[S Macp]

I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing the peg helps with stability, because the string comes round in a relatively gentle curve. With a through hole, it's bent at around 90 degrees ... so I'm guessing that would have some impact on how the string responds, or the Bigsby operates.

[Bob M]

You can also use a spring capo to hold the strings in place while stringing Bigsby equiped guitars.

I like the hole idea, but does it interfere with the Bigsby performance? Is there less travel because of the holes? If there is no performance issue, it's hard to believe Bigsby hasn't gone that route already.

[gringo]

My guess is if you drill out the bar you'll have the answer the next time someone asks "why doesn't Bigsby do that".

[MacPhisto]

the stress riser where the string goes through the bar and bends over at a 90° + angle, which is then flexed every time the Bigsby is used or the string bent, is an obvious introduced failure point at which the strings would break much more than with any other typical vibrato/trem. it'd be worse than a Maestro Vibrola, and Vibrolas are terrible for string breakage. the annoying pin mount keeps the string end in a smooth, even curve and avoids this problem.

[rcboals]

Originally Posted by gringo

My guess is if you drill out the bar you'll have the answer the next time someone asks "why doesn't Bigsby do that".

That is funny good one indeed.
For me it's usually been. Oh, that's why GM doesn't do it that way.

[megabutter]

Dang, I love the idea. But it looks like less travel and more broken strings. We need locking caps over the ball ends!

[araT]

Originally Posted by MacPhisto

the stress riser where the string goes through the bar and bends over at a 90° + angle, which is then flexed every time the Bigsby is used or the string bent, is an obvious introduced failure point at which the strings would break much more than with any other typical vibrato/trem. it'd be worse than a Maestro Vibrola, and Vibrolas are terrible for string breakage. the annoying pin mount keeps the string end in a smooth, even curve and avoids this problem.

Duesenberg seemed to pull it off fine on their bigsby clones, and they don't chew through strings.. Just ask Gerry (Quietly).

[MacPhisto]

well, i'm just saying that instinctively, it looks like a potential problem for the unwound strings, which are most subject to metal fatigue. even if the string fatigue via bending isn't problematic, over time the bar will develop sharp-edged grooves in the perimeter of the hole through which the string emerges similar to the grooves Vibrolas get in their string notches. i'd be curious to talk with people who had used the Duesby extensively over a long period of time to see how it held up and what problems may have developed.

[workknot]

The string holes in Quietly's bar look like the ball end is held just on the other side of the holes and this may allow the wrapped tie portion of the string to roll up over the bar and not have much stress on a sharp angle as to the drilled holes would?? Just an observation.
Pop's

[MacPhisto]

well, if someone wants to do it, mazel tov. if it doesn't work, new Bigsbys aren't prohibitively expensive.

[goss61]

Originally Posted by araT

Duesenberg seemed to pull it off fine on their bigsby clones, and they don't chew through strings.. Just ask Gerry (Quietly).

That makes me think that instead of pins the Bigsby design should use U shaped staples that you could just feed the string through. That would work, and it wouldn't be any more difficult to construct than the pins.

[Quietly]

My opinion is that the Bigsby has needed and needs an update both in tolerances (how it is manufactured) and how it works. Question can it be improved? Answer too right it can but there has to be the will to do so and I don't think there is.

Duesenberg copied the Bigsby but they also saw that it could be improved on and that is what they have done. Works smoother, easier to change strings and easier to adjust to your way of playing as in the angle of arm and its length. Bit like the guy who invented the wheel not much you can change in the basic shape but boy can you improve the design to make it work better.

[Wulfgang]

Duesenberg eh? interesting. I will have to try the eraser method to. for me the biggest hassle is to have your finger on the tip of the peg to keep the string from slipping while tuning with the other hand. the pliers method eats my strings.

[dirtyroger]

Duesenberg!!! they look and sound amazing.. want want want

[Tele295]

Some older Bigsbys have removeable pins. Takes an Allen wrench on the other end of the pin, and they come right out, leaving the string-thru option. Love these things, but they aren't easy to come by!

[araT]

Originally Posted by dirtyroger

Duesenberg!!! they look and sound amazing.. want want want

You're not alone!

Originally Posted by Tele295

Some older Bigsbys have removeable pins. Takes an Allen wrench on the other end of the pin, and they come right out, leaving the string-thru option. Love these things, but they aren't easy to come by!

So I've heard! oh well, I guess I'll have to make my own out of a replacement bar if I want one

[DangerVille Guitar]

Interesting. I've gotten pretty good at the "60 second, onstage string change", but that only works if you have a rhythm section with a mike and a personality. I might have to try this.

[workknot]

I have an idea for a small part that would bypass the pins. Just need to put a little more research into it. There would be six string holes in this small part and require no drilling or disassembly involved. Don't know if it would be worth going into at this point yet.
Pop's

[lennyedwards]

the 10-15 second change.... easy! It's the 'backup guitar' method....

[gtr_5155]

Originally Posted by Tele295

Some older Bigsbys have removeable pins. Takes an Allen wrench on the other end of the pin, and they come right out, leaving the string-thru option. Love these things, but they aren't easy to come by!

If anyone has an older Bigsby,I still have quite a stock of the removable threaded allen screw pins.