Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello Mark; I find myself using the Bigsby more often when I play the 325v59. No dive bombing or anything, mostly Ventures style or the gentler effects of Chet Atkins and Les Paul. I've read that there is a graphite concoction available that will help the Bigsby stay in tune. What is this stuff? Where can I get some? And what is the proper way to apply it? Are there any pitfalls to be aware of in it's application? Should I even bother with this or just wait until the roller bridge is available from RIC as a spare part when the c58's are rolling? Once again, thanks for your help and time.
Mike
P.S. The sharp nut corner fix went well. Thanks again.

I have tried several things on Bigsby's

one is called 'Gunlube' it is a grease and graphite mixture and is okay but you can make your own version ...petroleum jelly and graphite mixed works fine ,it does break down quickly and is a bit messy .

another version is to wind your wound strings with a small section of teflon tape .you can get this in the plumbing department of a hardware store .
This does not need to be very long and one wrap will do the trick ,so putting on 40 wraps is a waste .

Next trick is to smooth over the notches of the saddles .I use a round edged file to first true the radius of the nothces ,then round over the edges and then buff them with either my Dremel motor tool or a stationery buffer.Jewlers rouge works fine for this .

Make sure the bridge is 'anchored' and everything is adjust properly ...otherwise it won't work .

I own three Gretsch's all with Bigsby's ....you learn to deal with it .

Same thing for the nut end .

The stringing of the strings on the tuners is also critical ,too much angle -BAD
not enough angle -BAD

Fine a medium .

Thanks Mark.