THE REAL CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO STARTS AT THE 6:00 MARK. SEEING, HEARING & DOING THIS WILL SAVE YOUR BIGSBY WORLD .Donations Via Paypal: mrmrswoodworker@aol.com Merchandise: www.doctorgroovymerch.com/
Please check out my acoustic guitar lessons channel: ru-vid.com/show-UCUT74DzWIwfhKOYyfK36OsQ It is 100% family friendly and each lesson is 20 minutes long, numbered in the sequence that you should learn in. It all starts out for the pure beginner and is easy to find a place to jump in if you are not a beginner. I really like adding videos to this channel and I add 5 lessons all at one time once a week. Thanks and subscribe. Scott
Hey nice guitar. I boughtthe cheap bigsby and i think i need a spoiler it seems like i had to add a vinyl tube on the axel after the pin and need to prevent it from pulling the bar back when i tune
Hi @groovy music, I've stringed my guitar not using the roller on the bigsby and it really helped for tuning stability. But as it is a b7, the string is long to the bridge and now causing some harmonic issues as those part of the string are now also resonating. How to fix that?
Doctor, I spoke too soon... I have NEVER Witnessed Anyone take a Floating Bridge and do what you did to it , and then put it back and the Damn Guitar is in tune, That Made My Day , Cool Shit, I Love It,. Keep on Keepin On Doc, Cheers, Cousin Figel
No. You´re here to show us that everything is really very simple with common sence and not a long math calculation as Gibson and others want us to believe... You Mister, and Will Gelvin are the one´s I really believe in when it come´s to guitars. Thank you dearly for your time and passions and balls to stand up and go against the mythical world of the big manufactures. You´re videos are priceless Doctor, thank You!
I tried this and it 100% works. I bought an epi 295 and had countless tuning issues. Saw this vid put on a roller bridge and strung the Bigsby as shown here... AMAZING transformation! The other bonus is that it feels getter to play and has bags more sustain. Thanks for posting this!!
LOL.... I can't believe that thing is still in tune after you moved the bridge. That is the first good laugh I have had all day. My hat is off to you Scott. If I ever get a Bigsby I'm going to remember this video and string it just like you do. Tks for posting, I always learn something from you.
Many thanks my friend. Other folks have been trying this now and making videos and sending the links to them. Their Bigsby equipped guitars WERE sitting in the back of their closet, now they just did this and all of them simply can't knock those guitars out of tune now. lol Pretty cool when an age old problem gets solved right in front of you huh? lol It's the most fun I've had with my clothes on before. I laughed my ass off as well when it finally worked under such goofy extremes. I'm glad you dug it too!
Just restrung my 330 with a Bigsby, and decided to try this because I was having tuning issues before. After stretching the strings, I can now finally use my bigsby without my guitar going out of tune. I also have no problem with the strings moving off the saddle.
It's always great to see Scott! His advice is nearly always sage and well thought out. I have heard several other guitar players say this eliminates their tuning problems as well for their Bigsby's.
Best advice ever,i have 6 bixby guitars and after seeing1 minute of youre video i stoped it and changed the string ways and what an incredible change,yiiipie after 40 years...thanx to u the man with exactsorightssyndrome,u maked my days brighter and nicer,thank u and thank u * 100!!!
Great video Scott! Nice to see someone string them the way the Guild Duane Eddy vibratos of the '60's were strung. None of that over under up and down crap like a Bigsby. Keep up the good work educating the DMF crowd. :-)
Brilliant. I've had a Bigsby strung like yours for a long time and felt somehow guilty, red faced etc. when purists say you can't do it like that. Thanks for justifying my approach to break angle. And thanks for your great playing.
Man . That’s the meanest setup of a Bigsby I’ve ever seen . Man that’s just amazing. Your a bleddy genius . I’ve seen so cooled experts making up things , special shafts , putting wedges under the bridge , & so on & so on . But never a simple thing like this . Your blood’s worth bottling.
I put some new 10's on my SG today....all I have to say is Holy cheet mang!! It has never stayed in tune with this amount of sustain.Thank you for passing on the knowledge brotherman.
Absolute gold! thank you! You've always been the best source for advise over the years. Re stringing my bigsby like that now, been using the same cheap Chinese roller bridge for a while as well, great little piece.
I love this ~ love, love, love it! This video changed my Gibson/Bigs tunings issues, and I had so much fun watching it! (and ~ wow, that gold top ES 295) I own two Gibson Bigs, but, for less than 7 months ~ my tuning issues solved NOW! Two LP ES models, both Bigs set up will immediately be strung just like you explained ~ forever more!
