Dating a 70s Gibson SG guitar?

[amptech]

Many people think that a Bigsby needs to have a roller bridge for better tuning stability, which may be why the OP is looking for one to replace the harmonica bridge. IMHO as long as the bridge is stable, it makes little or no difference.

If saddles are too deep or 'bites' the string no vibrato unit will stay in tune or work well. It's just a part of the setup. The bigsby is a good working unit when set up correctly. That said, tuning a guitar between songs is also a part of being a musician!

But I agree, you don't need a roller. Just make sure the bridge saddles and nut is set up for the bigsby.

[bholder]

The harmonica bridge does look a bit like the Evertilt, but it doesn't tilt like one.

Many people think that a Bigsby needs to have a roller bridge for better tuning stability, which may be why the OP is looking for one to replace the harmonica bridge. IMHO as long as the bridge is stable, it makes little or no difference.

Yeah, it's stable as long as I don't use the tremolo at all, even a light wiggle will throw things off.  I'll try a roller bridge if I can find one that fits with no mods, not doing anything irreversible.

[bholder]

If saddles are too deep or 'bites' the string no vibrato unit will stay in tune or work well. It's just a part of the setup. The bigsby is a good working unit when set up correctly. That said, tuning a guitar between songs is also a part of being a musician!

But I agree, you don't need a roller. Just make sure the bridge saddles and nut is set up for the bigsby.

So how does one properly set up a stock harmonica bridge to work with a bigsby?  Is there some setup trick I'm missing? Smooth saddle slots maybe?

[Highlander]

I think the simple answer is, you don't...

[amptech]

So how does one properly set up a stock harmonica bridge to work with a bigsby?  Is there some setup trick I'm missing? Smooth saddle slots maybe?

There's no trick, but both nut and saddles need special attention for it to work as good as possible. They must not catch or 'bite' the strings in any way. Polish the bottoms with fine sandpaper. You can add some lubrication (graphite, ex) if you wish. And make sure the bearings on the bigsby work smooth.

And some even use flat bottom filing on the nut, this demands some skills however. There is lots of tips and vids if you Google. 

[bholder]

Found this roller bridge from stewmac (overpriced, of course) that fits perfectly: 

http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/All_Hardware_and_Parts_by_Instrument/Electric_Guitar_Parts/Electric_Guitar_Bridges_and_Tailpieces/Tune-o-matic_Bridges/Locking_Roller_Bridge.html
Fits perfectly, had to replace the studs too because the posts are different but they fit the bushing thread and spacing perfectly.

and as amptech and others predicted, doesn't seem to help much so far, perhaps a little.  Looks and feels better though (imho).

Thanks again for the help!

[Alanko]

Those roller bridges are often branded Wilkinson. I had one, and it wasn't all that good. Soft metal, with soft grub screws being a problem in particular.

[Dave W]

Isn't that bridge a replacement for an angled tune-o-matic? If so, it wouldn't work as a replacement for the harmonica bridge.

[gearHed289]

as amptech and others predicted, doesn't seem to help much so far, perhaps a little.  Looks and feels better though (imho).

Graphite powder in the nut slots, or a whole new graphite nut would probably help. Maybe locking tuners too, but I wouldn't think those would be necessary as long as you use it as a "wiggle stick" and not an Uli Roth divebomber. 

[slinkp]

I don't think you can dive-bomb on a bigsby? At least not the one I've played with.

[Highlander]

Standard bridge is a blade where the strings sit so trying a "dive" usually results in a distinctive "ping" as the lower "wound" strings re-locate...
They make good slide instruments...

[bholder]

Isn't that bridge a replacement for an angled tune-o-matic? If so, it wouldn't work as a replacement for the harmonica bridge.

I bought it "on speculation", but it does fit perfectly, pics when I get a chance.  Quality isn't great, but then, wasn't so great on the original harmonica bridge either.

Graphite powder in the nut slots, or a whole new graphite nut would probably help. Maybe locking tuners too, but I wouldn't think those would be necessary as long as you use it as a "wiggle stick" and not an Uli Roth divebomber. 

Yeah, Bigsbys don't dive bomb so well and if you try, they never come back the same.  What I wish I could get rid of is the "wiggle" where the vibrato arm attaches to the tremolo - I might just remove that upper spring and replace it wish some washers - makes for a very uneven vibrato as the spring takes up some of the motion intended for the bridge.

[exiledarchangel]

Those roller bridges are often branded Wilkinson. I had one, and it wasn't all that good. Soft metal, with soft grub screws being a problem in particular.

Exactly my experience too, got one for my epi lp, and after a while two of the intonation screws gave up. Piece of junk, stay away.

[Dave W]

Those roller bridges are often branded Wilkinson. I had one, and it wasn't all that good. Soft metal, with soft grub screws being a problem in particular.

Exactly my experience too, got one for my epi lp, and after a while two of the intonation screws gave up. Piece of junk, stay away.

Could be the same (bholder will soon find out), but just because it looks the same doesn't necessarily mean it is. There could be several Asian factories putting out the same design.

As for Wilkinson, he licenses his name to cheaper versions of his own products. He has a quality compensated saddle Tele bridge with that's made for him by Gotoh, then he also puts his name on a Chinese version sold by Guitar Fetish (and others) at half the price.

[uwe]

I don't think you can dive-bomb on a bigsby? At least not the one I've played with.

Only once you can. The song better stop then so the roadie can retune.