I put the GFS cheap vibrato on my Epi Junior...

Tim Armstrong · December 5th, 2009, 02:18 PM

I just got my Epiphone Junior back from a friend who bought it from me last winter, and I put one of these on it:

Here it is on the guitar:

It was an easy install, and it works quite well with the bridge (an adjustable upgrade that I also got from GFS last year). I also have Sperzels on the guitar (got them from a friend for cheap last year, and a handy thing to have with a whammy!).

Anyway, it works very much like a Bigsby, and so far the tuning stability seems okay (I'm gonna gig it tonight). I think I might get a beefier, stiffer spring, but if it works okay tonight, I may not...

Tim

Daddydex · December 5th, 2009, 02:25 PM

Nice job Tim! I hope it works out for you.

Dan

Stuco · December 5th, 2009, 02:29 PM

That's cool, let us know how it works.

alvis · December 5th, 2009, 03:17 PM

Nothin wrong with those .My brother had a Norma or somethin like that ,with that kind of whammy in the late 60's
As I recall they did the trick pretty good . I think I have one outside in the shop .I just need somethin to put it on

Stevie 202 · December 5th, 2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuco

That's cool, let us know how it works.

+1
very interesting

iansmitchell · December 5th, 2009, 04:20 PM

I might try one of those on my SG.
Seems like it would be cool to put it at JM-type distance for that 3rd bridge party.

redstringuitar · December 5th, 2009, 04:31 PM

Careful with those harmonic dive-bombs now...

JohnnyCrash · December 5th, 2009, 04:50 PM

That Tim, is a ghetto blaster!

I bet everything total, still ran under $200.

Let me know how that vibrato works... I might have a use for one of those myself.

telel6s · December 5th, 2009, 04:59 PM

That's similar to what is on my '68 Yamaha....except the Yamaha has the cool faux wood sticker.

The whammy itself works fine. The bridge is actually mounted with springs so it moves up and down a bit when use the whammy which I suppose lessens the the strings' movement across the saddles. As for staying in tune, it's somewhat hit or miss with this guitar....but I think that has more to do with a thin-ish neck and open gear tuners than just the whammy.

Tim Armstrong · December 5th, 2009, 04:59 PM

I just put in about a half-hour of playing and am pleasantly gratified by the thing. The guitar is staying in tune! Actionwise, it's just like using a Bigsby. I think this might be the best $21.95 plus shipping that I've ever invested in guitar parts!

Tim

JohnnyCrash · December 5th, 2009, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

I just put in about a half-hour of playing and am pleasantly gratified by the thing. The guitar is staying in tune! Actionwise, it's just like using a Bigsby. I think this might be the best $21.95 plus shipping that I've ever invested in guitar parts!

Tim

Thanks for that report... I might buy two, chop them up and make a 2 spring, 2 string version for a G and B bender - then build myself that lapsteel I've been planning on for faux pedal steel!

Can't wait to fire up the grinder and put on the safety goggles...

Does it bend at least a full step?

Groovey Records · December 5th, 2009, 05:25 PM

Crash you are in need of serious help

a G/B Wammy lap steel

ho ho

Tim Armstrong · December 5th, 2009, 05:29 PM

I kind of wonder how well this thing would work for that purpose, I think it kind of needs the pull from all six strings...

Tim

Mightyaxeman · December 5th, 2009, 05:34 PM

Whats holding your bridge in place?

Tim Armstrong · December 5th, 2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mightyaxeman

Whats holding your bridge in place?

The positive power of prayer!

Actually, it's an adjustable upgraded wraparound bridge. The string pressure holds it down, and it doesn't seem to want to move laterally...

Tim

TG · December 5th, 2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

I just got my Epiphone Junior back from a friend who bought it from me last winter...

Same here. Missed the little bugger and begged for it back.
But I'm keeping mine stock and using it for slide.

6942 · December 5th, 2009, 06:25 PM

Those were quite common on many Teisco-made guitars from the late 60's/early 70's.

Steve

Muddslide · December 5th, 2009, 09:23 PM

So, will this work on pretty much any guitar with that kind of tailpiece?

Theoretically, could you cut off the back end of a Tele bridge where the saddles are and install one of these?

I'm interested because I have a cheap Tele copy I want to Bigsby up, but I can't really justify the cost of a "real" one.

Tim Armstrong · December 5th, 2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muddslide

So, will this work on pretty much any guitar with that kind of tailpiece?

Theoretically, could you cut off the back end of a Tele bridge where the saddles are and install one of these?

I'm interested because I have a cheap Tele copy I want to Bigsby up, but I can't really justify the cost of a "real" one.

