Bigsby to prevent buldge?

Nitebob

Prior to my purchase of a 12-string Ibby, there has been some posts with regard to bulging tops on 12 strings. Also the lifespan of a 12-string is generally shorter due to the high tension on most parts. So I thought I'd throw this question out there. Would a modified Bigsby tailpiece (with proper bracing on the inside and special 12 string rod) not extend the lifespan? The goal here is not to use the vibrato, but only to get a different fastening point for the strings... Opinions?

Gearhead

A Bigsby is a definite nono since it is meant for electrics - way to heavy to allow the top of an acoustic to vibrate properly.
A tailpiece would seem to be an option, but the string pressure on a flattop bridge is just too small to produce enough volume. You could think of replacing the bridge for a higher kind, but that would also require a completely different neck angle. The only option with a tailpiece seems to be to use a bridge like the Smoothtalkers.

Then there is the Breedlove under-the-bridge-support-block thing, to counteract the bulging.

My advice to you is: do not worry. A proper 12 string is built to take the strain and if it turns out not to be, you can still go the route you have in mind now.

My Nippon Gakki 12 string might get equipped with a Breedlove block one day, but for now I am happy the way it is.

Nitebob

On this thread:

http://www.guitarforum.co.za/setup-mods-and-repair/vibramate/

There is a pic of Bryan Adams with a Bigsby on an acoustic... Suppose you're right, still lots of playing to be done, before this will be a real concern. Just thinking pro-actively

Gearhead

You do not know what other tricks are in this Bryan Adams acoustic... Can't see the bridge properly either. The sound is surely not coming from the soundhole though.

slyd

The answer to preventing (and/or correcting) the bulge (pot-belly) particularly on a 12 string, is the installation of a "JLD Bridge Dr"

I have installed 2 of these, 1 on a 6 & 1 on a 12-string; both guitars having huge pot-bellies that made the guitars impossible to set up.

I was sceptical, at first, even after installing the first bridge dr. . . But, then, after restringing, and letting settle for a few days, I was stunned. They really DO WORK! ?

Check out http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for_Bridges/JLD_Bridge_Doctor.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=11326

The JLD Bridge system is factory installed in every Breedlove guitar.

http://www.jldguitar.net/index.html

I have a spare one which I have kept to install on my Ibby AW acoustic, just as a preventative. :?
Easy to install, (I used the screw-mount ones, cheaper, and more natural)

Nitebob

Awesome stuff Slyd, don't suppose you'd consider selling yours.... ?

My purposes are also preventative, Ibby doesn't have a problem yet, and if Breedlove does it to all their guitars, it must work, and sufficiently so...

slyd

Sorry Nitebob, but that one is booked for mine . . . . ?

But, when I place my next stewmac order, I'll get hold of you and see if you want me to get one for you! Howzat?

And, yeah, they do work . . . .

slyd

Nitebob

slyd wrote: Sorry Nitebob, but that one is booked for mine . . . . ?

But, when I place my next stewmac order, I'll get hold of you and see if you want me to get one for you! Howzat?

And, yeah, they do work . . . .

slyd

Thanks man, sounds like a deal, don't need it right away. Let me know.

slyd

Nitebob wrote: Thanks man, sounds like a deal, don't need it right away. Let me know.

Will do 8)