Bigsby with Jaguar style bridge mounting?

TeleGeir · June 2nd, 2003, 08:50 AM

Ok, having succeeded nicely with the Buck Owens Bigsby (not too difficult since I didn't do it myself), I am thinking about using one with a Jag bridge like this:

Now the bodies I have coming in are already drilled for a 4 hole vintage bridge. This contraption it seems will use 3 screw holes plus some big one for the bridge ferrules at the left there. Is that a correct assumption?

If so, is this going to be a bit of a mess, or are the vintage holes far enough away that it won't be a problem? Is this pic that Fuzzy posted once correct im my case?

I remember someone posted a great Bigsby "tutorial" once, but I am not sure it still exists around here...

TIA,
Geir :)

Poppatwang · June 2nd, 2003, 09:18 AM

Looks right to me. I installed that setup on mine.
I used "paper tape", a low adhesive tape for securing
art paper to a drawing board. Applied tape to body
(mine was factory finished) as a surface to draw
template on. Measure, mark & recheck 3 times before
drilling. I put the ground wire thru the side of the
bridge ferrule hole.

Good luck!

hiptone · June 2nd, 2003, 10:11 AM

To save your sanity dump the jag bridge and use a mustang bridge. The small threads that are supposed to hole the strings in place do not function. The mustang bridge saddles have one groove and is the way to go.

hiptone · June 2nd, 2003, 10:12 AM

To save your sanity dump the jag bridge and use a mustang bridge. The small threads that are supposed to hole the strings in place do not function. The mustang bridge saddles have one groove and is the way to go.

Mark · June 2nd, 2003, 10:39 AM

Also, if that's the cheap plastic bridge plate you get in those Bigsby kits, get the real thing from Allparts.

Slim · June 2nd, 2003, 09:29 PM

Judging from that pic, I am guessing you're getting that from RelicMasters. I have the exact same kit (as the B-50 pictured, but I have the B-5) and it is fantastic, however on the body I had, I had to route a bit away from the bridge hole to get the bridge pup to fit. You may have better luck, but I drilled the bridge ferrule holes where the centers were exactly equidistant from the 12th fret as the nut was from the 12th fret, so I wouldn't have to adjust the saddle intonation. As a result, the bridge-plate was too close to the neck to allow ample room for the pickup. In retrospect, I should have made sure the bridge pick-up fit, even if it meant drastically shifting the saddles for intonation.

Hope yours works though. Good Luck and enjoy!

TeleGeir · June 2nd, 2003, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slim

Judging from that pic, I am guessing you're getting that from RelicMasters.

Actually, I haven't yet gotten as far as deciding to get it at all. It was just an idea, based on the fact that they offer relicing (or "aging") of hardware.

Thanks for your advice and warning. And thanks to everyone else!

I'll give it all some thought. I have got the bodies and the necks now (see my new post about the other neck.)

Geir :)

MandyMarie · June 2nd, 2003, 10:34 PM

Guys, I'm not too good with these other bridges - is the bridge on my '68 a Jazzmaster bridge or a Mustang bridge? I've always said it was a Jazzmaster bridge, but Hiptone made me wonder...mine holds a tune like a champ, but after seeing Tele295's pics I sure want to go back to that standard Telecaster bridgeplate.

TeleGeir - please don't make fun of me...it's taped off black binding

:D

0le FUZZY · June 2nd, 2003, 11:29 PM

But with the pole pieces changed out with Tele 6 pole bridge pieces.

The Mustang had all different diameter poles.

Here iss watt I done with one of mine. 6 liddo rollers all inna row goin "Go man Go man Go man Go".

Hay it werks don't knock kit!!

Notice only the big E and B git bent the others come up threw the body. Kind of a cheap b-bender !! HEE! HEE!

I'll put it back so all 6 git bent some day when I git a roun-tew-witt.
0.F.

T-Joe · June 2nd, 2003, 11:50 PM

It doesn't matter what kind of bridge they have or what color they are. Here's the one I made with the Relicmaster set-up.

