses a tune-o-matic/Mustang style bridge.
Hi Kevin, thanks for the video. I am a country player in the U.K. and have wanted a Bigsby Tele for many years. I know they are around, but I am Left Handed and even obtaining the parts to DIY it are unobtainium here.
Nice video. I appreciate that you didn't go into some over the top character or act like a flaming homosexual or any of that nonsense. Straight to the point. That's how an install video should be.
The Vibramate Spoiler is helpful if the simple procedure in my video (90° bend and capo) is too difficult. Looks are subjective. There is also a Callaham replacement piece that is drilled out I place of the pins. That is a more elegant alternative to the Spoiler in my opinion.
Bigsby should work with you the way you played in adding everything was AMAZING im SOLD. and the subtle comment about the felt pads. you’re capital manipulation!
Great video dude! I am here because I'm starting work on my Tele Bigsby mod today and just wanted to be sure of my direction. Watching your video made me realize that I probably would have skipped over a few things, so I am happy that I watched your video. Thank you for the video and the help...I will definitely sub! By the way, and this is not a critique, but more of a suggestion... You might want to put a towel on the guitar when you're screwing directly on top of it. I was watching this with a bit more concern than I wanted to. I kept thinking that the screw driver was going to fly out and scratch that awesome guitar! Of course, being a guitar owner is like being a parent...Even when the kids are not ours, we still look out for them! Nice job, brother!
Thanks. Good point about tool safety. If I had a more active guitar mod channel, I segment about tool engagement and when to use power tools vs manual is worthwhile. I hope future viewers heed your comment. If you watch my SG version, you’ll see me opt for a vintage quarter instead of a flathead.
@@kevinswedlow5546 Thanks for the response and I will be sure to watch your SG video; I think I already have it cued up. You know, I was on the fence about my tremolo direction. I was thinking about doing a full mod and using the existing bridge and cutting the back for the strings. Then I also thought about doing the Vega-Trem which is really nice, but kind of pricey for wha you actually get. In the end, I decided that the Bigsby is simply too classic and the results you got made my decision easy. I just love the way your Tele came out. And, while I have it open and exposed, I am also going to add the copper tape to the inner side of the pick-guard and inside all of the electronics cavities. I figure that I might as well do all that since I have it open! Wish me luck, brother! Thanks again!
@@danminutsich7509 I did the approach of cutting the string clearance with a dremel on a previous Tele. I was not happy with the results and ended up with a Callaham bridge plate which was a big tone improvement. So, that’s my recommendation for a permanent version.
@@kevinswedlow5546 Yes! I noticed that in all of the videos where the person decide to mod the bridge plate, it just didn't look nice. It simply looked cut. But, I decided to go your way and your video helped me get there. Thanks again, brother!
Love the fact that no routing or drilling is required. Been wanting a trem but don't really need a another single coil guitar. So have you made another video for results and tuning stability? Thank you
Great video, after installing the Bigbsy on my Tele (62 reissue MIM) I found that the guitar sound has improved, when I play it unplugged the body and neck vibrate lively. I believe that the string angle when strung though the body was too steep and was choking the sound. I have not tried a guitar with the vibramate system, I believe that reduces the string angle (you tell me how it feels), I did get a vibramate bridge with the dual adjustment screws. Another suggestion the rubber tubing for the pick up mounts wears off after 5-6 years, I replaced mine twice, got tired of replacing it and installed springs.
I had previously direct mounted a Bigsby B5 to a Tele using the Callahan notched bridge plate in order to retain the 3 brass saddle setup. The upgrade bridge plate made a big difference. Ask Zak UA-cam channel has a great video about how hardware affects Tele tone. No Bigsby discussion irc. The simplicity of the Tele means every change makes a noticeable difference. You might even sense a difference in tone switching from surgical tubing to springs for pickup heigh adjustment screws.
Great installation demo, I am contemplating this mod. Did you need to shim the neck at all? I saw another video where they recommended a b16 which is seriously modding a tele so wasn't sure.
The bottom of the B5 is attached to the Vibramate bracket. The screws to connect those two pieces are only long enough to do the job. If you keep the felt, there would be a bit less thread holding the B5 to the bracket. I suppose you could transfer the felt to the underside of that part of the system. Those felt pads could have an effect on the guitar finish.
