Bigsby option

[supereiv]

Hi everyone,

I'm toying with the idea of a bigsby option for an ASAT Special, or maybe an ASAT deluxe.
I read somewhere that the tone pros on the Korina series and the Savannah really change the sound of the guitars, so I'm wondering if a bigsby has the same effect.
Did someone here do an A/B test between special w/saddle lock and special w/bigsby ?

what are your thoughts ?

cheers.

[gitman001]

Hey Xavier,

I will certainly do a comprehensive A/B for you when i return home from holidays.... My Special w/Bigsby has been my #1 for the past 8 or so gigs. Mine initial impression is that the bigsby doesn't greatly alter the tone.... But i will let you know the results of the A/B

Scott

[darwinohm]

Supereiv, I have two Z-3s and did a comparison a few minutes ago. I did them unplugged as the one has the WR bridge pickup. Unplugged they sound very much the same. Both have about the same sustain. I cannot hear a difference. As you can see from the pics, they are both hollow,f hole and Ash. For what it is worth, that is what I expected as I have installed Bigsbys on two different Fender American Deluxe Teles and the tone didn't seem to change on them either. -- Darwin

[Boogie Bill]

And I have a DFV on my solid body ASAT Deluxe. I would say a pretty big diff between it and a Saddle Lock...the DFV gives it an airier, SH quality...more 335-ish. I like it much better than the Bigsbys I have used BUT....the arm does get in the way of the controls. I don't like the knob positions anyway...if they had placed them like a Legacy they would have been perfect with the DFV, at least for me.

Bill

[supereiv]

Ok thank you guys for the input.
So what I'm reading is : the bigsby doesn't alter the sound (when not using it obviously), the DFV is more different.
So, what I'm wondering is : apart from the delicious look of it, what can justify spending 400$ in it instead of going for the DFV on an ASAT special ?
I remember Darwin loved the DFV in a mahogany special SH.

But, that look is so hot !!!

[darwinohm]

Supereiv, The Bigsby does look hot. I used to be a Strat body type guy and have since fell in love with the Asat. I have always liked vibratos and the DFS was a great choice on the EQ Mah Asat Special. What really does it for me is the control of the Bigsby, a much finer control and I don't do huge bends, more surf type. The Bigsby does give a much finer control and that is why I like it. It is also as cool as it gets. The downside is changing strings is a bit more difficult but if the string is bent before installing it is easy. The Bigbsy is a bit heavier so I recommend using it on a hollow Asat unless you are a young dude. It seems that Scott on this forum has been smitten by the BIgsby too! -- Darwin

[supereiv]

thanks Darwin... some nice bigsby dreams to be make !