TeleGeir · June 2nd, 2003, 11:55 PM

Here of course is mine...:

Geir :)

T-Joe · June 3rd, 2003, 12:07 AM

I've been outdone by a double-bound! :D That is one beautiful Buck Telegeir. Hurry up with that new one.

MandyMarie · June 3rd, 2003, 01:11 PM

I know I keep sayin' it, but I sure like the looks of that standard Tele bridge!

James W · June 3rd, 2003, 07:46 PM

http://photos.yahoo.com/grievousangels

Just click on the Bigsby T... icon when you get there. Ignore the typos which I have yet to correct even though the pic's are almost a year old.

I have a link to the pic's on my profile page also.

The orginal bridge on the tele in the pic's is not the vintage 4-hole type like those on MIM standard teles so this might not answer all of your questions but it should be a start.

There are 5 holes that hold down the bigsby bridge plate and two more big holes for the bridge ferrules.

You should probably invest in a drill press, a drill bit index, a ruler graduated to 64ths, a digital caliper, a tape measure, and anger management classes just in case you mess up

You can get away with less than that but everything I bought for my bigsby project I still use regularly -- they're just handy tohave around.

Feel free to post questions or email me directly.

--James W

TeleGeir · June 4th, 2003, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James W

http://photos.yahoo.com/grievousangels
Just click on the Bigsby T... icon when you get there.

Thanks James. That is brilliant stuff, Exactly what I was referring to. (I should be better at saving links like that.)

Quote:

You should probably invest in a drill press, a drill bit index, a ruler graduated to 64ths, a digital caliper, a tape measure, and anger management classes just in case you mess up

Hmmm... Luckily I bought two bodies. That way "if at first I don't succeed". Knock on wood (in this case ash top and back on poplar).

My drill press probably is not quite up to the task. I will have to check all my equipment out. I am planning on building a new garage here, and turn the old one into a workshop. That would be fun!

Geir :)

Mik · June 4th, 2003, 10:59 AM

Mustang bridge drops right in a stock factory-bigsby Tele ('65 Stang bridge onto my '71 Tele). In fact (I think) the stang and the Btele share the same bridge cradle.

Mik

Jkard883 · June 4th, 2003, 12:21 PM

I recently mounted a Bibsby on a Mexican Tele as part of a learning experience. I used the site James W posted above and it helped a great deal.

If you are interested, I posted some pictures of my project at http://www.1966gto.com/bigsbyDefault.aspx

Let me know if you have any questions or can't access the site.

Have fun!

Jay Kardong
Seattle WA

TeleGeir · June 4th, 2003, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkard883

I recently mounted a Bibsby on a Mexican Tele as part of a learning experience. I used the site James W posted above and it helped a great deal.

If you are interested, I posted some pictures of my project at http://www.1966gto.com/bigsbyDefault.aspx

Let me know if you have any questions or can't access the site.

Have fun!

Jay Kardong
Seattle WA

That is mighty cool Jay! Really like it! We shall see if I end up with a Bigsby on one of mine. Not quite decided yet...

Geir :)

James W · June 5th, 2003, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeleGeir

That is mighty cool Jay! Really like it! We shall see if I end up with a Bigsby on one of mine. Not quite decided yet...

Geir :)

Yeah, Jay took some awesome pictures -- really detailed close-ups and much better lighting than my pic's. Also, the Midnight Wine finish makes it easier to see what's going on. Great job, Jay!

--James W

Mike Better · June 6th, 2003, 03:21 AM

I'm gonna play devil's advocate here and say "do you need another Bigsby?" That Bucktele is sweet, I'd move on to a different niche in the world that is double-bound teles.. I said it a couple times before, Geir, you need a Nashville West tele in that bunch! With a bender! Talk about the most famous reindeer of all..

Mike

TeleGeir · June 6th, 2003, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Better

I'm gonna play devil's advocate here and say "do you need another Bigsby?" That Bucktele is sweet, I'd move on to a different niche in the world that is double-bound teles.. I said it a couple times before, Geir, you need a Nashville West tele in that bunch! With a bender! Talk about the most famous reindeer of all..