Those Bigsby upgrade parts are great. The notched roller is also cool. I purposely stuck with this original B5 to kind of show that string changes are really a hassle. Same with the SG version of this same install I did in a different video.
I'm concerned about the mounting plate scratching the guitar's surface behind the bridge. Do you know if there have been any complaints regarding this? Also, Bigsby offers a B5 with a pin-less string bar for easier stringing. They should have always been this way.
I had it set up this way for a couple months. I did not see any cosmetic issues when I removed it. You could peel the foam pads off the back of the Bigsby B5 and apply them to the Vibratemat plate to be extra careful
I’m not sure. Part of what makes it possible is that the 3 intonation screws sit between the strings as they travel past the bridge to the Bigsby unit.
Hey man nice video, but I'm struggling a little here because I have a michael kelly enlightened 55, it has the telecaster shape but 2 humbukers, you think this might work on mine? It looks exactly like yours but it has two humbuckers instead
From experience with several different Bigsby’s on Gretsch etc, I can say the the tuning stability is fine, but only if your strings have been thoroughly “played in”. Pre stretching also works, but trying to play with new strings is going to drive you nuts. Don’t go on stage or studio without stretch your strings.
One small point. Don’t forget to arrange your string spacing as they go around the Bigsby main bar ( the one connected to the whammy bar. If you dont do that, they look odd and they can slip on the bar at some inconvenient moment while playing.
Yes. Original threaded steel saddles with upgrade intonations screws with slotted tip. Slotted and compensated saddles would be an appropriate addition to this setup to help with string spacing.
I have a Chapman ml3 pro Classic (a type of telecaster). It has a curved body where the Vibramate is supposed to be placed. Would that curve be a problem?
I"m using a GFS tremmy, and a Wilkinson WTB Telecaster Bridge with Brass Compensated 3-Saddle for Tele TL Electric Guitar, Black on a squire. is there a basic difference? The GFS is top load so it the bridge.
bigsby completely ruins the look of the tele. Great on Grestch and ES-335 though. There is much better suited tremolo system for Tele--VegaTrem I believe it is called.
Looks are totally subjective and a Bigsby sometimes looks nice on a Tele. Sometimes, it looks out of place. I have been very interested in the Vega Trem Option. The shape of the Vega arm is a little off to me, but the application looks really cool.
![АЛАУДИНОВ у Скабеевой: эти их ВСУ нас НЕ ДОГОНЯТ 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/an0anqU4WGQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Pretty cool video for the basic install. Wish it had been a more comprehensive installation but non the less was interesting. From my reading there are many items to check and some modifications that may need taken care of for a proper installation. Such as, beak angle, checking the rollers for free wheeling, the right nut, etc, etc. It is should be noted installing the Bigsby is not generally a simple plug and play as it requires some skill for a proper installation. Thanks for sharing.
Good points. Assuming the instrument plays well to begin with, the Vibramate makes the install as plug n play as it can be, IMHO. It does reduce the break angle of the strings compared to the string through setup, but is not considerably different than a top load bridge. This setup does better at retaining much of the character of a Telecaster compared to a factory install that uses a tune-o-matic/Mustang style bridge.
Currently collecting parts to do this on a partscaster I'm working on. Good tip on the dual access screw. Would've never thought of that.
Hi Kevin, thanks for the video. I am a country player in the U.K. and have wanted a Bigsby Tele for many years. I know they are around, but I am Left Handed and even obtaining the parts to DIY it are unobtainium here.
Excellent straight-forward video, thank you. I'm about to install the same kit on my telecaster and this was very helpful.
Nice video. I appreciate that you didn't go into some over the top character or act like a flaming homosexual or any of that nonsense. Straight to the point. That's how an install video should be.
well done and thanks for making this video...the capo is a great idea
Thank you so much for this video.
So much more involved than installation on my flat bodied Epiphone. Took under 5 minutes.
Did you use a Vibramate for that Epiphone? I have another video for an SG install. I agree it’s a simpler process.
Thank You for doing this excellent video.
