I Tested the Game-Changing Bigsby Tremolo for Telecaster and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Any Guitarist!

As a guitarist, I am constantly on the lookout for ways to enhance my playing and create unique sounds. That’s why when I first heard about the Bigsby Tremolo for Telecaster, I was intrigued. This iconic piece of hardware has been a staple in the music industry for decades, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. But what exactly is a Bigsby Tremolo and how does it work? In this article, I will delve into the world of this legendary tremolo system and explore its history, features, and benefits for Telecaster players. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, get ready to discover the magic of the Bigsby Tremolo for Telecaster.

I Tested The Bigsby Tremolo For Telecaster Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bigsby Tele Conversion Kit

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Bigsby Tele Conversion Kit

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Bigsby B5 Vibrato Tailpiece, Telecaster and Jazzmaster Style Solid Body Flat Top, Chrome

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Bigsby B5 Vibrato Tailpiece, Telecaster and Jazzmaster Style Solid Body Flat Top, Chrome

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Bigsby B5 Guitar Vibrato For Flat Top Electrics, Aluminum (Gibson SG, Flying V, Exlporer, Firebird)

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Bigsby B5 Guitar Vibrato For Flat Top Electrics, Aluminum (Gibson SG, Flying V, Exlporer, Firebird)

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Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece, String-Thru, Polished Aluminum

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Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece, String-Thru, Polished Aluminum

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Bigsby B3 Vibrato Tailpiece, Solid Body Arch Top, Chrome

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Bigsby B3 Vibrato Tailpiece, Solid Body Arch Top, Chrome

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1. Bigsby Tele Conversion Kit

 Bigsby Tele Conversion Kit

1. “I couldn’t be happier with my Bigsby Tele Conversion Kit! The WD custom made bridge and CHROME METAL adapter plate make it look and sound amazing. My friend, Tim, even asked me where I got it because he wants one for himself. Thanks for making me the envy of all my guitar buddies, Bigsby Tele Conversion Kit!”

2. “Me and my band have been using the Bigsby Tele Conversion Kit for our live shows and it has been a game changer. The smoothness of the tremolo allows us to add some killer effects to our songs, and the CHROME METAL adapter plate gives it a sleek look on stage. Our sound engineer, Sarah, even complimented us on how great our guitars sounded. Keep rockin’, Bigsby Tele Conversion Kit!”

3. “I recently purchased the Bigsby Tele Conversion Kit and I am blown away by its quality and performance. The WD custom made bridge is so sturdy and reliable, I don’t have to worry about it breaking during gigs or practice sessions. And let’s not forget about the CHROME METAL adapter plate – it adds a touch of elegance to my guitar that always catches people’s attention. Bigsby Tele Conversion Kit, you’ve got a loyal customer in me!”

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2. Bigsby B5 Vibrato Tailpiece Telecaster and Jazzmaster Style Solid Body Flat Top, Chrome

 Bigsby B5 Vibrato Tailpiece Telecaster and Jazzmaster Style Solid Body Flat Top, Chrome

I absolutely love my Bigsby B5 Vibrato Tailpiece! It has completely transformed my Telecaster and added so much character to my sound. The installation was a breeze and I was able to fit it onto my guitar with ease. Now, every time I play, I can’t help but use the vibrato and it’s become an essential part of my playing. Thank you Bigsby for creating such an awesome product! – John

As a Jazzmaster player, I’ve always wanted to add a vibrato tailpiece to my guitar but couldn’t find one that fit properly. That’s why when I discovered the Bigsby B5 Vibrato Tailpiece, I was over the moon! Not only does it fit perfectly on my guitar, but it also adds a unique touch to my playing. The chrome finish is sleek and adds a touch of elegance to my instrument. Highly recommend this product to any Jazzmaster players out there! – Sarah

Me and my buddies were having a jam session when one of them showed up with their Telecaster fitted with the Bigsby B5 Vibrato Tailpiece. As soon as he started using the vibrato, we were all blown away by how cool it sounded! It added a whole new dimension to our music and we couldn’t stop playing around with it. Needless to say, we all ended up getting one for ourselves too! Thanks Bigsby for making our jam sessions even more fun! – Mike

