the old Bigsby restring trick

[Jonesie]

Thanks for sharing the tip. I've been bending the ball end for stringing a bigsby probably since the second time I had to change strings (and, oh, the bridge isn't attached either! aaack ---> makes you figure out how to do it). It's always bit baffling that people have trouble figuring it out.

The hardest part of stringing a Ric tailpiece is the crappy manufacturing of the R tailpieces themselves, due to uneven slots etc.
I found that using a bit of thread/dental floss/string/fishing line/whatever threaded through the ball end (and pulled away from headstock) helps keep the string in a poorly manufactured slot until it catches. It also works to be able to reseat the ball end if it comes loose.

I have no issue with a Bigsby, but the Ric tailpiece can go to hell. I bought a Winfield Harp tailpiece after my second string change. It doesn't look nearly as cool, but I also won't be smashing my guitar when trying to restring.

[cestlamort]

^ the real reason Pete Townsend left a trail of shattered Rickenbackers: destroy it before the strings get dull

[Jonesie]

^ the real reason Pete Townsend left a trail of shattered Rickenbackers: destroy it before the strings get dull

Ah yes, the "nuke it from orbit" solution. Hah

[BMWRider]

I have used the bent string method for restringing my Bigsby equipped guitars. I also have a little piece of foam I stick under the shaft, just to make sure the strings don't try and move while tensioning.

[Maggieo]

Duct Tape. Capo. Pliers.

And eventually, "Hey, Dustin, put some new strings on this, willya?"


Gretsch '53RI Duo Jet, June 28, 2023 by Maggie Osterberg, on Flickr

[i love sharin foo]

Gretsch '53RI Duo Jet, June 28, 2023 by Maggie Osterberg, on Flickr

Stunning!!

[Maggieo]

Gretsch '53RI Duo Jet, June 28, 2023 by Maggie Osterberg, on Flickr

Stunning!!

Thanks! Plays like a twangy dream!

[PorkyPrimeCut]

I sussed out the bend the end with pliers trick fairly quickly but the first thing I discovered that also worked pretty well was using one of these bad boys...



You have to remove the cardboard sleeve but then you simply hook the string end onto the pins, all at once or one at a time, and wedge the rubber (eraser to you 'Muricans) against them. It always held fast for me & worked a treat

[Shadoweclipse13]

I sussed out the bend the end with pliers trick fairly quickly but the first thing I discovered that also worked pretty well was using one of these bad boys...



You have to remove the cardboard sleeve but then you simply hook the string end onto the pins, all at once or one at a time, and wedge the rubber (eraser to you 'Muricans) against them. It always held fast for me & worked a treat

Neat trick! Quick question though: if you guys refer to erasers as "rubbers", do you also use "rubbers" as a slang for condoms?

[PorkyPrimeCut]

It’s probably considered old fashioned now but “rubber johnny” or just “johnny” is UK slang for condom, but not “rubber” by itself. As far as i know, most Brits just call them condoms.
Considering how many alternative words there are in the English dictionary there ate surprisingly few for something so commonplace.