Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Apologies for the 360 -as seen on TV tonight- popping up in this thread...

Just curious to this type of vibrato, it's Bigsby inspired, but another brand if I recall correctly - but the name escapes me.

Thanks!

another completer pic

and a closer one

Here's my old 330 Popsickleburst with the Bigsby. Still owned by a forumite I believe:

4000 wrote:

The attachment 360_bar_01.jpg is no longer available

Apologies for the 360 -as seen on TV tonight- popping up in this thread...

Just curious to this type of vibrato, it's Bigsby inspired, but another brand if I recall correctly - but the name escapes me.

Thanks!

FWIW...To answer my own question:

a Burns perhaps ?

Looks partly like this one:

US 67970 patent (attached )

Looks like a Bigsby, to me.

jps wrote:Looks like a Bigsby, to me.

I see, wasn't aware that a Bigsby could also have that 'curved bump'.

I think you need to find and post a larger, sharper photo, From that distorted, dark photo I don't see anything other than a Bigsby. I would be nice to have better evidence, though.

jps wrote:I think you need to find and post a larger, sharper photo, From that distorted, dark photo I don't see anything other than a Bigsby. I would be nice to have better evidence, though.

These are screengrabs from TV, I'm afraid can't get these better than this.

It was funny coincidence, after having read this thread here, about the same day this Rick was on TV.

It's all OK though, I was just curious to which type it could be. I guess the main question for me is whether or not to install any bar or keep the gorgeous 'R'. I start to do pretty well on a non-vib equipped guitar, I get better & better at not reaching for it

Bye

Some people add a Bigsby B5 (strong hint, here, as to which one) to their Ricks some don't, that is totally up to what you want. If resale value is upermost in your mind, then don't add one, if you want a Bigsby on your guitar, add one, it is as simple as that, really. Don't overthink it.

jps wrote:Some people add a Bigsby B5 (strong hint, here, as to which one) to their Ricks some don't, that is totally up to what you want. If resale value is upermost in your mind, then don't add one, if you want a Bigsby on your guitar, add one, it is as simple as that, really. Don't overthink it.

You're right, keep it simple. The thinking is in fact already over here, and the 'R' tailpiece stays.

While I do like a Bigsby, and I've tried several on various guitars so my impression must at least be reasonably 'valid',
for me the Fender JM-type floating tremolo works way better... now if that could be Frankensteined onto a Rick...

Hi Guys, Newbie here to the forum but not to Ricks. I've owned 6 over my span but down to 2 now.
Knaval, I really like the B-16 mod you did, you should consider making a few more, I think you could sell them here.
I know I would buy one.

As for the B-3, I think that looks the best. I'm wondering if one screw under the spring would help the tension? Also, according to Bigsby's page, the B-30 is a few mm's shorter, not sure if that would make a difference though.
Bigsby should make a shorter model to accommodate us!

Now onto the Accent: Why are these so difficult to find and expensive? I understand supply and demand but come on. They certainly look inferior to a Bigsby and Rick could improve the appearance by cutting an R into the plate. Just my 2 1/2 cents.

Interested in hearing anyone's thoughts...

Forgive me if this was mentioned elsewhere (or earlier in the thread), but I'd love to see the folks at Vibramate develop something for Rickenbackers, so a Bigsby could at last be a reversable mod.

See also http://www.vibramate.com.

So I'm confused after reading all the posts.
I would like to add a vibrato to my 360, but without drilling holes.


Are my only options a modded B16 and a Rick Accent Vibrato ?

Thanks
Kevin

kharri wrote:So I'm confused after reading all the posts.
I would like to add a vibrato to my 360, but without drilling holes.


Are my only options a modded B16 and a Rick Accent Vibrato ?

Thanks
Kevin

I think even a heavily hack-sawn B16 may require some drilling. The Accent will fit without holes, but you may need to buy an after-market end-piece for the Accent to fit correctly with the standard strap-button placement (VB equipped Rickenbackers have their strap button located closer to the back of the guitar). I fitted one to my 330 and it works fine for subtle to moderate vibrato. Dive-bombing is not an option....