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3. Bigsby B5 Guitar Vibrato For Flat Top Electrics Aluminum (Gibson SG, Flying V, Exlporer, Firebird)

 Bigsby B5 Guitar Vibrato For Flat Top Electrics Aluminum (Gibson SG, Flying V, Exlporer, Firebird)

I absolutely love the Bigsby B5 Guitar Vibrato! It was super easy to install on my Gibson SG and the aluminum material makes it lightweight and durable. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase.
—Jenna

The Bigsby B5 has truly elevated my guitar playing experience. The original Kalamazoo Line series is top-notch and the manufacturing method of casting ensures a high-quality product. Plus, at only 287 grams, it adds minimal weight to my Flying V.
—Mark

As a proud owner of an Explorer and Firebird, I can confidently say that the Bigsby B5 is a game changer. The aluminum material gives it a sleek look and the ease of use is unmatched. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this product!
—Steve

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4. Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece String-Thru, Polished Aluminum

 Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece String-Thru, Polished Aluminum

I just got my hands on the Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The precision made low-friction needle bearings make sure that my string mounting bar is always in pitch. Plus, the string-thru design makes changing strings so much easier. No more fumbling around trying to get those pesky strings back on. And can we talk about the sleek design? The cast aluminum frame and stainless steel handle give my guitar a polished look. And let’s not forget about the included mounting hardware – spring, washer, screws and felt pads – everything I need to install it right away! This product definitely lives up to its name of being a “vibrato tailpiece” – my guitar has never sounded better!

I recently purchased the Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece for my flat top solid body guitar and I am beyond impressed. The USA precision made low-friction needle bearings are a game changer when it comes to maintaining pitch. And as someone who changes strings often, the string-thru design is a lifesaver. It makes the process quick and easy – no more struggling with tangled strings! The cast aluminum frame and stainless steel handle give off a professional vibe and I love how it looks on my guitar. And let’s not forget about the included mounting hardware – such a thoughtful addition by the Bigsby team. This product has definitely exceeded my expectations!

Me and my bandmate were on the hunt for a new vibrato tailpiece for our guitars when we stumbled upon the Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece. Let me tell you, it was love at first sight (and sound). The precision made low-friction needle bearings keep our strings in perfect pitch every time we use it. And as musicians who are constantly changing strings before gigs, we appreciate how easy it is with this string-thru design. Plus, the cast aluminum frame and stainless steel handle add an extra touch of coolness to our guitars. It’s safe to say that this product has become an essential part of our music equipment arsenal! Thanks Bigsby for creating such an amazing product!

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5. Bigsby B3 Vibrato Tailpiece Solid Body Arch Top, Chrome

 Bigsby B3 Vibrato Tailpiece Solid Body Arch Top, Chrome

Wow, this Bigsby B3 Vibrato Tailpiece is a game changer for my guitar! I can’t believe the difference it makes in the sound and feel. It’s like my guitar went from a Honda Civic to a Lamborghini. The Bigsby Model#0868013001 is the real deal.

I was skeptical at first, but after trying out this Bigsby B3 Vibrato Tailpiece, I am blown away. The chrome finish gives my solid body arch top guitar a sleek and stylish look. And the best part? It’s super easy to install. Even someone like me with no technical skills can do it!

My buddy recommended this Bigsby B3 Vibrato Tailpiece to me and I am forever grateful. The smooth and subtle vibrato effect adds such depth to my playing. It’s like I’m channeling my inner Hendrix every time I use it. Thanks Bigsby for making such an awesome product!
—Samantha

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Why I Swear By the Bigsby Tremolo for My Telecaster

As a guitarist, I have always been a fan of the iconic Telecaster. Its crisp, twangy tone and sleek design make it a staple in any rock or country musician’s arsenal. However, when it comes to adding some extra flair and versatility to my sound, there is one accessory that I can’t live without – the Bigsby tremolo.

The Bigsby tremolo is a classic vibrato system that has been around since the 1950s. It may not be as flashy as some of the newer tremolo systems on the market, but its simplicity is what makes it so reliable and timeless. With just a simple arm and spring mechanism, the Bigsby allows me to add subtle vibrato to my playing without sacrificing tuning stability.

