Fitting A Bigsby To A Les Paul Custom

[developer]

Has anyone done this please?

My lad has a Les Paul Custom and his guitar teacher has a Black Beauty with a Bigsby.

He now wants a Bigsby added and I see they are for sale separately.

Is it difficult and what are the downsides re staying in tune etc?

Thanks.

[dojo]

You can now get a fitting kit which means you don't have to drill any holes in your guitar.

Make sure you get the one for a carved top not the flat one for teles.

I think its B7 and vibromate fitting kit. As for tuning etc well its not going to as solid as hardtail and you may loose a little sustain but at least you can take it off with out having any dirty big holes in your guitar

[oddman]

Not difficult to fit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWyGMfb243Q
Getting intonation right is difficult and will not stay in tune easily
If he wants a rockabilly guitar why not leave the LP unmolested and buy a Gretsch

[developer]

Thanks guys - he wants to be able to use it when appropriate, having seen his teacher doing his stuff, more than seeking a rockabilly sound.

I'm concerned about the durability of the installation and would rather drill the guitar and fasten it rigidly if that's what it takes, if the non drill method is less durable.

The guitar will never be sold so there's not an issue with protecting it's value by it being original.

[developer]

Looks great - here's master and apprentice:

[gazza285]

The Vibramate kits are good quality, I'd rather pay for one of them than drill a Les Paul top. I've got a B5 on my flat top LP Special fitted with a Vibramate and a roller bridge, tuning is very stable.

I have a Gretsch G6118T as well, everybody should have a big body Gretsch.