I've added Bigsby tremolos to several guitars and play them regularly. Some guitars DO require your to use a B5 or B7 (the ones with the tension roller). It all depends on the height of the bridge in relation to the top of the guitar (determined by neck angle). Break angle is not necessarily a "bad" word, as you do need SOME angle over the nut and bridge to create downward force to keep the strings from popping out or rattling in their slots, but, some manufacturers (such as Gibson/Epiphone) take things to the extreme. All that extra downforce from the excessive break angel just causes the strings to drag and bite into the bridge saddles, causing tuning issues when a Bigsby is thrown into the mix. Some guitars absolutely require the use of the tension roller. For example, my Gretsch ProJet came with a stud mounted, tune-o-matic bridge (like a Les Paul) that sat fairly close to the body. With the strings running under the tension roller, it had way too much break angle, but, without it, I did not have enough downward force on the bridge and the strings would pop out of the saddles. My solution was to remove the outer tension roller and just ran the strings under the "axle" that the tension roller previously rode on. This decreased the break angle by quite a bit. Then for added measure, I used a little trick I learned from "X" guitarist, Billy Zoom, and placed small nylon washers under the Bigsby (where the two screws go into the top of the body) to shim it up a little more. This gave me the happy medium I needed to eliminate excessive break angle, and still have enough downward force to keep my strings from popping out of the bridge saddles. One guitar that absolutely needs the tension roller Bigsby is a Tele. Without it, the strings would barely, if even, touch the saddles unless the neck was shimmed to increase bridge height. I don't know why Gibson/Epiphone insist on putting a tension roller Bigsby on that guitar. It does not need it with that tall of a bridge. They should have installed a B6, non-tension roller Bigsby at the factory. By the way, I have to give much respect to any guy "manly" enough to play a pink "Hello Kitty" guitar! LOL!
It works! I own about 30 guitars and only one with a Bigsby. It is a Les Paul Recording II. It would not stay in tune using the Bigsby. I even talked to Gibson and they didn't have a solution so I started a Google search and you popped up. Thanks Scott!!!
Got my self a Riviera 2 days ago... first guitar with a bigsby for me. I put the new strings “wrong” and played it for several hours... it didn’t go out of tune. Checked some pictures on the internet and noticed the difference in the strings... came to RU-vid and found this video. The thumbnail shows “the right way”... I watched the whole video only to discover that “doing it wrong” it’s better. Great video!!
I laughed my ass off when you started to abuse that poor bridge and the Bigsby. Thanks for the great vid once again! Keep 'em coming! Looking good there Scott!
Thanks for sharing. I have a Gibson Johnny A that popped the high 'E' string. I ended up installing the new string over the top. Works fine. I will be re-stringing the whole guitar your way soon. I enjoy all your columns. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for sharing this. I don’t have a guitar with a Bigsby but now I know what to do if I get one. It’s amazing how that kept in tune after using the Bigsby to that extent.
Man!!! That made my day, I was changin’ strings to my Riviera and put the strings “wrong” as u show on this video....then I played it and stayed on tune...of course I did search and found your video...and f@“& it! I loved to find this .....great tip!!! No more break angles for me then! Thank you doc!
Just got my Riviera P93 today, and ALREADY looking for the kind of solutions you offer. Most definitely subbed immediately and will go through your catalog. Already bought the DeoxitD5 before the video ended. Gonna re-watch while i ponder returning the thing(for a paint flaw) before i mod it . Thanks for posting!
This Meatloaf guy really is amazing... From rocky horror picture show to music career to a fantastic and educational youtube channel... Hot patootie bless my soul, I really love the way you troll....
I ended up doing this on my Les Paul. I bought a roller bridge and because of the string angle from the Bigsby tension bar, th ed strings were rubbing against the edge of the bridge. I realized that if I put the strings over the tension bar it worked fine. Better than fine, it felt good and played great. And no tuning issues.
Man this was hilarious. I am weird and love Gretsch and the Bigsby, but I use it very sparingly. Most of the newer Gretsch models have pins to set the bridge in the exact spot, but I like the idea of coming over the top of the Bigsby instead of running underneath that bar. I've tried quite a few of your suggestions over the years, and they always worked, so I'm going to try this. Thanks Doc
I did the same to my '97 Epiphone Les Paul that came with the factory Bigsby type unit, also added a roller bridge from Guitarfetish. Stays in tune always.
Thanks Scott for this vid. I have a hollow body with the Bigsby that has just been freeking killing me with trying to keep it in tune. Time to do what the doctor ordered and eliminate some break angle !!!!! We love you Bro!!
That was... Brilliant!I just bought one of these and was really disappointed. floating Bridge, crappy Bigsby.. I may now actually be able to play it now setting it up your way. a BiG thank you for taking the timeto show everyone!
I know this is an old video but I’ve never had a Bigsby so I never watched it. Well now I have one so I watched and my mind is blown. Thanks for this Scott
The Wizard of Groovy strikes again. I just bought an Epiphone Riviera P93 and I flipping hate the Bigsby. Now I know exactly what to do. Thank you Scott. You the man ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have a new schecter pt fastback telecaster with a Bixby and love it. Shecter also put the roller saddles on this guitar and since I've changed my strings it hasn't gone out of tune not one time except when I was doing the stretching of the new strings . Since I've had no problem staying in tune. A great guitar helps as well lol !
Totally agree with all the points in this video. The sole advantage of a big break angle is to prevent the string from moving side-to-side on the bridge. And that can be accomplished better by other means.
