NGD: R9 + Bigsby parts question

Big Daddy B said:
Hack, I was looking at this model which has manufacturer labeling indicating nickel
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Hmmm....that's a head-scratcher.

Bigsby's website does not show a nickel unit.

The picture above is also found on this ebay site, and it is, indeed, described as being nickel:

Allparts All Parts Tp-3670-001 Bigsby B7 Vibrato Tailpiece Nickel | eBay

But, if you search for the part number in the picture above, TP-3670-001, that part number is described as aluminum at Allparts:

Bigsby B7 Vibrato Tailpiece Nickel | Allparts.com

So, we have a bit of a mystery.

I do know this, the handle is nickel-plated.
 
So contacting Bigsby by phone is a big circle jerk. They don't have a phone number listed but website says owned by Gretsch. Gretsch has a 800 number listed but it is for Fender Musical Instruments who only owns part of the Gretsch line. They weren't of much help but referred me to a guy Darren Riley in NC that specializes in Bigsbys and parts. I have emailed him and hopefully will hear back.
 
That would be great if they responded.

I guess we stirred up a can of worms, here!

But, it's a worthy mission. Proceed, Daddy-O!
 
Big Daddy B said:
This arrived today from Japan. Questionable packaging with no outer box but arrived unmarked (including handle) in 4 days sans CITES ppw.

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Guitar looks unplayed and had all case candy. It is a 2011 in Amber Orange with factory Bigsby.

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Will restring it with 11s tonight and give it the run thru but seems nice.

Question....I need to get some small replacement parts for the bigsby...new felt pad, rubber tip cover, and maybe a spacer to mount a Schaller security lock. Does anyone know of a source for these parts or should I just contact the manufacturer?
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WOW!

That blows me away, Man!!! I have to have CITES paperwork for everything!!!

Parts - Email Kenny Davis @ support@philadelphialuthiertools.com
 
Big Daddy B said:
No not at all. I mainly use 9s and 10s on a few. I was planning to tune this one down to C# though.
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Thanks, I didn't even think about tuning down. I thought it was a Bigsby thing. I'm 58, and I've never even touched a guitar with a Bigsby. But the longer I live, the more GAS I'm developing for a guitar with a Bigsby.
 
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syscokid said:
Thanks, I didn't even think about tuning down. I thought it was a Bigsby thing. I'm 58, and I've never even touched a guitar with a Bigsby. But the longer I live, the more GAS I'm developing for a guitar with a Bigsby.
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Yes they say Bigsbys work better with heavier gauge strings. I don't know though, I may end up going with 10s on it and even bringing it up to D tuning.
 
Big Daddy B said:
Yes they say Bigsbys work better with heavier gauge strings. I don't know though, I may end up going with 10s on it and even bringing it up to D tuning.
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The Bigsby on my '74 SG does seem to work a little better with a set of custom 11s.

I use a set that goes from 11- 48. So, the bottom strings are a little lighter than most other sets of 11s.

Ernie Ball 2220 Power Slinky Nickel Wound Electric Strings

However, I use standard 10s on the Bigsby on my Les Paul, and they do fine. But, I have the Vibramate on the Lester, which reduces the break angle across the bridge. So, that may help somewhat.
 
Funny you mention this. I too am also using the 11-48 slinkys. With my previous LP I used a vibramate and roller bridge and had it tuned to D and the strings felt very nice and slinky. This time, steeper break angle (but lower tuning) and I cant seem to get the action and tension in a good place. Either the treble strings (especially high E) is too taught and the bass strings feel too sloppy or I get the bass strings close to dialed in and the action on the treble side is too low (I prefer higher action). Still messing around with it.
 
smitty_p said:
That would be great if they responded.

I guess we stirred up a can of worms, here!

But, it's a worthy mission. Proceed, Daddy-O!
Click to expand...
So Darren Riley got back to me. Wasn't much help. He did not have the parts I was looking for but in regards to a nickel Bigsby, he said one is available from AllParts. He only provided a link to the main site though, not to the actual nickel one and I am not seeing it on the AP website. There is a polished aluminum listed, however they do have a lefty version listed in nickel. This is getting weirder.
 
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