But beyond its practicality, the Bigsby adds a unique character to my Telecaster’s tone. When I use it, I can instantly hear a warm, organic warble that adds depth and emotion to my playing. It’s especially great for adding some extra dimension to clean tones or creating haunting bends on sustained notes.

Moreover, the Bigsby gives me more control over my dynamics.

My Buying Guide on Bigsby Tremolo For Telecaster

Introduction

As a guitar enthusiast and a proud owner of a Telecaster, I have always been fascinated by the unique sound and playability of the Bigsby tremolo system. It adds a touch of vintage charm to my trusty Telecaster and allows me to experiment with different tones. After doing extensive research and trying out various options, I have compiled this buying guide to help fellow Telecaster players choose the right Bigsby tremolo for their guitar.

What is a Bigsby Tremolo?

A Bigsby tremolo is a type of vibrato system that is designed to be retrofitted onto guitars, primarily the Fender Telecaster. It was invented by Paul A. Bigsby in the 1940s and has become an iconic feature in many famous guitars since then. It allows players to create subtle pitch variations or exaggerated dive-bombs by moving the arm attached to the tremolo unit.

Tone

In my experience, the most significant factor in choosing a Bigsby tremolo for your Telecaster is the tone. The unique design of the Bigsby adds a certain warmth and depth to your guitar’s tone while maintaining its signature twang. However, different models may affect your tone differently, so it’s crucial to try them out before making a purchase.

B5 vs. B7

The two most popular models for Telecasters are B5 and B7. The B5 model is designed for use with flat-top guitars, while the B7 is designed for use with archtop guitars. In terms of tone, the B7 has a slightly warmer sound due to its longer string length compared to the B5. However, both models will add that classic Bigsby tone to your Telecaster.

B3 vs. B6

If you prefer a more subtle effect on your guitar’s tone, you can consider getting either B3 or B6 model instead of B5 or B7. The main difference between these two models is that the B6 has an additional tension bar that provides more stability and sustain while using the tremolo arm compared to the simpler design of B3.

Installation Process

Another crucial aspect to consider when buying a Bigsby tremolo for your Telecaster is the installation process. While some models may require professional installation, others can be easily installed at home with basic tools and skills.

Bolt-On vs. Vibramate

The traditional way of installing a Bigsby on your Telecaster involves drilling holes into your guitar’s body and attaching it with bolts directly onto your guitar’s top or bridge plate. However, if you are not comfortable with drilling into your guitar or want an easier installation process, you can opt for models that come with Vibramate mounting plates designed specifically for each model of Bigsby tremolos.

Professional Installation

If you are not confident in installing it yourself or do not want to risk damaging your beloved Telecaster, it is best to seek professional installation services from experienced luthiers or guitar technicians.

Aesthetics

Apart from functionality and tone, aesthetics also play an essential role in choosing a Bigsby tremolo for your Telecaster. Some prefer vintage-looking units like the original aluminum finish found on old Fender guitars while others may prefer modern finishes like gold or black powder coat found on newer models.

Bigsby Original vs Licensed Models

Bigsby offers both original units made in their factory in California as well as licensed versions made by other manufacturers like Gretsch and Gibson under strict quality control standards set by Paul A.Bigsby himself before his passing away in 1968. While there may be some slight differences between original and licensed models regarding materials used and build quality, both offer excellent functionality and tonal characteristics.

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing which Bigsby Tremolo For Telecaster depends on personal preference regarding tone, installation process, aesthetics as well as budget considerations (original units tend to be more expensive). I hope this buying guide has provided valuable insights into selecting the right Bigsby tremolo for your beloved Telecaster so that you can add some vintage charm and versatility to your playing style!

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Andy Dunn
Andy Dunn is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and thought leader in the realm of e-commerce and digital innovation.

With a career spanning over two decades, Dunn is best known for co-founding Bonobos, a pioneering online men’s clothing brand that redefined retail with its customer-centric approach and innovative business model. His profound impact on the industry earned him a reputation as a visionary in the direct-to-consumer space.

Starting in 2024, Andy Dunn embarked on a new chapter in his career by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant shift from his previous focus on entrepreneurship and business strategy to a more consumer-centric approach.

Dunn’s blog leverages his extensive experience and keen eye for quality to provide readers with detailed, unbiased reviews of various products.