Thanks man! That was a butt load of fun right there! If anyone ever wanted a REAL measurement of exactly how much a BUTT LOAD is......it is THAT MUCH right there! lol
I'm back watching this from your newer video Scott. Still amazing! And I still don't really like country twang, but sure do like hearing you play it. Thanks for all the info!
My Gretsch with Bigsby when using 10-46's was always going out of tune but switching to 11-49's has stabilized it. This roller style bridge is clever. I might try one.
I recently purchased a Gibson ES-330 with a bigsby and think it sounds amazing. However, I started getting buyer's remorse because it was never staying in tune. So much so that I was about to buy a new one without the Bigsby and sell this one. I am going to try stringing it this way, this weekend.
I agree with you about the bigsby/arch top stuff but I do like a healthy break angle over the saddle on an acoustic to "activate the top". still like ya scott.
I fitted my Casino with a Bigsby. I had it strung the "correct way" and I was never totally happy with it as I lost that bouncy short sustain, feel and string resonance behind the bridge that you got from the stock trapezoid tailpiece. I tried your "wrong way" and its back now, the bigsby feels much nicer now too. Nice one Groovy!
It's the stuff behind the bridge and after the nut that causes the problems. A blocked Floyd guitar is a beautiful thing. You might lose your behind the nut bends but you get a stable, bright guitar that works just fine. Great fix on the Bigsby. See ya.
I have just purchased a Gretsch Jet 5230T 3 weeks ago and absolutely love the GUITAR, but the tuning has been really bad. I have just put the current strings over the rollers as you instructed and BINGO, what a stroke of genius. Stays in tune perfectly. Many thanks
The strings are always better over the top on any Les Paul guitar :D! Even with a bigsby thank you for this! I got a roller tunematic ordered and plan on getting a bigsby and vibramate mount.
Dear Doctor Groovy. Thanks for this tutorial. I'm watching this about 1 hour AFTER placing an online order for a mod that's getting rave reviews for eliminating the chronic tuning pain in Bigsby's. $106 Cdn. Order is processed. Some assembly required anyway, I am going to try your fix prior to installation. I have to know!! Easier. Cheaper. I bet I can sell my mod locally for $100.00. Wisht I'd of come to see the Doctor first.😂
I hear ya doc. I had to buy an offset roller thingy for my Gary Clark Jr. because it wouldn't work. I added a roller bridge as well. Anyway now all I need is a nicer nut and it will be flawless.
I just adjusted my strings so there's no angles and it works great except I need to dampen the strings behind the bridge and I also need a roller bridge. awesome video
Thank you Sir. ! Finally someone addressing stringing The Bigsby under the bar! Been playing over 50 yearsthought is was a stupid idea running string under the bar!
Sure enough....that's why Gibson builds all their guitars based on SOOOOOO many of them and they SWEAR that is why their axes sound so amazing. lol Those guitars don't stay together long enough to see if they sound any good. You go to pick one up and the headstock is hanging there by a couple of strings.
Not where, but at which angle it breaks. Or it could be something to do with a short grain section with a parabolic outline due to the curvature of the back of the neck resulting in a point of stress concentration culminating at the base of the parabola. Oh snap!
I just spent a day working on my first bigsby guitar. It wasnt till I removed the 2 string trees that it settled in perfectly. I'm convinced that there are lots of misconceptions out there about setup...
Fender Jazzmasters are a pain in the ass with the wonky bridge and floating tremolo Leo put on them . I put an aluminum Compton bridge on my Gretsch Phoenix with a Bigsby and never looked back. Thanks for the video brother Scott.
Holy shit, that was awesome, I guess really at the end of they day putting the strings over the top of that other bar isn't any different than the older style of bigsby. Thanks for this great video!
Absolutely bloody brilliant!! Thank you so much for this info, fits me perfectly as I hope to get a Bigsby equipped baby soon. And to find that the spray is available here in Sweden as well made my day. Been fighting snap, crackle and pop on me old Marshall for months now, will definately try that brand. Merry Christmas, Mr Groovy!
I bought some DeoxIt D5 about a year ago and while expensive it is definitely useful. It's funny how often you find "scratchy" potentiometers that even after moving them back and forth won't stop cutting out until you clean them properly.
Yeah, it's wroth its weight in gold. I've never found anything better so far for all of those guitar uses. Years later.....still no dirty pots after using it just once on all my guitars. Gotta love it.
Got a epiphone 339 neck cracked I keep it. Figured the next one would be worse. Poped off the nut replaced the plastic bridge opened crack poured full of super glue. Did a fret job because they buzzed like crazy and still had hammer Mark's from installation. installed a roller bridge. The strings were about a 1/4 inch off the fret board when I got it. The funniest thing was inspected and set up at Gibson USA. I laughed my ass off great video as always Scott
You are the man! Thanks for pointing this out! I looked at Brian Setzers guitars and his Bigsby's don't even have a second roller. If anyone knows Bigsby's, It would be Brian Setzer!