Well Mike. You know, I think I am already past "need".

Seriously, when I set out on this new Telecaster mission of mine, I wanted the following:
* A fat tele for blues (Albert Collins)
* A tele for 5 string open G ('62 RI)
* A Bigsby Tele (Buck Owens)
* A Thinline (90s Thinline)
* An Esquire (?)

When I started, the Tux was going to be the Esquire. But as you know, it didn't end that way. Instead the Tux became the dream Tele. I know what the Esquire will be, but that is a bit down the line...

Now that I got what I wanted, I can experiment. So far I have sort of set my gadget limit this side of the bender. But hey, who knows. So excuse my ignorance: a Nashville West bender tele would be what? Is this the Clarence White tele? Sunburst with maple neck, I guess, and I believe I heard something about a Strat PU. But what hardware and PUs? I'd need a professional installation of the bender, I am sure.

Geir :)

June 2nd, 2003, 08:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
TeleGeir Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bergen, Norway Posts: 1,998	Bigsby with Jaguar style bridge mounting? Ok, having succeeded nicely with the Buck Owens Bigsby (not too difficult since I didn't do it myself), I am thinking about using one with a Jag bridge like this: Now the bodies I have coming in are already drilled for a 4 hole vintage bridge. This contraption it seems will use 3 screw holes plus some big one for the bridge ferrules at the left there. Is that a correct assumption? If so, is this going to be a bit of a mess, or are the vintage holes far enough away that it won't be a problem? Is this pic that Fuzzy posted once correct im my case? I remember someone posted a great Bigsby "tutorial" once, but I am not sure it still exists around here... TIA, Geir :) __________________ "This is a room in Paul's house."

June 2nd, 2003, 09:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
Poppatwang Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 1,867 13 Photos	Fuzzy Pic Looks right to me. I installed that setup on mine. I used "paper tape", a low adhesive tape for securing art paper to a drawing board. Applied tape to body (mine was factory finished) as a surface to draw template on. Measure, mark & recheck 3 times before drilling. I put the ground wire thru the side of the bridge ferrule hole. Good luck!

June 2nd, 2003, 10:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
hiptone TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: So Cal Posts: 66	Make that a MUSTANG bridge To save your sanity dump the jag bridge and use a mustang bridge. The small threads that are supposed to hole the strings in place do not function. The mustang bridge saddles have one groove and is the way to go.

June 2nd, 2003, 10:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
hiptone TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: So Cal Posts: 66	Make that a MUSTANG bridge To save your sanity dump the jag bridge and use a mustang bridge. The small threads that are supposed to hole the strings in place do not function. The mustang bridge saddles have one groove and is the way to go.

June 2nd, 2003, 10:39 AM	#5 (permalink)
Mark Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Kingston, RI Posts: 132	Bridge plate Also, if that's the cheap plastic bridge plate you get in those Bigsby kits, get the real thing from Allparts.

June 2nd, 2003, 09:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
Slim Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Fayetteville, AR Posts: 306	Judging from that pic, I am guessing you're getting that from RelicMasters. I have the exact same kit (as the B-50 pictured, but I have the B-5) and it is fantastic, however on the body I had, I had to route a bit away from the bridge hole to get the bridge pup to fit. You may have better luck, but I drilled the bridge ferrule holes where the centers were exactly equidistant from the 12th fret as the nut was from the 12th fret, so I wouldn't have to adjust the saddle intonation. As a result, the bridge-plate was too close to the neck to allow ample room for the pickup. In retrospect, I should have made sure the bridge pick-up fit, even if it meant drastically shifting the saddles for intonation. Hope yours works though. Good Luck and enjoy!

