Bigsby B5 or B50?

harvey49 · Post by **harvey49** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 2:35 pm

I have just found out, (what I guess everyone else here has known for some time) that the B5 & B50 Bigsby arm are one in the same beast! The B5 being made in the US and the B50 is made in Korea. Now I know the pureists are going to say.."Don't stick a Korean made Bigsby on a Rick" but apart from that is there a serious issue with the quality of the Korean made B50?

Ron

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 2:41 pm

Ron: If you went to all the trouble to get a Rickenbacker don't look back now.

The B5 is nicer looking and is of fine quality. It has the vintage look that you want.

When you put the Bigsby on there is no going back without filling holes, so I say do it up right the first time. You'll be glad you did.

harvey49 · Post by **harvey49** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 2:55 pm

Thanks Peter for the reply, I just thought that Bigsby might have made the B50 to the precise standards of quality, materials size and finish to that of the US B5, and as the cost difference is quite significant I was looking for advice why I shouldn't fit a B50. I knew if I posed the question I would be given the right reasons for not using the B50, other than it's not US made!
Ron

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 3:03 pm

Here they are together. Which one looks more vintage or like it should be on a Rickenbacker?

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 3:21 pm

Hey Ron, what model are you looking to put the Bigsby on?

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 3:46 pm

Sorry I don't remember the exact details on the B50, but isn't that the one with the rather draggy plastic sleeve bearings?

Obviously the appearance is somewhat different.

harvey49 · Post by **harvey49** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 11:25 pm

My initial viewings of the B5 & B50 weren't from pix like Peter provided above. Being made by Bigsby, I just thought it would have been the same unit but manufactured in different locales, and the numbers changed so people couldn't say they were duped! - Obviously the wrong assumption, thanks for the heads up Peter.

Howard I plan to put a B5 on a 350JG. Once I get my hands on one, I then hope to contact a member on the forum who hand ground the base of the B5 to custom fit the body. He did a fabulous job of this and told me, as a brother machine shop tradesman, he'd give me some tips on how he did this.
BTW have you tried the Zymol yet? - great stuff IMHO!!

Ron

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 11:49 pm

Mmmmmmmm...... 350!! Dribble, dribble, dribble........

I haven't tried the Zymol yet, Ron. I've sourced it but haven't had a chance to pick it up - my local Autobarn has it and they tell me it's pretty recent stuff. If I get time tomorrow morning I'll drop in. Having touble sourcing 100% cotton daipers, though (you there, Wizz??). I can get tea towels but they're all screen printed!! Bit reluctant to sacrifice any of my prized Italian T-Shirts.

BTW, Ron - had a great afternoon with a fellow Rick devotee today. Bit of a jam, a coupla beers and a good chin wag!! We'd love you to join us next time and get the 'Great Southern Confluence' happening!. If you're interested, I'd be rapt to hear from you (as well as any other Rick lovers anywhere in Oz - don't be shy, fellas!!).

Cheers

BobKat · Post by **BobKat** » Sat Apr 02, 2005 1:41 am

By the way, I got my B5 for $76 recently. Get the B5.

harvey49 · Post by **harvey49** » Sat Apr 02, 2005 11:55 am

Bob, are you able to say where you got onto the B5 for that great price? If so do you think they would ship to Australia?

I won't buy one here in OZ, as most places are asking $250+ bit steep eh!!!

Howard, think I'll have a bit more time on my hands soon and with a lot more practice, this could be a real possibility.

Ron

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Sat Apr 02, 2005 1:34 pm

I'm a pretty average player, Ron - I don't think any amount of practice will get me up to where I'd like to be. Creaky old bones and tendons limit my abilities.

I'll stick mostly to rhythm and let the gymnastic storm troopers do their stuff!!

Stay in touch......

PS - I'll be posting some shots from yesterday in the 'Rickenbacker Guitars' section.

harvey49 · Post by **harvey49** » Sat Apr 02, 2005 3:43 pm

I'll keep an eye for your pics Howard

BobKat · Post by **BobKat** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 4:41 am

I got my B5 at Musician's Friend, Ron.