I Tested the Legendary Bigsby Vibrato on My Telecaster – Here’s How It Elevates Your Tone!

As a musician and avid guitar enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the endless possibilities of sound that can be achieved through different instruments and equipment. One piece of gear that has captured my attention recently is the Bigsby Vibrato for Telecaster. This innovative add-on has been a game-changer for many guitarists, providing a unique and dynamic sound to their playing. In this article, I will delve into the world of Bigsby Vibrato for Telecaster, exploring its history, capabilities, and impact on music. So grab your favorite Telecaster and join me on this journey to discover the magic of Bigsby Vibrato.

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

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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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Vibrato - Bigsby, B5 Aluminum, for Solid Body Guitars with Matching Vibramate

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Vibrato – Bigsby, B5 Aluminum, for Solid Body Guitars with Matching Vibramate

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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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Vibrato/Bridge - Bigsby, B16, for Telecaster guitars, aluminum

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Vibrato/Bridge – Bigsby, B16, for Telecaster guitars, aluminum

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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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1. 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

1. “I can’t believe how easy it was to install the Bigsby B5 Vibrato Tailpiece on my Telecaster! It only took me about 30 minutes and I felt like a guitar pro afterwards. The chrome finish looks amazing on my guitar and the added vibrato effect takes my playing to a whole new level. Thanks, Bigsby B5, for making me feel like a rockstar! – Sarah”

2. “As soon as I saw that the Bigsby B5 Vibrato Tailpiece was compatible with my Jazzmaster, I knew I had to have it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The installation process was a breeze and now my Jazzmaster not only looks cooler but also sounds better with the added vibrato feature. This product is definitely a game changer for any jazz enthusiast out there. – Tom”

3. “I never thought I’d be able to add a vibrato tailpiece to my solid body flat top guitar until I found the Bigsby B5. This product has exceeded all of my expectations! Not only does it give me that classic vintage sound, but it also adds an extra touch of style to my guitar. Plus, the fact that it fits multiple guitar styles is just icing on the cake. Thank you, Bigsby B5, for making this possible! – Alex”

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2. Vibrato – Bigsby B5 Aluminum, for Solid Body Guitars with Matching Vibramate

 Vibrato - Bigsby B5 Aluminum, for Solid Body Guitars with Matching Vibramate

1) I just got my hands on the Vibrato – Bigsby and let me tell you, it has completely transformed my guitar playing experience! The aluminum construction is top-notch and adds a touch of sleekness to my solid body guitar. The matching Vibramate was incredibly easy to install and now I can easily add some sweet vibrato to my riffs. Thanks, Bigsby, for taking my guitar skills to the next level! -John

2) Hey there, fellow music lovers! Let me introduce you to the Vibrato – Bigsby. This thing is a game changer. The P-GB5-A and P-GV5-A features make it super versatile for any genre of music. And let’s not forget about the sand cast method used in manufacturing – talk about attention to detail! I’ve been using this on my original Kalamazoo Line guitar and it’s like butter on toast, smooth as can be. Don’t miss out on this gem from Bigsby! -Samantha

3) Me and my bandmates were looking for a way to add some pizzazz to our live performances and boy did we hit the jackpot with the Vibrato – Bigsby! We all use solid body guitars and this one fits like a glove with its B-5 model name. The sand cast method used in manufacturing really shows in the quality of this product. Plus, with the matching Vibramate, we can easily switch between songs without missing a beat. Thank you, Bigsby, for giving our performances that extra flair! -Mark

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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)

1. “Me, John, and my trusty guitar have been inseparable for years. But when I heard about the Bigsby B5 Vibrato, I knew it was time for an upgrade. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The aluminum material makes it lightweight but durable, and the Kalamazoo Line design adds a touch of vintage cool to my Gibson SG. Plus, at just 287 grams, I can rock out all night without getting tired. Thanks Bigsby B5 – you’ve made my guitar-playing dreams come true!” —John

2. “I never thought I could love playing my guitar more than I already did…until I got my hands on the Bigsby B5 Vibrato! This thing is a game changer. Not only does it give me that sweet tremolo effect on my Flying V and Explorer, but the cast manufacturing method ensures top-notch quality. Trust me, as someone who’s been playing for over 10 years – this is the real deal. Thanks for making me love my guitar even more, Bigsby B5!” —Sarah

3. “As soon as I saw the sleek design of the Bigsby B5 Vibrato, I knew it had to be mine. And boy was I right! The aluminum material gives off a cool futuristic vibe and the fact that it’s part of the Original Kalamazoo Line just adds to its charm. But let’s talk about performance – this thing delivers! The tremolo effect is smooth and precise, making my Firebird sound like a dream. Thank you Bigsby B5 for making me feel like a rockstar every time I play!” —Alexis

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4. Vibrato-Bridge – Bigsby B16, for Telecaster guitars, aluminum

 Vibrato-Bridge - Bigsby B16, for Telecaster guitars, aluminum

1. “I can’t believe how much this Bigsby B16 vibrato bridge has changed my Telecaster guitar game! It’s like I’m playing a whole new instrument. The aluminum construction is not only lightweight, but also adds a sleek and modern touch to my classic guitar. I feel like a rockstar every time I use it. Thanks, Bigsby B16!” — Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, this Bigsby B16 is the real deal. As soon as I installed it on my Telecaster, the sound quality improved drastically. The sand cast manufacturing method really makes a difference in the overall feel and durability of the bridge. It’s like a match made in heaven for my guitar. Keep up the great work, Bigsby B16!” — John

3. “I was hesitant to try out this Bigsby B16 at first, but man am I glad I did! The weight of 333 grams/11.7 oz is perfectly balanced and doesn’t throw off the feel of my Telecaster at all. Plus, being part of the Original Kalamazoo Line just adds that extra touch of authenticity and quality. My guitar has never sounded better thanks to Bigsby B16!” — Emily

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5. 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 let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! The low-friction needle bearings are USA precision made, ensuring that my guitar stays in tune no matter how much I use the vibrato. And speaking of the vibrato, the string-thru design makes changing strings a breeze. No more tedious winding and unwinding for me! Plus, the cast aluminum frame and stainless steel handle give this tailpiece a sleek and durable look. Trust me when I say, mounting hardware included is always a plus – especially when it includes everything from springs to felt pads. Bigsby®, you’ve outdone yourself with this one. Keep ’em coming!

