Anyone play one of these?

Hi all,

I'm new here. I just got this
http://img496.imageshack.us/img496/8156/dscn09518gp.jpg
to replace this
http://img496.imageshack.us/img496/6571/dscn08004vd.jpg.

I'm just wondering who else plays one of these new 50's Tele's with Bigsby. I love the fact that it has a really huge (nearly 1" at 12th fret) neck with a slight "v" shape. It really feels good on the hands. My old thinline (20 years old) was causing quite a bit of pain in my thumb (only about .7" at 12th fret), and I have been looking for a while for a big necked guitar so I wouldn't have to mess with getting a new neck on the old one. Plus, I really enjoy the Bigsby - it makes the guitar even more versatile.

I'm not super excited about the stock pickups in the new one. I changed the old thinline to SD Alnico Pro II's, which I liked quite a bit. I'm going to go peruse the pickup forum to learn more. Hmmm, there are a LOT more choices now than there were 20 years ago.

I just wanted to say "hello" and to see if anyone else enjoys this WONDERFUL guitar.

(Love all of the Tele's here!!!!)

I've got one just like yours and like it alot. I feel the same as you do about the pickups...not it's strongest point. The rest of the guitar is so cool I can live with the pu's for now.

He fractal!

I built my parts-o-caster, but the bigsby sure does get some work. Love that wiggle!

http://www.lilypix.com/photos/data/71ad16ad2c4d81f348082ff6c4b20768/2344_p35436.jpg

I'm very tempted by that 50's with the Bigsby. But I know I can't live with a Bigsby. It sure is one of the coolest-looking teles, though!

I'm very tempted by that 50's with the Bigsby. But I know I can't live with a Bigsby. It sure is one of the coolest-looking teles, though!

This is my first Bigsby. I'm curious why you can't live with it. Are there tuning stability issues? I've been impressed with mine so far. Anything I should look out for?

Thanks in advance...

Here's mine with the natural finish.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/jwells393/52BigsbyBF.jpg

Must admit, I haven't played it much.

Here's mine with the natural finish.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/jwells393/52BigsbyBF.jpg

Must admit, I haven't played it much.

I ALMOST got that one. That was the one that got me interested. The store had four (!) of them in stock. The first two (including the one hung on the wall) had setup problems, so I used that as an excuse to keep trying ones in the back. The third one they pulled out had the white-wash style finish, and at first I didn't like the appearance as much. However, it had what felt like an even bigger neck, which is what I wanted. I've since decided I actually like my finish a lot, maybe even more than the natural (just my opinion, of course). I'm glad I was able to try a bunch of them. This one is a lifetime keeper for sure!

jwells, do you have another that you like better?

This is my first Bigsby. I'm curious why you can't live with it. Are there tuning stability issues? I've been impressed with mine so far. Anything I should look out for?

Thanks in advance...

Tuning shouldn't be a big problem. I just find that the Bigsby action is usually too mild, and I find the bar a bit clunky in actual use. The two Bigsby guitars I've had just didn't cut it for me. It's just a personal preference thing.

Still the coolest looking things out there, though! :)

jwells, do you have another that you like better?

It's not that I have one I like better. I have quite a few guitars. Some just don't get played that often. I pulled this one out of the case today. Think I'll leave it out and play it for a while.

I love the fact that it has a really huge (nearly 1" at 12th fret) neck with a slight "v" shape.

Are you sure it's that thick? The normal 50s models are not nearly that chunky. They're a slight bit beefier than an American series neck, but after playing necks that are really chunky I wouldn't describe the 50s classic necks as anything more than a small handfull.

jwells, do you have another that you like better?

It's not that I have one I like better. I have quite a few guitars. Some just don't get played that often. I pulled this one out of the case today. Think I'll leave it out and play it for a while.

COMPLETELY understand. Have fun!

I love the fact that it has a really huge (nearly 1" at 12th fret) neck with a slight "v" shape.

Are you sure it's that thick? The normal 50s models are not nearly that chunky. They're a slight bit beefier than an American series neck, but after playing necks that are really chunky I wouldn't describe the 50s classic necks as anything more than a small handfull.

Hi eryque,

I can't find my micrometer or a pair of calipers right now, but I did a quick measurement using a laser level and a clear ruler. The laser isn't a great one, so it made a pretty thick line - harder to measure, but I'd say the neck is around 31/32" at the 12th fret (not counting the fret itself, of course). This is one reason why I like this guitar so much. Much less than this (at least at 1 5/8" nut width) causes some pretty consistent thumb aches for me.

But, this isn't really an accurate period piece right? Were any Bigsbys put on Teles in the 50's?

Hi eryque,

I can't find my micrometer or a pair of calipers right now, but I did a quick measurement using a laser level and a clear ruler. The laser isn't a great one, so it made a pretty thick line - harder to measure, but I'd say the neck is around 31/32" at the 12th fret (not counting the fret itself, of course). This is one reason why I like this guitar so much. Much less than this (at least at 1 5/8" nut width) causes some pretty consistent thumb aches for me.

But, this isn't really an accurate period piece right? Were any Bigsbys put on Teles in the 50's?

Oops, I meant the "normal 50s classic models are not nearly that chunky..." I remember when they first came out and everyone was raving about how chunky the necks on their 50s classics were. I wanted to believe that the neck on my CA Fat Tele was vintage chunky too. But in reality they were both just a little meatier than a modern neck. But a neck that's pushing 1" thick is what I call chunky, and if I can buy stock 50s classic w/ bigbsy and a neck like that there's a chance that I'll actually own a stock Fender someday. The natural finish don't hurt none, either. I'll still always fantasize about a blackguard tele with nice grain on the body. [/b]