You should get a vibramate string spoiler. It will make stringing the bigsby much easier and it looks way 😎 cool
The Vibramate Spoiler is helpful if the simple procedure in my video (90° bend and capo) is too difficult. Looks are subjective. There is also a Callaham replacement piece that is drilled out I place of the pins. That is a more elegant alternative to the Spoiler in my opinion.
Nicely done Sir! 😊
Bigsby should work with you the way you played in adding everything was AMAZING im SOLD. and the subtle comment about the felt pads. you’re capital manipulation!
Great video dude! I am here because I'm starting work on my Tele Bigsby mod today and just wanted to be sure of my direction. Watching your video made me realize that I probably would have skipped over a few things, so I am happy that I watched your video. Thank you for the video and the help...I will definitely sub!
By the way, and this is not a critique, but more of a suggestion... You might want to put a towel on the guitar when you're screwing directly on top of it. I was watching this with a bit more concern than I wanted to. I kept thinking that the screw driver was going to fly out and scratch that awesome guitar! Of course, being a guitar owner is like being a parent...Even when the kids are not ours, we still look out for them! Nice job, brother!
Thanks. Good point about tool safety. If I had a more active guitar mod channel, I segment about tool engagement and when to use power tools vs manual is worthwhile. I hope future viewers heed your comment. If you watch my SG version, you’ll see me opt for a vintage quarter instead of a flathead.
@@kevinswedlow5546 Thanks for the response and I will be sure to watch your SG video; I think I already have it cued up.
You know, I was on the fence about my tremolo direction. I was thinking about doing a full mod and using the existing bridge and cutting the back for the strings. Then I also thought about doing the Vega-Trem which is really nice, but kind of pricey for wha you actually get. In the end, I decided that the Bigsby is simply too classic and the results you got made my decision easy. I just love the way your Tele came out. And, while I have it open and exposed, I am also going to add the copper tape to the inner side of the pick-guard and inside all of the electronics cavities. I figure that I might as well do all that since I have it open! Wish me luck, brother! Thanks again!
@@danminutsich7509 I did the approach of cutting the string clearance with a dremel on a previous Tele. I was not happy with the results and ended up with a Callaham bridge plate which was a big tone improvement. So, that’s my recommendation for a permanent version.
@@kevinswedlow5546 Yes! I noticed that in all of the videos where the person decide to mod the bridge plate, it just didn't look nice. It simply looked cut. But, I decided to go your way and your video helped me get there. Thanks again, brother!
Love the fact that no routing or drilling is required. Been wanting a trem but don't really need a another single coil guitar. So have you made another video for results and tuning stability? Thank you
Locking tuners
Gotta get a string spoiler to make string changes easy. They now make have string thru versions, like the player series gretsch guitars.
Time to flip your control plate!
looks like something that john 5 would play.
Something tells me you need a snack ;-) Great video!
Well done🎯
awesome vid
Great video, after installing the Bigbsy on my Tele (62 reissue MIM) I found that the guitar sound has improved, when I play it unplugged the body and neck vibrate lively. I believe that the string angle when strung though the body was too steep and was choking the sound. I have not tried a guitar with the vibramate system, I believe that reduces the string angle (you tell me how it feels), I did get a vibramate bridge with the dual adjustment screws. Another suggestion the rubber tubing for the pick up mounts wears off after 5-6 years, I replaced mine twice, got tired of replacing it and installed springs.
I had previously direct mounted a Bigsby B5 to a Tele using the Callahan notched bridge plate in order to retain the 3 brass saddle setup. The upgrade bridge plate made a big difference. Ask Zak UA-cam channel has a great video about how hardware affects Tele tone. No Bigsby discussion irc. The simplicity of the Tele means every change makes a noticeable difference. You might even sense a difference in tone switching from surgical tubing to springs for pickup heigh adjustment screws.
Nice!
very nice, thank you!
wonderful!
Thanks a lot! You helped me alot :)
Good job ! tank You from a guitar maniac
Great installation demo, I am contemplating this mod. Did you need to shim the neck at all? I saw another video where they recommended a b16 which is seriously modding a tele so wasn't sure.
A shim could help get the bridge saddles up from the bridge plate, but would only make a tiny difference in the break angle.
