9 inch flat handle ?

[larryr]

So I had a B6 on my Gretsch and liked where the handle sat but the break angle popped strings out of the saddle. I have since gone to a B3 (B6 long gone) and find I wish the handle was longer. Found these Bigsby 9 inch flat handles. Is anybody using one that might have a picture of what it looks like on the guitar? Are you happy with it. I'm not a fan of the Chet arm. Thanks in advance for any info.

Handle - Bigsby, flat 9 1/2" handle with stud, Color: Stainless Steel | Reverb

Genuine Bigsby® replacement flat handle with pre-installed stud. This 9.5" flat handle is longer than the stock handle used on most Kalamazoo Series vibratos. Handle spring, fiberwasher, and nut sold separately. See P-GB-HANDLE-1X for the standard sized handle. Product MeasurementsItem Length: ...

reverb.com

 

[larryr]

.......

 

[afire]

Here are a couple of pics of guitars with the long arm. It looks a little "off", but every time I see a full sized hollowbody with a B3 or B7 I wonder how problematic the length of the normal arm is.

 

[larryr]

Oh perfect. Looks like it sits right where I want it. Thank you. Going to snag one and give it a whirl.

 

[larryr]

and now for the Duane Eddy handle question. So 6.5 is standard, 9.5 available. Is the DE handle actually 8 inches from bolt center to tip? I'm wondering if the DE will sit where I want ? My 3161 is a 16" body so the 9.5 sits further between the pickups. If DE is actual 8" ( not including the hinge) that may get the job done.

 

[afire]

So 6.5 is standard, 9.5 available.

That makes sense. I just recently learned that the 3 and 6 in B3 and B6 refer to some measurement and the B3 is three inches shorter than a B6. So a handle three inches longer should end up on a B3 right where a standard handle would with a B6.

If DE is actual 8" ( not including the hinge) that may get the job done.

It would surprise me if the DE handle is an inch and a half longer than a standard handle. But I have both at home and could take a look (if I don't forget).

 

[Lacking Talent]

Here, @larryr, this is my G3161 with the Duane handle on a Bigsby B6...

 

[Bigsbyguy]

afire, do you know if either of those handles are stock? Always wondered if the long flat handle was offered by Bigsby or was a Bigsby Accessories part?

Love the 1 pup in the middle models. Perfect pup placement IMO

Also consider, will it fit in the case?

 

[larryr]

Here, @larryr, this is my G3161 with the Duane handle on a Bigsby B6...

View attachment 208095

Looks like the DE is the same as a stock b6 handle. The 9.5 on the B3 puts it between the pickups.

 

[Lacking Talent]

Looks like the DE is the same as a stock b6 handle. The 9.5 on the B3 puts it between the pickups.

My DE handle measures 6.5" inches tip to tip, 6" from screw center to handle tip. Hope that info is of use to you!

 

[larryr]

It is. And it is same as stock. 6.5. Thanks. On the fence. 9.5 handle or revert back to b6 and raise the action a bit more. Or file the high e saddle deeper.

 

[afire]

afire, do you know if either of those handles are stock? Always wondered if the long flat handle was offered by Bigsby or was a Bigsby Accessories part?

No, I would assume not stock. AFAIK, the long handle is just an aftermarket accessory that Bigsby offers.

Also consider, will it fit in the case?

I wondered the same. You're definitely not going to be able to flip it around like most of us normally do before putting it in the case. But I recently had a fixed arm unit and it fit fine. I think it depressed ever so slightly in the case, but not a big deal. I'd guess that one of these will be about the same.

 

[Bigsbyguy]

OK. Wouldn't surprise me if Paul made some. Maybe Ed knows?
With an inexpensive GC 335 case the long handle won't fit.

 

[larryr]

OK. Wouldn't surprise me if Paul made some. Maybe Ed knows?
With an inexpensive GC 335 case the long handle won't fit.

Well there's my answer. Epiphone TKL 335 case for my 3161 so no fit. Thanks. Saved me some time and money. B6 I know fits. Next....

 

[Ricochet]

Maybe get a 9 1/2" and make it into an 8 or 7 1/2"?

 

[larryr]

Maybe get a 9 1/2" and make it into an 8 or 7 1/2"?

Now that is brilliant. Didn't occur to me to cut down a 9 handle. They're steel so it should be doable right? Thank you.

 

[Bigsbyguy]

To me the 9" handle looks like a regular size with 1/2 of another welded on then plated. I'm kinda of surprised there's not much in the way of after market handles.

 

[Henry]

Now that is brilliant. Didn't occur to me to cut down a 9 handle. They're steel so it should be doable right? Thank you.

I thought these were aluminum, which should be even easier to work with. I could be wrong.

 

[afire]

Nope, the flat handles are steel.