Bigsby on my Monaco Elite?

[Jakeboy]

I might put a Bigbsy on my Monaco Elite Mahogany....I have nev used one only a Strat trem and Ibanez locking trems from the 80s. What should I expect it to do to he tone? Tuning issues?

My Monaco is LP scale length. I would like another guitar with a vibrato bar to use if I leave my Strat at home. I would use a Vibramate to keep from drilling any new holes.

Bigbsy owners, do you like them?

Mark

[RobB]

I am a big supporter of the Vibramate products. They are a practical, non-destructive and EASY way of adding a Bigsby vibrato to your guitar.

Things I do with Bigsby's:

1. I like to do the "Tom Anderson" mod, which has been discussed on the HFC a few times. It basically entails pulling the string pins from the bar, drilling the holes through all the way and counter-sinking the holes on both sides. This makes it much easier to string up and lessens tuning issues due to better anchoring of the strings. Have this mod done by a pro unless you have the proper machining tools and experience.

2. Order a shorter, 5/8" spring for the palm bar. It allows the bar to sit closer to the body. Depending on how the setup is, you can usually remove the nylon washer, too.

3. Make sure your bridge/nut slots are cut properly. A bit of Big Bend's Nut Sauce helps both north and south. Hamer gets by fine using standard TOMs with their Newports, but others on the HFC have had good luck with the Schaller roller bridge and the Gotoh version.

4. Locking tuners. These may not be necessary (see #3 above), but they couldn't hurt. They weigh more than standard tuners, so keep that in mind if you feel they'll make your guitar neck-heavy.

5. Keep it lubed, like any mechanical, steel device. 3in1 or sewing machine oil works well.

6. Take time to learn to use the Bigsby. They sound more "vocal" to my ears. It responds differently than a floating Strat trem/Floyd, etc., but a little patience and listening to yourself will reap rewards. Atkins, Setzer, have a great touch on the Bigsby. Have Fun!

[murkat]

A slippery nut install would help keep it in tune as well.

6/6 nylon nut

graphtech

I have a many success with the nylon nut

[Jakeboy]

Good info! Thanks very much all....

[gorch]

... What should I expect it to do to he tone? Tuning issues?...

No impact to the tone.

Possible tuning issues to be expected. Bigsbies are no locking tremolos. That implies that there is a chance for tuning issues. A roller bridge might help in case tuning issues exist.

[murkat]

" Who would be good to send the Bigsby to for drilling"

Yes, I have done a few of them. Very good mod.

[RobB]

Yes, I have done a few of them. Very good mod.

+1. Again, I can't stress the importance of a high-speed drill press/bits and experience for performing this mod. A botched job will ruin your $150 vibrato.

Send it to Jaye, he'll treat ya right.