@@kevinswedlow5546 Thanks Kevin O wanted to know if you had to use one in your installation.
@@Heavenreck I already had shimmed the neck with a business card before this install. No noticeable change.
@@kevinswedlow5546 Thanks for your help
One question, why does the felt needs to be removed? Wouldn’t de better to leave them on to prevent future marks /scratchs? Thx
The bottom of the B5 is attached to the Vibramate bracket. The screws to connect those two pieces are only long enough to do the job. If you keep the felt, there would be a bit less thread holding the B5 to the bracket. I suppose you could transfer the felt to the underside of that part of the system. Those felt pads could have an effect on the guitar finish.
Did you end up having to shim your neck? I was looking into the vibramate but heard it required a neck shim which changed my mind
Not if you take a leap of faith and drill two holes to directly install the B5 onto the body.
They make a roller bar that allows you to thread the string through the bar, making those ridiculous little bridge pins obsolete.
Those Bigsby upgrade parts are great. The notched roller is also cool. I purposely stuck with this original B5 to kind of show that string changes are really a hassle. Same with the SG version of this same install I did in a different video.
I'm concerned about the mounting plate scratching the guitar's surface behind the bridge. Do you know if there have been any complaints regarding this?
Also, Bigsby offers a B5 with a pin-less string bar for easier stringing. They should have always been this way.
I had it set up this way for a couple months. I did not see any cosmetic issues when I removed it. You could peel the foam pads off the back of the Bigsby B5 and apply them to the Vibratemat plate to be extra careful
@@kevinswedlow5546 That sounds like a good idea. Thank you.
Great video! Would this work if I had a six screw saddle bridge instead of the three screw saddle bridge in the video?
I’m not sure. Part of what makes it possible is that the 3 intonation screws sit between the strings as they travel past the bridge to the Bigsby unit.
Hey man nice video, but I'm struggling a little here because I have a michael kelly enlightened 55, it has the telecaster shape but 2 humbukers, you think this might work on mine?
It looks exactly like yours but it has two humbuckers instead
From what I know, vibramate also has ashtrays that fit humbuckers. Hope that helps:)
Vibramate offers plates specifically designed for Humbuckers :)
Nice video thanks for sharing.. btw how's the tuning stability? I'm planning to do this
From experience with several different Bigsby’s on Gretsch etc, I can say the the tuning stability is fine, but only if your strings have been thoroughly “played in”. Pre stretching also works, but trying to play with new strings is going to drive you nuts. Don’t go on stage or studio without stretch your strings.
One small point. Don’t forget to arrange your string spacing as they go around the Bigsby main bar ( the one connected to the whammy bar. If you dont do that, they look odd and they can slip on the bar at some inconvenient moment while playing.
Did u use the saddles that came with the guitar originally? I wasn't sure so I thought I should ask.
Yes. Original threaded steel saddles with upgrade intonations screws with slotted tip.
Slotted and compensated saddles would be an appropriate addition to this setup to help with string spacing.
@@kevinswedlow5546 I have an american professional telecaster 1 with compensated brass saddles. Would I be able to use those?
I have a Chapman ml3 pro Classic (a type of telecaster). It has a curved body where the Vibramate is supposed to be placed. Would that curve be a problem?
Probably won’t work. B5 is designed for flat top. And the Vibramate is specific to the Tele bridge and body dimensions.
I"m using a GFS tremmy, and a Wilkinson WTB Telecaster Bridge with Brass Compensated 3-Saddle for Tele TL Electric Guitar, Black on a squire. is there a basic difference? The GFS is top load so it the bridge.
Not sure about the compatibility with non-Fender parts. Main concern would be the 4-bolt bridge plate spacing.
Dam i love that tele
How is your string spacing?
looks like the B string is off the saddle...
bigsby completely ruins the look of the tele. Great on Grestch and ES-335 though. There is much better suited tremolo system for Tele--VegaTrem I believe it is called.
Looks are totally subjective and a Bigsby sometimes looks nice on a Tele. Sometimes, it looks out of place. I have been very interested in the Vega Trem Option. The shape of the Vega arm is a little off to me, but the application looks really cool.
Hi
Hee hee. You found me!