Vintage VS6 Bigsby

Jonesy9

Good afternoon all,

I’ve had a look around and seen a few videos of people modding SG replicas to add a bigsby, however I’m struggling to find any concrete material to identify which bigsby conversion kit I’d need to do the same to my Vintge VS6. 

I watched a video yesterday and the guy added a bigsby using a vibramate conversion (I think it was) removing the bridge, adding a kit which negates the need to drill any additional holes, and anchors the bigsby using the strap nut at the base of the guitar. 

I wonder Der if anyone’s successfully added a full length bigsby to a Vintage VS6?

thanks,
Jack

DannyP

Some VS6s have the law-suit avoiding off-set shape, meaning the strap button flap on a B7 might not be able to sit flush if you have one of those.

A Bigsby B5 plus a Vibramate is an expensive mod for an affordable guitar.

Might be cheaper to sell it and buy one of these:

https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Vintage-VS6V-Reissued-Cherry-Red/2EXQ?origin=product-ads&campaign=PLA+Shop+-+GENERIC&adgroup=GENERIC&medium=vertical_search&network=google&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=112670d1&product_country=GB&product_partition_id=515482999576&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlqLdBRCKARIsAPxTGaUQBzDKATv_CXZoF181a8SBpaOUC8Cwswci05LGAbFvNXRJB4kZkBoaAgM4EALw_wcB

Jonesy9

Thanks very much for the reply. My VS6 is probably about 15 years old, so i'm not sure if it's the pre or post off-set model. But i hear what you're saying regarding the cost to do this.

I am looking to add a guitar to my collection, but was thinking that i'd like one of my guitars to have a tremolo. Maybe the best option would be to use it as an opportunity to ensure the new guitar has a tremolo. Fender Jazzmaster or Jaguar were 2 of my shortlisted choices, so that probably works out for the best to be honest.

Thanks for the honest feedback!

Corvus

Another option would be the Les Trem II, if the tail stud spacing is standard - those are (or were) about £55-60 or so and dead easy to slap on. I did end up going roller bridge when I had one, with a bone nut, it was good at coming back in tune after that.
The range is similar to a Bigsby and the feel pretty similar to the non-tension bar ones like the B5.

bbill335

Jonesy9 said:

Thanks very much for the reply. My VS6 is probably about 15 years old, so i'm not sure if it's the pre or post off-set model. But i hear what you're saying regarding the cost to do this.

easy to tell - is it the same shape as a gibson sg or is it like a wonky version of the sg?

unless you love the neck and are desperate to fit an expensive vibrato, best to get a squier jag or something

Jonesy9

Thanks 2 bills, the Les trem is definitely a good shout. My VS6 is definitely the same shape as an SG, certainly not a wonky version. But you’re all right. Not much point spending so much money on a VS6. 

The Squier jag is an interesting thought. I’ve looked through reviews of Fender vs Squier jag. I’d love to have a fender but my skill level probably only warrants spending Squier money I suppose. 

Thanks again all!