SG - Reversing an added bigbsy back to TOM or other trem

John_P

I saw this 70's SG for sale today that looks great apart from that someone has added a bigsby (B5?) and plugged the holes from the original tail piece.   

What are the easiest options for replacing it?     A longer bigbsy or maestro would look a lot better.

https://i.imgur.com/RI4PJIM.jpg

stickyfiddle

You could always do a Derek Trucks and put a Maestro frame & cover on it but still with the TOM. Or.. put a Bigsby back on??

EDIT: I can now see the picture. Keep the Bigsby!! 

ICBM

Given that there's sure to be a horseshoe mark where the finish hasn't faded as much, I'd leave it. It's cooler with the Bigsby anyway - especially as it's a Gibson-logo'd one. The problem is that it's been fitted crooked, so it will still need plugging and redrilling, but it shouldn't leave a noticeable amount of the horseshoe mark visible.

Also notice that it has such a low neck angle that the height wheels for the bridge have been recessed into the top, at least on the bass side, if that matters...

Funkfingers

If that SG has already been refinished after the tailpiece inserts were filled, there is no originality value to be lost by having it finished again. 

I would argue that it is worth having the neck steamed off and reset with a steeper pitch angle.

Such an undertaking will not be cheap. Given the variable quality of Gibson guitars of that era, it might be wiser to purchase a pre-owned reissue '61 SG/LP.

WezV

I would just take it off and redrill the plugged holes

flyingv

And you get to keep the B5!   I’ve got some repro ones somewhere? Your more than welcome to one.
https://i.imgur.com/0HkQdDY.jpg