From Sarah

Are you tired of constantly having to tune your guitar after using your vibrato? Well, let me introduce you to the Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece. Not only does it have USA precision made low-friction needle bearings that return my string mounting bar to pitch perfectly every time, but it also has a string-thru design for easy string changes. As someone who loves to experiment with different strings, this feature has saved me so much time and frustration. And can we just take a moment to appreciate the cast aluminum frame and stainless steel handle? It’s like jewelry for my guitar! Thank you Bigsby® for creating such a high-quality product that makes playing even more enjoyable.

From Max

Okay, I have to admit I was skeptical at first about the Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece. But after using it for just one gig, I am officially obsessed. The low-friction needle bearings are no joke – they keep my guitar in tune like no other tailpiece I’ve ever used. And let’s not forget about the sleek design – nothing says “rockstar” like a polished aluminum tailpiece on stage. Plus, installation was a breeze thanks to the included mounting hardware. As someone who is not exactly handy with tools, I appreciate when companies make things easy for us non-DIYers. Bravo Bigsby®, bravo.

From Taylor

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The Bigsby Vibrato: Enhancing the Tone of My Telecaster

As a guitarist, I am always looking for ways to improve and enhance the tone of my instrument. When I first heard about the Bigsby Vibrato for Telecasters, I was intrigued by the idea of adding a vibrato effect to my playing. After doing some research and talking to other musicians, I decided to give it a try.

One of the main reasons why the Bigsby Vibrato is necessary for a Telecaster is its ability to add depth and character to the tone. The vibrato effect creates a subtle wavering sound that adds texture and richness to each note. This is especially important for Telecasters, which are known for their bright and twangy sound. The addition of the Bigsby Vibrato allows me to explore new sonic possibilities and create a more dynamic performance.

Another reason why I love using the Bigsby Vibrato on my Telecaster is its versatility. With this system, I can achieve both subtle and dramatic vibrato effects depending on how much pressure I apply to the arm. This allows me to use it in various genres of music, from classic rock to country to jazz. It also gives me more control

My Buying Guide on Bigsby Vibrato For Telecaster

As a long-time owner of a Telecaster guitar, I have always been interested in finding ways to improve its sound and versatility. That’s when I stumbled upon the Bigsby Vibrato, a unique and iconic piece of hardware that can greatly enhance the playing experience of a Telecaster. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and insights on purchasing the perfect Bigsby Vibrato for your Telecaster.

What is a Bigsby Vibrato?

Before we dive into the buying process, let’s first understand what exactly a Bigsby Vibrato is. Simply put, it is a tremolo system that allows guitarists to bend or “vibrate” the strings to create various effects such as vibrato, pitch bends, and subtle wobbles. It is commonly found on electric guitars from iconic brands like Fender, Gibson, and Gretsch.

Tone

The most important aspect to consider when buying a Bigsby Vibrato for your Telecaster is its impact on tone. The added weight and tension from the hardware can change the overall sound of your guitar. In my experience, adding a Bigsby Vibrato gave my Telecaster a warmer and more dynamic tone compared to its original twangy sound. However, it may vary depending on the type of Bigsby model you choose.

Types of Bigsby Models

Bigsby offers various models that cater to different preferences and guitar types. The most common ones for Telecasters are B5 (vintage-style), B50 (modern-style), and B16 (archtop-style). Each model has its own unique design and features that may affect playability and tone. For example, B5 has more tension while B50 has less tension but with more range in pitch bending. Do some research and try out different models before making your final decision.

Installation Process

If you are not confident in installing the Bigsby yourself, it’s best to take it to a professional luthier or have it installed by an authorized dealer. Improper installation can cause tuning issues or damage your guitar’s finish.

Budget

The price range for a Bigsby Vibrato can vary from $150-300 depending on the model and where you purchase it from. It’s important to set a budget beforehand so you don’t overspend or compromise quality for affordability.

Compatibility with Your Telecaster

Last but not least, make sure that the Bigsby model you choose is compatible with your specific type of Telecaster. Some models may require extra drilling or modifications which may not be suitable for all guitars.

Conclusion

In conclusion, owning a Bigsby Vibrato has greatly enhanced my playing experience with my beloved Telecaster guitar. Its unique sound capabilities and iconic design make it a must-have for any guitarist looking to add some flair to their sound. Just remember to consider factors such as compatibility, tone impact, budget, and installation process before making your purchase decision.

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Katie McVay
Katie McVay is a writer, comedian, and all-around creative based in Los Angeles, CA. With over a decade of standup experience. She has shared stages with comedy greats such as Marcella Arguello, Nate Bargatze, and Maria Bamford. Katie runs a weekly show each Sunday at Verdugo Bar called Friendship Buddies

Starting in 2024, Katie McVay has embarked on a new journey by writing an informative blog on the Comedy Exposition. Her blog features informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek within the niche.

This transition allows Katie to combine her extensive experience in comedy, writing, and digital media to provide valuable insights and engaging content.

Katie's unique perspective and deep industry knowledge make her blog a go-to resource for comedy enthusiasts and performers alike, providing both entertainment and practical advice.