You'd still need the Tele saddles, but you could probably make it work the same way guys make B-5 Bigsby vibratos work, by notching the back lip...

Tim

Jo-Anne · December 5th, 2009, 10:44 PM

Did they include mounting/placement instructions? Was it easy to install?

Tim Armstrong · December 5th, 2009, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jo-Anne

Did they include mounting/placement instructions? Was it easy to install?

No, they didn't, but it was very easy to install!

I put the low and high E strings on it and used them to line it up, marked the holes, drilled pilot holes, and then screwed it to the guitar top. Whole process took me all of five minutes!

Tim

charlie chitlin · December 5th, 2009, 11:03 PM

Looks like a pre-'85 Harley clutch spring might work if you want something heavier.
Rumor has it, the Bigsby prototypes used one.

studio1087 · December 5th, 2009, 11:27 PM

Looks really solid and clean....nice job!

Inspiring stuff Tim. Thanks for posting the pictures.

John

Mr. E · December 5th, 2009, 11:34 PM

Those juniors are awesome. They're really fun to mod.

eddiewagner · December 6th, 2009, 05:47 AM

looks very teiscoesque to me. in other works übercool. eddie

Dan German · December 6th, 2009, 11:39 AM

Dang it, I been riding the fence about one of those on a retro project I suddenly have time to work on... guess we know what I'm gonna do now!

Paul in Colorado · December 6th, 2009, 12:24 PM

No, the Bigsbys used Harley VALVE speings.

tdu · December 6th, 2009, 01:08 PM

Looks great Tim! Thanks for the update. Glad to hear it's working out well. I am definitely going to look into using one for a project.

charlie chitlin · December 6th, 2009, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul in Colorado

No, the Bigsbys used Harley VALVE speings.

I wonder when the first Bigsbys were made.
The only valve springs that could possibly work are pre-1930.

Tim Armstrong · December 6th, 2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie chitlin

I wonder when the first Bigsbys were made.
The only valve springs that could possibly work are pre-1930.

Bigsby worked as the machine shop foreman for Crocker Motorcycles, and the legend has it that his first vibrato used a Harley valve lifter spring.

Still, I reckon it'd be easier to just order a Bigsby spring if I wanted one!

Tim

charlie chitlin · December 6th, 2009, 10:20 PM

RIGHT! Now I remember the Bigsby-Crocker connection.
2 SERIOUS legends!

December 5th, 2009, 02:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ocean Pines, Maryland, USA Age: 51 Posts: 15,355	I put the GFS cheap vibrato on my Epi Junior... I just got my Epiphone Junior back from a friend who bought it from me last winter, and I put one of these on it: Here it is on the guitar: It was an easy install, and it works quite well with the bridge (an adjustable upgrade that I also got from GFS last year). I also have Sperzels on the guitar (got them from a friend for cheap last year, and a handy thing to have with a whammy!). Anyway, it works very much like a Bigsby, and so far the tuning stability seems okay (I'm gonna gig it tonight). I think I might get a beefier, stiffer spring, but if it works okay tonight, I may not... Tim

December 5th, 2009, 02:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
Daddydex Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 2,631	Nice job Tim! I hope it works out for you. Dan __________________ My Music Page

December 5th, 2009, 02:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
Stuco Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: GA Posts: 5,391	That's cool, let us know how it works. __________________ -"You do not merely want to be considered just the best of the best. You want to be considered the only ones who do what you do" J. Garcia

December 5th, 2009, 03:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
alvis Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: TN Posts: 413	Nothin wrong with those .My brother had a Norma or somethin like that ,with that kind of whammy in the late 60's As I recall they did the trick pretty good . I think I have one outside in the shop .I just need somethin to put it on __________________ http://www.myspace.com/alvinyoungbloodhart

December 5th, 2009, 04:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
iansmitchell Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Gainesville, Florida Posts: 1,127	I might try one of those on my SG. Seems like it would be cool to put it at JM-type distance for that 3rd bridge party. __________________ ... Please do not insinuate anything sexual from that.

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December 5th, 2009, 04:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
redstringuitar Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Wales Posts: 2,101	Careful with those harmonic dive-bombs now... __________________ Do the people who pay the people who know know enough to know they know what they're being paid to know?

December 5th, 2009, 04:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
JohnnyCrash Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fullerton, CA Posts: 9,713	That Tim, is a ghetto blaster! I bet everything total, still ran under $200. Let me know how that vibrato works... I might have a use for one of those myself. __________________ - 3 Gibsons, 5 Teles, assorted other guitars, about a dozen amps, about two dozen pedals, and a Smith & Wesson SW40VE = too many toys, no money, carpal tunnel, and a serious hearing problem.

