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Need a string bar for my Gretsch NC

PostPosted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 2:52 pm
by Roger Pratt
I have managed to break one of the posts off the string bar on my Gretsch Nashville Classic (don't ask me how). If somebody has one they would sell please let me know at rpratt01@roadrunner.com

Image

Re: Need a string bar for my Gretsch NC

PostPosted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 7:49 pm
by Norm
I would heartily suggest you have all the posts drilled out, chamfer the holes and run the strings straight through. It won't affect the Bigsby's function and you'll not have to do any odd bodkins during restring time. I did this to mine years ago and never regretted it

Re: Need a string bar for my Gretsch NC

PostPosted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 11:28 pm
by Roger Pratt
The string bar on the Bigsby picture did not upload in my first post. Trying again.

Re: Need a string bar for my Gretsch NC

PostPosted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 10:24 pm
by George Beasley
You can get a bar machined and drilled from Callaham for $40, and not have to worry about the pegs. I put one on a a Duo Jet, and a 6120 CGP. No effect on tone, and more user friendly. I posted step by step instruction on the replacement of one a few years ago. You can prob search and find it. Several guitar manufacturers have been doing it for years, and Paul Yandell was a fan as well, and tried to have Gretsch offer them....but some people don't want any improvements over what is traditional, for fear of losing mojo....


http://www.callahamguitars.com/index.html#whats_new

Re: Need a string bar for my Gretsch NC

PostPosted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 10:33 pm
by George Beasley
Here is the thread I did a few years ago on replacing the string bar.....


viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2949

Re: Need a string bar for my Gretsch NC

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 8:29 am
by Norm
This is my take on the thing...

Paul Yandell advised me to try taking the pins out of my Bigsby and threading the strings straight through. I did and the only time you notice the difference is when you restring your guitar. You don’t need to fool with ways and means of keeping the string balls on those pins. Makes the guitar much easier to restring.

I believe the reason Bigsby made his vibrato using pins was because at the time of the unit’s design (around 1950) you could not buy light gauge ball-end strings singly. The Ernie Ball single string system did not come into existence until the 1960’s.

If a guitarist wanted a lighter first and second string he had to use banjo strings which have a loop end instead of a ball end so Bigsby made sure that option was fulfilled for both string end styles.

Originally the pins were threaded into threaded holes on the bar. It could well be that PB deliberately made them that way because that way the user had the OPTION of using the pins or even eliminating them altogether. This option no longer exists. Pin removal is a project that cannot be undone easily nowadays.

Once assorted single strings became available it never occurred to the makers of Bigsby to modify (and simplify the manufacture of) the unit.

There is absolutely NO advantage to using pins vs straight-through holes that I can see but The Suits can't seem to make that final modification. This ain't rocket science, kids. Refusing this simple, time saving, modification seems more based on superstition and “tradition” rather than logic.

Re: Need a string bar for my Gretsch NC

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 5:14 pm
by Roger Pratt
Thanks guys!!

Re: Need a string bar for my Gretsch NC

PostPosted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 7:53 pm
by rickr
Roger, you said the bar pin broke
"Don't ask how"
But I can't resist,
HOW?

Rick

Re: Need a string bar for my Gretsch NC

PostPosted: Wed Aug 05, 2015 12:38 am
by Norm
I just had a thought

Rather than go through all the hassle of getting a new bar or even drilling the rest of them out (my first option) couldn't you just drill out the busted pin and put a brad in the hole?

"Brad" meaning a small nail with a head on it. Find one that will fit through the hole and trim it to length. The brad (small nail) may not be strong enough to take the tension but not being a workshop kind of guy I can't say. Certainly worth a try
You could even have it gold plated if you wanted to