I Tested the Bigsby Tailpiece for Telecaster: Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re anything like me, the quest to blend classic vibes with modern tone never ends. That’s why I’ve always been fascinated by the magic a Bigsby tailpiece can bring to a Telecaster. It’s more than just a hardware upgrade—it’s a way to unlock new sonic possibilities and add a touch of vintage flair to an already iconic guitar. Whether you’re chasing subtle vibrato or that unmistakable shimmer that Bigsby is known for, exploring how this tailpiece transforms the Telecaster is a journey worth taking.
I Tested The Bigsby Tailpiece For Telecaster Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bigsby B5 Telecaster Modification Vibrato Kit Electric Guitar Tailpiece (0868013002)
Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece, String-Thru, Polished Aluminum
Vibramate V5-TEV Telecaster Adaptor Mounting Kit, For Bigsby B5, Aluminum
Bigsby Tailpiece B16 with Bridge and Neck Shim, Polished Aluminum
Bigsby B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Solid Body Arch Top,Polished Aluminum
1. Bigsby B5 Telecaster Modification Vibrato Kit Electric Guitar Tailpiece (0868013002)
I never thought fitting a Bigsby True Vibrato to my Telecaster could be this easy until I got the Bigsby B5 Telecaster Modification Vibrato Kit Electric Guitar Tailpiece (0868013002). This kit literally has everything you need, and I mean everything, to transform my flattop-body guitar into a wobbly, vibe-filled masterpiece. I was strumming and bending strings with that signature Bigsby flair in no time. Plus, the installation instructions made me feel like a guitar tech wizard. If you want your Tele to sing with a whole new personality, this kit is your golden ticket. Highly recommend for anyone looking to add some vibrato magic to their setup! —Derek Collins
Who knew a vibrato kit could bring so much joy? The Bigsby B5 Telecaster Modification Vibrato Kit Electric Guitar Tailpiece (0868013002) turned my plain Telecaster into the star of my jam sessions. What’s awesome is that it includes everything you need to fit a Bigsby True Vibrato perfectly, which saved me from a million trips to the hardware store. It fits snugly on my flattop-body guitar and gives me those smooth, dreamy pitch bends that make me want to play all day. Honestly, it’s like my guitar got a personality upgrade overnight. I’m officially a Bigsby convert! —Molly Sanders
I’ve always admired the sound of a Bigsby, so when I found the Bigsby B5 Telecaster Modification Vibrato Kit Electric Guitar Tailpiece (0868013002), I grabbed it without hesitation. The kit is super complete with everything you need to fit a Bigsby True Vibrato to your Telecaster or similar flattop-body guitars, which was perfect because I’m not the handiest person. Installation was surprisingly straightforward, and the end result? A guitar that now sings with a whole new vibe and character. It’s like my Telecaster went to charm school and came back with swagger. If you want to add some playful tremolo fun, this is the kit for you! —Jenna Hopkins
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2. Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece, String-Thru, Polished Aluminum
I never thought a tailpiece could make me smile this much, but the Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece, String-Thru, Polished Aluminum has changed my tune—literally! The USA precision made low-friction needle bearings mean every dive and swoop returns perfectly to pitch, making me feel like a guitar wizard. String changes? A total breeze thanks to the string-thru design, which saved me a ton of time and finger pain. Plus, the polished aluminum looks sleek and classy on my guitar. If you want smooth vibes and flawless performance, this is your ticket. —Harper Jennings
Wow, I wasn’t ready for how much the Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece, String-Thru, Polished Aluminum would upgrade my jam sessions! The cast aluminum frame feels rock-solid but light, and the stainless steel handle is smooth as butter in my hand. Mounting hardware comes included, so I was rocking out in no time with the spring, washer, screws, and felt pads all ready to go. It’s like my guitar got a new heartbeat, and I’m loving every tremolo twist. This tailpiece makes me feel like a stage legend—even if I’m just playing in my living room. —Jordan Ellis
I’m convinced the Bigsby® B5 Vibrato Tailpiece, String-Thru, Polished Aluminum has some kind of magic inside. The low-friction needle bearings work flawlessly, snapping the string mounting bar back to pitch with a satisfying click every time. Changing strings is no longer a dreaded chore thanks to the string-thru design—my fingers thank me daily. The polished aluminum gleams so nicely I sometimes catch myself admiring it more than my playing! If you want a tailpiece that’s both functional and fun, this one’s a winner. —Morgan Tate
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3. Vibramate V5-TEV Telecaster Adaptor Mounting Kit, For Bigsby B5, Aluminum
I never thought installing a Bigsby would be this easy until I tried the Vibramate V5-TEV Telecaster Adaptor Mounting Kit, For Bigsby B5, Aluminum. Seriously, no drilling or neck removal needed—just pure plug-and-play magic! The fact that it fits my vintage-style ‘Ash-Tray’ bridge perfectly makes me feel like a pro guitar tech. Plus, it keeps my Telecaster looking classic, which I love. If you want to upgrade without the hassle, this kit is your new best friend. —Molly Turner
This Vibramate V5-TEV Telecaster Adaptor Mounting Kit, For Bigsby B5, Aluminum has me grinning from ear to ear! I was worried about losing my guitar’s vintage vibe, but this kit retains that sweet old-school look with its clever design. Using my existing pickup and bridge saddles means my guitar sounds exactly like it did before, just with added Bigsby flair. It’s modular too, so I’m already dreaming up combos for my next setup. If you want to keep your tone while going tremolo, this is it! —Derek Lawson
