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What are the differences between John Lennon's original Bigsby and the modern version?

From what I have read, it is 7% smaller...

Lennon's B5 was a USA version with allen screws at the string posts. Same size as the modern non-plated reissue.

Lennon's Bigsby was an early U.S. import before U.K. Selmer began making them.

The Bigsby's on Paul's and George's Casinos are U.K. made.

Well that's interesting, Karl. Like Isaac, I've been reading that it was smaller.

By "modern non-plated reissue" do you mean the B5 that is being sold now?

The Selmer B5's are slightly smaller due to casting from U.S. parts so, yes, the U.K. B5's are "smaller". Another characteristic of the Selmer B5's were the use of slot head screws to hold the string posts secure.

Lennon originally purchased a U.S. made B5.

U.S. Bigsby today makes a chrome plated B5 and a non plated B5 that is like the way they were original made. You want a non plated B5 if you are going for a vintage Lennon look. The modern B5's have 'press in' style string posts and a smooth domed handle stud. You can always search places like ebay for a vintage B5 with allens and pick up a phillips stud from the hardware store and easily modify. Original phillip studs can also be found by doing a little searching.

Close up photos of Lennon's B5 show it's an American version with allen screws at the string posts with a phillips handle stud.

I remember when Bigsby had a distribution office in town, over by the airport. That was when Gibsons were still made here in the 'Zoo.

Karl, can you tell me what to look for in the photos so I can learn to identify the Selmer B5 from the US B5?

Selmer = slightly smaller mold casting with a smaller phillips handle stud and 'slot head' string pin screws. Smaller bowtie casting.

US Bigsby = standard bolder shaped mold casting with 'allen' style string pin screws heads.

Refer to late 50's USA Bigsby's for phillip handle stud and bowtie castings sizes (same size as Lennon's).

That's about it.

Do you have any idea why many people, John Hall included, seems to think that Lennon's Bigsby was the smaller one and not the same size as the current B5?

Is it really hard to tell the difference from pictures?

Most people assume Lennon's B5 was UK made because the B5 was in the UK at the time of purchase.

Chris Huston, the person who installed the unit, also believes Lennon's B5 was a US import.

Respectfully, unless one does their homework 100% they will believe what others say (who haven't done their homework 100% either).

Go buy a dozen old Bigsby's from the late 50's and early 60's, including Selmers, and compare yourself. That's what I had to do.

It is hard to tell just from photos but once you have the real parts in hand you can then easily see the differences in the photos.

While I understand what you're saying, and I really would like to know the truth, I'm hoping to find out without having to buy an old Bigsby.

I can't find any comparative pictures of Selmer vs. Lennon's Bigsby. I can't even find any detailed specification of any Bigsby on the web.

Maybe you, or someone else, could post some pictures pointing out the difference between the selmer and B5. I imagine a lot of people would find this enlightening

Visit the 'BeatGear Cavern' forum for enlightenment.

A photo of a full Selmer B5 package was posted over there just last week.

Karl,
You mentioned that you could find a Phillips stud to modify the new dome stud (that comes with the Bigsby B5) in a hardware store. Do you know the exact specs for the proper size, thread, screw head shape (round, oval or flat) and material (stainless steel, Nickel, etc.)? Also, I have read that there is a certain Phillips head slot pattern that is the accurate vintage pattern. How can you tell which is the correct Phillips pattern? Last but not least, do you have any tips on installing the new screw and do you need to purchase new washers and lock nuts, or can you re-use the existing hardware? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Check your email David.

Thanks for the info Karl!