Anyone installed a Bigsby on an Epiphone Les Paul? Need tips!

Instruments Guitar and Bass
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Seeking Advice on Bigsby Installation for Epiphone Les Paul

I’ve recently been thinking about upgrading my Epiphone Les Paul with a Bigsby tremolo system, and I could really use some advice or help from those who have been through the process.

Questions I Have

  1. Compatibility: Which models of Bigsby are best suited for an Epiphone Les Paul? I’ve seen some listings, but I want to make sure I pick the right one without any issues.
  2. Installation Tips: Is it a straightforward installation, or do I need special tools? Any common pitfalls I should be aware of?
  3. Tonal Changes: What kind of tonal changes should I expect post-installation? Does it enhance the sound or alter it significantly?
  4. Playability Enhancements: How has adding a Bigsby improved your playability? Would love to hear everyone’s experiences!

Additional Thoughts

I’m considering purchasing the Bigsby B70, but if anyone has had experience with the B5 or other models, I’d love to hear your thoughts on that too.

Thanks in advance for your help! Looking forward to learning from your experiences and making my guitar even better!

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I recently installed a Bigsby on my Epiphone Les Paul and found that setting the string height is crucial for playability. Aim for around 3/32" at the 12th fret for better action.

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That’s great info, Preston! What tips do you have for tuning stability? My strings seem to bend a lot.

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Tuning stability can be a challenge with Bigsbys. I recommend using locking tuners and making sure the bridge saddles are well-lubricated. It helps a lot!

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That sounds smart! How do you lubricate the saddles though? Any specific product you like?

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I usually use graphite from a pencil for the saddles and nut. Just a little rub on the contact points works wonders! So simple yet effective.

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I’ve installed a Bigsby on a couple of guitars and I found that higher action helps prevent the strings from getting caught under the bridge, especially during bends.

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Interesting point! Have you noticed any difference in tone with higher action?

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Honestly, it’s subtle but I feel like it helps sustain notes a bit more. The extra space allows the strings to vibrate freely, which can improve resonance.

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I’ve got to say, tuning a Bigsby can feel like a circus act at first! But a well-set-up guitar makes it manageable. Just keep practicing your tuning routine.

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Haha! Totally agree, Michael! It does take some patience, but once you get the hang of it, it can be a lot of fun. Don’t give up!

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I’ve heard mixed reviews on the Bigsby, but I think if it’s set up right, it can be a great addition for adding vibrato.

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That’s true! What do you think is essential for the setup process?

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Definitely the alignment of the Bigsby itself! Make sure it’s centered properly over the bridge. A misaligned Bigsby can affect everything.

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I think a good setup takes time and testing different string gauges too. Don’t be afraid to experiment until it feels right for you.

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I’ve installed a Bigsby on my Epiphone Les Paul about a year ago. The tonal change was quite noticeable; it added a subtle resonance and enhanced sustain. Definitely worth it if you’re into that vibe!

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That’s interesting! Have you noticed any drawbacks with tuning stability since adding the Bigsby?

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I’ve had some issues with tuning stability, especially when using the tremolo. I’ve heard that the roller bridge helps with that, but I haven’t tried it yet. Anyone else have tips?

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Try a locking nut or even some graphite lubricant on your nut slots. It worked wonders for my setup!

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I’ve heard mixed reviews about the sound. Some say it warms up the tone, while others think it might dull the brightness. What’s your experience?

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