Bigsby handle vice bending

[BatmansGretsch]

I was listening to a video with Neil Young where he says he has the Bigsby handle bent more for easier access.

Has anyone done this? Or is it like, don't do that to your Bigsby handle! moment.

 

[Jim Krause]

I'm not much of a fix it guy. On my Electromatic 5120, I've learned to adapt. My other choice is to swap out the handle for a Chet wire arm.

 

[BCRatRod73]

I was listening to a video with Neil Young where he says he has the Bigsby handle bent more for easier access.

Has anyone done this? Or is it like, don't do that to your Bigsby handle! moment.

Maybe try a wire handle arm before bending the arm. This might be what feels best for you.

 

[wabash slim]

Be prepared for a loud resounding metallic SNAP.
Cast metal doesn't like to bend.

 

[Tele295]

Be prepared for a loud resounding metallic SNAP.
Cast metal doesn't like to bend.

Are the flat handles cast or stamped?

 

[powerwagonjohn]

I have tweaked or bent the flat handles on a few of my USA Bigsbys.
Thanks John

 

[wabash slim]

Are the flat handles cast or stamped?

Pretty sure they're cast.
All I can say is "Try it and find out."

 

[radd]

I was listening to a video with Neil Young where he says he has the Bigsby handle bent more for easier access.

Has anyone done this? Or is it like, don't do that to your Bigsby handle! moment.

I have done it a couple times. Important, only do this with the steel handles not the alloy cast handles!

I remove the handle from the guitar and place the handle in a vice using rubber jaw protectors and increase the bend. I do very little at a time until I get it correct.

 

[Shadowy_Man]

That reminds me, I keep meaning to try to increase the bend on my Chet arm. I find the overall length is slightly too long, I'm thinking an increase bend in the middle will shorten the effective length. Anyone ever try that?

 

[mister rain]

That reminds me, I keep meaning to try to increase the bend on my Chet arm. I find the overall length is slightly too long, I'm thinking an increase bend in the middle will shorten the effective length. Anyone ever try that?

i’ve been wanting to do that with a long chet arm, trying to approximate the jazzmaster arm. but it turns out i don’t like playing kevin shields style.

 

[G5422T]

The modern "flat" handle" arms that I've had appear to be stamped.

I replaced mine with "DE" handles, which are cast. DO NOT TRY AND BEND A CAST ARM.

I set the DE handle height by changing the large spring. 7/8" springs work for me.

Best of luck.

 

[Back in Black]

Maybe try a wire handle arm before bending the arm. This might be what feels best for you

BCR,

Would have to see the particular handle, some are cast aluminum, some are stainless flat stock. The arm does swivel on the mounting bolt for ''easy access''

The S/S arm would have to be heated/bent/hammered and re-polished, the cast aluminum handle, one would be smart to leave well enough alone.

Hope this helps.

Best,

BIB.

 

[calebaaron666]

I had a chet wire handle on a bigsby’d telecaster a few years back and I bent mine in a vice. Worked fine. I wrapped it in a hand-towel before tightening the vice, and held another hand-towel in my hands while I pulled it toward me.
I was lucky maybe cuz there was no snapping sound.
I must have stopped bending at the right moment.

 

[Shock]

A penny under the spring may be enough?

 

[WillyW]

It’s thin aluminum just bend it, it takes less time than it took me to type this.