I'm sorry to ask this

allseeingi · Post by **allseeingi** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 11:09 am

because I'm sure either everyone but me knows the answer, or it has already been asked before.

I want to install a Bigsby B5 on my new Rick 325C and was wondering if to do so I'll have to add holes for the screws or if I can just screw it on.

Sorry, and thank you.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 4:08 pm

Ted: I cannot imagine installing the Bigsby on the body without first drilling pilot holes.

Having said this, according to Chris Huston, that is exactly how the Bigsby was installed on Lennons 1958 325 Capri.

I wouldn't tempt fate in this manner, however.

Rich Snyder, who recently installed a Bigsby on his 350 wrote

"After carefully placing the B5 in the center of the ramp...I drilled the pilot holes, turned the screws, and re-strung the guitar."

allseeingi · Post by **allseeingi** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 4:59 am

Thanks, I'll tell you how it goes when I get the bigsby.

mike381 · Post by **mike381** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:34 pm

A good carpenter is dependant on the quaility of his jigs. Woodworking is 80% setup and 20% action.

When ever I work on something of this sort I would first cover the area in low tac masking tape. Place the part on the area, clamp it in place (with a pad on both side of the clamp jaws).
Then check for proper alignment, Once you are sure it's in the proper place, mark the hole placement with a sharp Pencil.

Remove the piece, drill a small hole 1/4 the way down, then drill a second hole of the proper diameter for the screw.
If you are not sure what size that is, then do a couple of test holes in a similar density type of wood. I.E. not pine, a soft and common wood.

Then gentley remove the tape and screw the part on.

Good luck

hamiltone · Post by **hamiltone** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:49 am

I've just installed a B5 onto my 320 and I can thoroughly recommend taking your time to ensure that you get the B5 lined up before drilling any holes in the guitar. From my recent experience I would recommed marking out the four holes to start with and then drill one hole at a time, I used a 2mm drill bit for this. I also found it useful to ever-so-slightly countersink the top of each hole with a 4mm drill bit to help avoid cracking the finish when cutting the thread with the mounting screw. I then used a little graphite guitar grease in the hole to help ease the screw into the wood. Attach the B5 with the single screw and then re-check the marks for the other holes. Once you're happy that it's all still square, continue with the other three holes in the same way and your patience should pay off. Sit back and admire...

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:29 pm

Karl, can you post a picture of the guitar?

hamiltone · Post by **hamiltone** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 6:08 am

Gary

You will find a picture of it (minus strings) if you follow the 'modifying my new 320' thread in the 'Rickenbacker Vintage 325 Models' section. I'll post an updated photo soon.