Accent Vibrato on a 320 Model

aladams · Post by **aladams** » Thu May 30, 2002 2:08 pm

Hi, Guys..and Gals: I know somewhere here exists the conversation about wether or not an Accent Vibrato would work on a 320 model. I'm considering buying an 81' 320 MG, with f-hole - the 1 o'clock version, and I'd like it to look kinda like the v63 model, but with gold guards and nameplate and Hofner knobs. I'm not sure I'll go with a Bigsby or the Accent...any ideas or experience will certainly help, even if just for conversation!!! God bless the Rickenback Forum...I love you all! AL A.

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri May 31, 2002 3:37 am

Al: In my view, your choice of vibrato really depends on the look and the function you hope to obtain. To my way of thinking the look of these vibratos is the central reason for them being there. I can't think of any artist that really used them for the purpose of vibrato. To answer your question, both vibratos would work with the 320 but I don't think you would be happy with the functionality of them. Have you considered the trapeze tailpiece? This would give your a nice vintage look that will keep you instrument in somewhat better tune, at least from my experience. I will be very interested to hear what others have to say.

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Fri May 31, 2002 5:43 am

With a guitar , that has this short of scale , already you have a problem in that , any movement of the fretting hand and your chords go out of tune within themselves.
To combat this heavier gauged strings are a necessity to hold them in tune.
If you used a set of .010 to .046 ,for example, the guitar would NEVER stay in tune anywhere ,anyway shape or form.The strings would feel like rubber bands.

So adding a tailpiece that wiggles strings , to get an effect is a silly concept.

Looks are one thing .... but practicality is another .

The only reason for this discussion is due to John Lennon ,and what was done to make his function.

If Kahler Tremelo systems would have been around in 1960, he might have searched out one of those as a way to make the guitar stay in tune .But thank the good Lord it was NOT .Gary Kahler would have loved the business however.

aladams · Post by **aladams** » Fri May 31, 2002 9:16 am

Thanks for the advise guys. I believe I'll invest in a trapeze tail piece. I don't use the vibrato enough to even consider installing it; but I sure like the looks of the 325v59. I've always been one to modify my guitars anyway, and I think a blonde 320 with a trapeze would be just a nice looking! Have a great weekend, and ROCK ON!!! AL