[rob_14_RFC]

I am thinking of getting a new gretsch G5435 which comes with a bigsby B50 tailpiece but i want to change the tailpiece as i don't like the B50. Which Bigsby would i need to get: the B3 or the B7?

Also if i wanted to put a different bigsby on my guitar would i need to raise the bridge like on the Gretsch G6128TVP Power Jet or the Gretsch G6128T-TVP Power Jet as they both have a wodden bar underneath the bridge to raise it. Would i need to put one of them on as i want to put a bigsby on my guitar like in the G6128T-TVP Power Jet model?

[raecer27]

I have the 5435t also the B3 works great. I am attaching some photos here.

I will be doing a more complete in depth report on the 5435t later tonight on observations regarding modding it.

Hope this helps.

Yes there are Schaller strap locks added too.

[raecer27]

Rob I will get in depth with the bridge consideration later as part of that upcoming post.

[Fredo]

If you raise the bridge the action will be too high. Guitars with high bridges have necks angled back more than on the 5435 so they require higher bridges.

[rob_14_RFC]

Cheers Guys Big help

[raecer27]

Here is the difference fredo was referring to.

[cabsalvador]

I have a similar question too. I wanna purchase a g5434 (w/o bigsby) and install a bigsby b7, but im afraid the holes left by the stop tailpiece will prevent me from beiing able to install it. Any advice of info?

[Henrytwang]

The string break angle over the bridge on that 5435 looks a bit shallow. I think that the way I play I'd always be knocking the low E out of its' saddle. I put a B30 on my Gibson ES135 but had to remove it because the tone suffered and the strings kept popping out of the saddles due to shallow break angle.

[Henrytwang]

Originally Posted by cabsalvador

I have a similar question too. I wanna purchase a g5434 (w/o bigsby) and install a bigsby b7, but im afraid the holes left by the stop tailpiece will prevent me from beiing able to install it. Any advice of info?

In the old days when Gibson used to factory fit a Bigsby to something like a 335 they used to stick a "Custom Made" label over the stopbar holes. I've seen copies of these labels on Ebay.

[Rotnroby]

Try this...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CUSTOM-MADE-...#ht_884wt_1165

[Henrytwang]

Originally Posted by Rotnroby

Try this...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CUSTOM-MADE-...#ht_884wt_1165

Well spotted! That's the one I meant.

[SlinkyString]

V-cut bigsby is the way to go

[cabsalvador]

Thanks guys!

[johnnyguitar]

If you plan on buying one with the B50, go with a B7, it covers the holes left by the 50, and it sits a little further back with a better string angle & handle angle. The B3 will not cover the holes and it's a very shallow string angle

[cabsalvador]

cool thanks! thats exactly what was troubling me. cool! =]

[6stings]

B3.
If it works for the most expensive Gretsches it will work for the Pro Jet too. The strings break angle will be the same as on any Duo Jet, don't worry about that.

[johnnyguitar]

Originally Posted by 6stings

B3.
If it works for the most expensive Gretsches it will work for the Pro Jet too. The stings break angle will be the same as on any Duo Jet, don't worry about that.

Ah, my mistake. So if you get an older one with the mini humbuckers(1 vol 1 tone) and the tailpiece( no Bigsby) then the B 3 is a nice option. There's no holes drilled in the top of the guitar to cover. I have the B50 one and just put the B7 on it and I'm very pleased with how it covers the holes, and how it works in general. Most prefer the B3 because that's what is on the Duo Jet and you can get one in a V cut with a Gretsch logo( very nice). Either will work though

[6stings]

Originally Posted by johnnyguitar

... I have the B50 one and just put the B7 on it and I'm very pleased with how it covers the holes, and how it works in general...

Or you can make the holes invisible