Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm thinking about putting a bigsby on my mapleglo 330 - but which Bigsby does the trick? Don't people use the B5 to 'Lennonize' their 325 models? Would the larger body size and full scale of the 330 require a different model?

I'm also thinking about doing gold guards and trc, too, but I'll keep the hi-gains.

Any knowledge would be helpful! Thanks,

I like the Bigsby B-5, I put one one the Forum Guitar I built and it stays in tune perfectly. As for Gold Guards: they are my favorite, I make them also.

I think the design of the 330 calls for a bit more real estate in a Bigsby. I'd go for a B3 personally, but would probably mod it in some way because the Gretsch visual would compromise the Rickenbacker's identity. It could be something as simple as machining out the black-painted area to let the guitar's finish show through, and maybe thinning the ribs a bit.

The smaller semi-solids like the 310s and 320s look great with the B5. I would think it'd look fine on a 620 or 660, too.

The tuno-matic style bridge of the 330 might require a B7 or B5 as they have the added torsion bar required. I know this is the case with epiphone and gibson tunomatic-ed guitars so I'm guessing the same applies here.

John Fogerty had a B5 installed on his model 1997 Fireglo which he used for the making of the Premonition DVD. It seemed to work fine.

I wouldn't be game enough to put a Bigsby on any of my current Ricks. If I purchased a 'project' guitar, I'd have a go for sure - more than likely a B5.

Anybody got a trashed 600 series that they'd like to get rid of for next to nothing?

Hmmmmm.... I thought not!!

Dream on, Aitch............

You've used that 'Premonition' word again, Peter!!!

I've got a B-3 on mine. It works ok -- but that said, I'll be replacing it with a B-7 in a few months.

B-3>B-7=B cause?

Why?

All I need is B9 to have BINGO!

I get a little buzz when using light gauge strings with the B3. The angle isn't steep enough. I usually use really heavy strings on it, though, so it's not a huge deal.

Bradley: I agree with your observations. I have yet to see a Bigsby perform well with light gauge strings.

A good compromise is to have light top and heavy bottom. This arrangement seems to work adequately.

In my experience, a fair amount of tension is required for it to function well.

Ethan, whatever you decide on, please post a picture of the finished guitar.

Just my .02c....

A while ago I saw a 340 with a B-5 Bigsby and asked (without knowing any better...) "Factory bigsby??"

The point I'm trying to make is as thus: It LOOKED right on the guitar. I'd go B-5

To my way of thinking, there are two reasons not to use a B5 on a larger-bodied guitar like a 330.

1. It's too small for so much real estate.

2. It's really intended for solid body guitars, and you need to be sure that your 330 has enough meat under the mounting area.

3. Why drill holes when using a B5 or B7 leaves you the option of going back to original whenever you like?

OK, 3 reasons.

Ressurecting this thread...I fancy a bigsby on one of my 330's, probably my 1980 gtr.

Reading this, I still don't know which to use.
Dale seems happy with a B5, but Paul puts reasonable arguments against.

SO.....what are the options available & does anyone have pics of said options? Knowing little about Bigsbys, what's the difference between B5 & B7? Would either of these do the job, is it just a matter of personal preference?

Also...can you still use the Ric bridge, or would you need a bowtie?