BIGSBY BRIDGE INSTALLATION

Installing a Bigsby bridge of B7 type on your semi-hollow ES335 guitar can be a bit challenging, but with the right tools and steps, you can do it yourself.

Bigsby overview

The Bigsby bridge is an iconic component of many electric guitars, especially semi-hollow and hollow-body models. It's known for its distinctive vibrato (or tremolo) system, allowing guitarists to modulate pitch with a subtle, smooth effect. Here’s a breakdown of its main components:

• Main base plate: bigsby bridge is built on a metal base plate which provide structural foundation for the entire system.
• Spring and Hinge Mechanism: A coil spring located beneath the arm of the Bigsby. It controls the tension of the vibrato arm. The hinge mechanism allows the vibrato arm to pivot.
• Vibrato arm: Limits the movement of the vibrato arm while the pivot pin allow the bigsby to rotate.
• Arm stop and pivot pin: bigsby bridge is built on a metal base plate which provide structural foundation for the entire system.
• String bar: A bar around which the guitar strings are wrapped. As the vibrato arm is moved, the string bar rotates, causing the tension on the strings to change and producing the vibrato effect.
• Roller Bar (Pressure Bar): secondary bar over which the strings pass before reaching the bridge. It ensures that the strings return to pitch after using the vibrato arm.

Bigsby work in conjunction with the bridge.

Bigsby installation

• Tools required: a Ruler a masking tape and a pencil to define and mark where to install your bigsby bridge and drill and drill bits to pre-drill and fix the bigsby.
• Installing the Bridge: First install the bridge on the guitar, check that it is centered and scale length is correct. In guitar fabric guitar kit, prodcuts the bridge might have posts that fit into pre-drilled holes or sit on the guitar body without additional screws.
• Positioning the Bigsby: Place the Bigsby on the guitar to determine the best position, typically the distance between the bridge to the string bar should be about 2.5 inch (6.3cm). Ensure the Bigsby is centered along the guitar’s centerline. The hinge of the Bigsby should be in line with the centerline for proper alignment. Use masking tape to mark the position of the Bigsby on the guitar body. The string angle from the bridge to the Bigsby’s string bar should not be too steep. An angle of around 5 to 10 degrees is usually ideal. Adjust the Bigsby’s position slightly up or down to achieve this angle.
• Marking Screw Holes: With the Bigsby in position, use a pencil to mark the screw hole locations on the guitar body. Double-check the alignment to ensure the Bigsby is straight and centered.
• Drilling Screw Holes: Carefully drill pilot holes for the screws at the marked positions. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screws to avoid splitting the wood.
• Attaching the Bigsby: Align the Bigsby with the drilled holes and secure it using the screws provided. Tighten the screws firmly but be careful not to over-tighten and damage the wood.
• Tuning and Adjusting: Check the alignment and intonation. Adjust the bridge position if necessary to ensure proper intonation. Adjust the tension of the Bigsby spring if needed for smooth operation.
• Lubrication: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the nut and bridge saddles to help the strings move smoothly when using the Bigsby.