how to restring a bigsby

3 min read 06-02-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to restring your guitar with a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step process with helpful images and tips for a successful restringing. Avoid common mistakes and keep your Bigsby in top condition. Perfect for guitarists of all skill levels!

Introduction: Taming the Bigsby

The Bigsby vibrato tailpiece adds a unique shimmer and wobble to your guitar's tone. However, restringing a guitar equipped with a Bigsby can seem daunting. This detailed guide will walk you through the process, breaking it down into manageable steps. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a beginner, you'll be restringing your Bigsby-equipped axe like a pro in no time. This guide will help you master the art of restringing your guitar, ensuring your Bigsby remains a source of musical joy, not frustration.

Tools You'll Need

Before we begin, gather these essential tools:

New strings: Choose the correct gauge for your guitar.
Wire cutters: For trimming excess string length.
Tuning pegs: To tune your guitar.
String winder (optional): Makes winding strings much easier.
Needle-nose pliers (optional): Helpful for fine adjustments and securing the ball ends.

Step-by-Step Restringing Guide

1. Removing the Old Strings

Loosen the tuning pegs: Completely loosen the tuning pegs for each string.
Remove the strings: Gently pull each string out of the tuning peg and through the bridge. If there's resistance at the bridge, carefully work the string free.

2. Preparing the New Strings

Cut the strings: Cut each new string to a length that's a couple of inches longer than needed. This extra length will help with winding. Leaving extra length also makes fine-tuning easier.
Insert the ball end: Thread the ball end of each string through the appropriate bridge hole (this is usually straightforward on most Bigsby bridges).

3. Winding the Strings

Insert and Tune: Insert the other end of the string into the corresponding tuning peg hole. Begin winding the string, making sure the string is lying neatly in the tuning post groove and is wound tightly.

4. Stretching the Strings (Important for Bigsby)

Stretch each string: After tuning to pitch, gently stretch each string several times. This helps eliminate early tuning slippage and protects your Bigsby from excessive tension changes. This is particularly crucial with a Bigsby because its movement can easily alter string tension.

5. Fine-tuning and Finishing Touches

Tune and adjust: Fine-tune your guitar to pitch using your tuning pegs. Check the tuning frequently as strings stretch.
Trim the Excess: Once the guitar is in tune, carefully trim the excess string length using wire cutters.

Bigsby-Specific Considerations

Bridge Adjustment: Some Bigsby models allow for bridge adjustment. Refer to your guitar's manual for proper adjustment procedures to maintain optimal string break angle and vibrato function.
String Break Angle: Maintaining the proper string break angle over the bridge is essential for good intonation and vibrato performance. A wrong angle can lead to tuning issues, and affect the Bigsby's action.
Lubrication: Regularly lubricate the Bigsby mechanism to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-tightening strings: This can damage your guitar and the Bigsby mechanism.
Not stretching the strings: This leads to tuning instability, especially with a Bigsby.
Ignoring proper string break angle: Incorrect angle affects intonation and vibrato function.
Forcing strings: Be patient and gentle when working with strings.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Restrung Bigsby!

Restringing your guitar with a Bigsby might seem complicated at first. However, by following these steps and paying attention to detail, you'll master this skill and keep your guitar sounding great. Remember the importance of proper string tension, the appropriate break angle, and regular maintenance to keep your Bigsby functioning flawlessly. With practice, this process becomes second nature, and you can enjoy the unique sonic capabilities of your Bigsby vibrato for years to come.