Expect to spend some time getting this just right on your guitar. I needed to purchase grooved/slotted Gotoh saddles (compensated) that needed further notching with a nut file to prevent the strings from sliding out of place. I also purchased Big Bends Nut Sauce to help with the tuning stability. After several days things seem to be settling in. I can wiggle chords and bend without major slippage (The G string is the most unstable). If you are considering a Bigsby I am going to assume that you are aware that it is not cut out for divebombs and major scooping. For the subtle effect that is a Bigsby this is the only choice that doesn't require drilling holes in you instrument. The initial installation of the product was fairly simple (READ THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS) and everything arrived as advertised, but for those that claim that they installed it in 10 minutes and it was sheer perfection out of the gate, I question their ears. Having said all of that, I am satisfied with the playability and it looks gorgeous on my 90s Japanese Tele. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I purchased this kit for my epiphone SG. I saw some pics online of other people who had done the same and they looked good and in a video I saw it seemed to play very nicely. I purchased a set that simply said "suitable for flat top guitars like SG". I wish I had checked that this meant epiphone as well as Gibson. When the parts came the vibromate did not line up with the tailpiece holes exactly but did give a little when I screwed it on. The bigsby was also off and when I tried to fasten it one of the screws sheared off. I'm aware that I may have the wrong vibromate and I wish I had just returned it. I am disappointed that if I needed a different set up the advert simply says all flat top guitars. I'm in the UK and didn't want the hassle and wait for returning to the US. I wanted to test it so set it up to play. It doesn't sit quite right so I will try and sort it next time I change the strings.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Didn't need the short tail Vibramate on my small pick guard 50thSG24, but no harm in the extra clearance. Best price for both that I've seen, and the no-drill adapter makes it a totally reversible mod. Bigsby install was faster and easier than the new set of strings. I think the tone actually sounds better than with just the hard tail stop block. Longer sustain and more depth in the mids. Less twangy, trebly tone through the '57 classic pups. Added bonuses are the almost total elimination of the infamous SG neck dive, and everything fits in the Gibson hard-shell case.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I really like the quality and performance of the Vibramate, but I wish that Bigsby would provide more instructions on the installation of the product. I made the installation of the unit myself having to drill the perforations for the screws, but that was not the big hurl. The problem is that for a Telecaster installation the strings will not line up with the string saddles and I had to purchase two sets of saddles and had to create groves on the saddles with a metal saw because the strings would keep jumping out of place. I could not find any kind of literature about it on the manufacturers web-page and all I could find was a couple of blogs where people that had had the same problem were asking for advise with no avail by the way because no-one in the blogs had faced that issue before.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The Bigsby B5 with Vibramate kit for stop tailpiece Gibson type guitars is super. It easily install on SAEor Metric threaded anchors in just a few minutes with no drilling or modification. Works super. Installs in less time than it takes to change a set of strings. I like it!!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Finally fitted this easy, classic retro dream tremolo to my Frankentele and am cranking it to 11.... a bit pricey but my ears are smiling!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
It a great idea, but the vibramate puts the Bigsby too close to the bridge, to be really useful. Also, Bigsby really should come with different height springs. The one that came with it puts the Bigsby too high.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I love it because it bolt right up no dilling
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Worth every penny. Easier to install than I imagined. Built like a tank. Feels great. Makes your Tele truly something special.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Easy installation with the Vibramate on my SG. Sounds great and stays in tune pretty well. At least as good or better than I expected. Looks great too if you’re into that.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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