December 5th, 2009, 04:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
telel6s Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,346 67 Photos	That's similar to what is on my '68 Yamaha....except the Yamaha has the cool faux wood sticker. The whammy itself works fine. The bridge is actually mounted with springs so it moves up and down a bit when use the whammy which I suppose lessens the the strings' movement across the saddles. As for staying in tune, it's somewhat hit or miss with this guitar....but I think that has more to do with a thin-ish neck and open gear tuners than just the whammy. __________________ Mama always said, "A little tone is good for the soul." I'm riding in the June 2010 MS150

December 5th, 2009, 04:59 PM	#10 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ocean Pines, Maryland, USA Age: 51 Posts: 15,355	I just put in about a half-hour of playing and am pleasantly gratified by the thing. The guitar is staying in tune! Actionwise, it's just like using a Bigsby. I think this might be the best $21.95 plus shipping that I've ever invested in guitar parts! Tim

December 5th, 2009, 05:25 PM	#12 (permalink)
Groovey Records Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Desolation Row Posts: 2,389	Crash you are in need of serious help a G/B Wammy lap steel ho ho

December 5th, 2009, 05:29 PM	#13 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ocean Pines, Maryland, USA Age: 51 Posts: 15,355	I kind of wonder how well this thing would work for that purpose, I think it kind of needs the pull from all six strings... Tim

December 5th, 2009, 05:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
Mightyaxeman Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 351	Whats holding your bridge in place?

December 5th, 2009, 06:25 PM	#17 (permalink)
6942 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Santa Fe, NM Posts: 2,223	A blast from the past Those were quite common on many Teisco-made guitars from the late 60's/early 70's. Steve

December 5th, 2009, 09:23 PM	#18 (permalink)
Muddslide Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Gypsy Caravan. Currently, PDX Posts: 1,150	So, will this work on pretty much any guitar with that kind of tailpiece? Theoretically, could you cut off the back end of a Tele bridge where the saddles are and install one of these? I'm interested because I have a cheap Tele copy I want to Bigsby up, but I can't really justify the cost of a "real" one.

December 5th, 2009, 10:44 PM	#20 (permalink)
Jo-Anne TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 51	Did they include mounting/placement instructions? Was it easy to install?

December 5th, 2009, 11:03 PM	#22 (permalink)
charlie chitlin Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bucktown, Pa Age: 48 Posts: 4,138	Looks like a pre-'85 Harley clutch spring might work if you want something heavier. Rumor has it, the Bigsby prototypes used one. __________________ Dig yo'self http://www.reverbnation.com/theblueplatespecials

December 5th, 2009, 11:27 PM	#23 (permalink)
studio1087 Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 46 Posts: 8,163 36 Photos	Looks really solid and clean....nice job! Inspiring stuff Tim. Thanks for posting the pictures. John __________________ John "Truly there would be reason to go mad were it not for music." - PI Tchaikovsky

December 5th, 2009, 11:34 PM	#24 (permalink)
Mr. E Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Laredo, Texas Posts: 181	Those juniors are awesome. They're really fun to mod.

December 6th, 2009, 05:47 AM	#25 (permalink)
eddiewagner Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ROCK!linghausen/germany Age: 51 Posts: 5,776 27 Photos	looks very teiscoesque to me. in other works übercool. eddie __________________ My Drum/Guitar-Duo: www.myspace.com/captaintwangandhisrhythmcat

December 6th, 2009, 11:39 AM	#26 (permalink)
Dan German Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Rupert's Land Age: 50 Posts: 3,746	Dang it, I been riding the fence about one of those on a retro project I suddenly have time to work on... guess we know what I'm gonna do now! __________________ Resistance is useless; impedance isn't going to help much either! -Higgy

December 6th, 2009, 12:24 PM	#27 (permalink)
Paul in Colorado Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Fort Collins, CO Age: 57 Posts: 5,434 3 Photos	No, the Bigsbys used Harley VALVE speings. __________________ www.tuatha.net "There are only two kinds of music. Fast and slow."

December 6th, 2009, 01:08 PM	#28 (permalink)
tdu Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Age: 34 Posts: 3,257 11 Photos	Looks great Tim! Thanks for the update. Glad to hear it's working out well. I am definitely going to look into using one for a project. __________________ Torn Down Units brand Rock n' Roll My Solo Stuff:

December 6th, 2009, 10:20 PM	#31 (permalink)
charlie chitlin Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bucktown, Pa Age: 48 Posts: 4,138	RIGHT! Now I remember the Bigsby-Crocker connection. 2 SERIOUS legends! __________________ Dig yo'self http://www.reverbnation.com/theblueplatespecials

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