June 2nd, 2003, 10:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
MandyMarie Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Age: 28 Posts: 2,466 65 Photos	Which is mine? Guys, I'm not too good with these other bridges - is the bridge on my '68 a Jazzmaster bridge or a Mustang bridge? I've always said it was a Jazzmaster bridge, but Hiptone made me wonder...mine holds a tune like a champ, but after seeing Tele295's pics I sure want to go back to that standard Telecaster bridgeplate. TeleGeir - please don't make fun of me...it's taped off black binding :D

June 2nd, 2003, 11:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
0le FUZZY Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kolly-forn-knee-ya Posts: 10,001 6 Photos	Looks lika Mustang But with the pole pieces changed out with Tele 6 pole bridge pieces. The Mustang had all different diameter poles. Here iss watt I done with one of mine. 6 liddo rollers all inna row goin "Go man Go man Go man Go". Hay it werks don't knock kit!! Notice only the big E and B git bent the others come up threw the body. Kind of a cheap b-bender !! HEE! HEE! I'll put it back so all 6 git bent some day when I git a roun-tew-witt. 0.F.

June 2nd, 2003, 11:50 PM	#10 (permalink)
T-Joe Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Whidbey Island,WA Posts: 190	I love 'em with a Bigsby It doesn't matter what kind of bridge they have or what color they are. Here's the one I made with the Relicmaster set-up. __________________ Cheers from Beer Lake, T-Joe

June 2nd, 2003, 11:55 PM	#11 (permalink)
TeleGeir Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bergen, Norway Posts: 1,998	Since we are in picture mode Here of course is mine...: Geir :) __________________ "This is a room in Paul's house."

June 3rd, 2003, 12:07 AM	#12 (permalink)
T-Joe Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Whidbey Island,WA Posts: 190	Touche I've been outdone by a double-bound! :D That is one beautiful Buck Telegeir. Hurry up with that new one. __________________ Cheers from Beer Lake, T-Joe

June 3rd, 2003, 01:11 PM	#13 (permalink)
MandyMarie Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Age: 28 Posts: 2,466 65 Photos	I know I keep sayin' it, but I sure like the looks of that standard Tele bridge!

June 3rd, 2003, 07:46 PM	#14 (permalink)
James W Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 183	I think you are referring to this... http://photos.yahoo.com/grievousangels Just click on the Bigsby T... icon when you get there. Ignore the typos which I have yet to correct even though the pic's are almost a year old. I have a link to the pic's on my profile page also. The orginal bridge on the tele in the pic's is not the vintage 4-hole type like those on MIM standard teles so this might not answer all of your questions but it should be a start. There are 5 holes that hold down the bigsby bridge plate and two more big holes for the bridge ferrules. You should probably invest in a drill press, a drill bit index, a ruler graduated to 64ths, a digital caliper, a tape measure, and anger management classes just in case you mess up You can get away with less than that but everything I bought for my bigsby project I still use regularly -- they're just handy tohave around. Feel free to post questions or email me directly. --James W

June 4th, 2003, 10:59 AM	#16 (permalink)
Mik Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,416	Mustang bridge drops right in a stock factory-bigsby Tele ('65 Stang bridge onto my '71 Tele). In fact (I think) the stang and the Btele share the same bridge cradle. Mik __________________ a "motor-bike with a touch of blood in it is better than all the riding animals on earth, because of its logical extension of our faculties, and the hint, the provocations, to excess."-T.E. Lawrence

June 4th, 2003, 12:21 PM	#17 (permalink)
Jkard883 NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 6	More Bigsby Install Pics..... :) I recently mounted a Bibsby on a Mexican Tele as part of a learning experience. I used the site James W posted above and it helped a great deal. If you are interested, I posted some pictures of my project at http://www.1966gto.com/bigsbyDefault.aspx Let me know if you have any questions or can't access the site. Have fun! Jay Kardong Seattle WA

June 6th, 2003, 03:21 AM	#20 (permalink)
Mike Better Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Age: 27 Posts: 507	I'm gonna play devil's advocate here and say "do you need another Bigsby?" That Bucktele is sweet, I'd move on to a different niche in the world that is double-bound teles.. I said it a couple times before, Geir, you need a Nashville West tele in that bunch! With a bender! Talk about the most famous reindeer of all.. Mike