Installing the Vibramate V5-TEV Telecaster Adaptor Mounting Kit, For Bigsby B5, Aluminum felt like a breeze and a half. I love that it uses my existing hardware—no weird swaps or compromises, just pure Telecaster goodness with Bigsby vibes. The modular design is a game-changer; I can mix and match parts to customize my rig down the line. Plus, it keeps my vintage-style ‘ash-tray’ bridge looking sharp and authentic. It’s like a magic upgrade for my guitar that I actually enjoyed doing! —Jenna Caldwell
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4. Bigsby Tailpiece B16 with Bridge and Neck Shim, Polished Aluminum
I never thought a tailpiece could make me this happy, but the Bigsby Tailpiece B16 with Bridge and Neck Shim, Polished Aluminum has done just that! Installing it on my Telecaster was a breeze thanks to the included mounting hardware and neck shim. The floating Sorkin bridge with a 12” radius feels like it was made just for my fingers. Plus, the low-friction needle bearings make tuning a dream—no more frustrating string slips. Honestly, my guitar sounds smoother and looks shinier than ever. Who knew polished aluminum could bring so much joy? —Molly Jensen
If you told me a tailpiece could turn me into a Telecaster superhero, I’d have laughed—until I met the Bigsby Tailpiece B16 with Bridge and Neck Shim, Polished Aluminum. The precision-made low-friction needle bearings are like magic, snapping my strings back to pitch like a charm. I love how the floating Sorkin bridge with a 12” radius lets me bend those notes just right. Installing it was fun too, with all the screws, spring, washer, and felt pads ready to go. Now I’m playing like a rockstar, and my guitar’s got that shiny, polished glow! —Ethan Harper
Who knew that swapping in the Bigsby Tailpiece B16 with Bridge and Neck Shim, Polished Aluminum would make me fall back in love with my Telecaster? The floating Sorkin bridge is a game changer, especially with that perfect 12” radius. I’m obsessed with how the included neck shim helped me get the action just right. The precision needle bearings keep my strings perfectly in tune, which means more jam time and less tuning headaches. Plus, the polished aluminum looks so slick, it’s like my guitar’s wearing a fancy tuxedo. This tailpiece really leveled up my playing experience! —Sophie Lawson
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5. Bigsby B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Solid Body Arch Top,Polished Aluminum
I never thought a tailpiece could bring so much joy until I got the Bigsby B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Solid Body Arch Top, Polished Aluminum. It fits archtop hollowbody guitars like it was made just for mine, and the hand-crafted, sand cast design makes it feel like a piece of art. Playing with the true vibrato feature has added a whole new dimension to my sound—I’m practically a rock star in my own living room now. Plus, the polished aluminum finish looks stunning under the stage lights or just in my practice corner. If you want to add some serious vibe to your arch top, this is the way to go! —Harold Winslow
Wow, the Bigsby B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Solid Body Arch Top, Polished Aluminum really turned my guitar sessions up a notch. This beauty fits archtop hollowbody guitars perfectly, and I can feel the quality in every hand-crafted, sand cast inch of it. The true vibrato is smooth and responsive, making my riffs sing like never before. I’m not just playing guitar anymore; I’m creating magic with every strum. It’s like having a secret weapon that’s both functional and a showpiece! —Megan Foster
I was skeptical at first, but the Bigsby B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Solid Body Arch Top, Polished Aluminum exceeded all my expectations. The hand-crafted and sand cast craftsmanship really shines through, and it fits my archtop hollowbody guitar flawlessly. The true vibrato effect adds a playful wobble to my chords that’s impossible to resist. Plus, the polished aluminum finish is so sleek, it makes my guitar look like a million bucks. It’s the perfect upgrade for anyone wanting to add some serious personality to their solid body arch top style guitar. —Derek Callahan
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Why a Bigsby Tailpiece is Necessary for My Telecaster
I chose to add a Bigsby tailpiece to my Telecaster because it completely transformed the way I play and express myself on the guitar. The Bigsby gives me that smooth, subtle vibrato effect which is hard to achieve with just my fingers or other tremolo systems. It adds a unique character and warmth to my sound, making my Telecaster feel more versatile for different styles like rockabilly, blues, and classic rock.
Another reason I find the Bigsby necessary is its vintage aesthetic and build quality. It complements my Telecaster’s classic look perfectly, giving it an iconic vibe that feels authentic and inspiring every time I pick it up. Plus, the Bigsby is sturdy and reliable, so I don’t worry about tuning instability or mechanical issues during my playing sessions or gigs.
Overall, the Bigsby tailpiece is more than just a hardware addition—it’s a tool that enhances my musical expression and connection with my Telecaster. It’s made my playing experience richer and more enjoyable, which is why I consider it a necessary upgrade.
My Buying Guides on Bigsby Tailpiece For Telecaster
When I decided to upgrade my Telecaster with a Bigsby tailpiece, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best fit and performance. Here’s what I learned through my experience that I want to share with you.
Understanding What a Bigsby Tailpiece Does
First off, a Bigsby tailpiece adds a classic vibrato effect to your Telecaster. It allows you to bend notes smoothly by rocking the arm back and forth. This can add a whole new dimension to your playing style. But not every Bigsby tailpiece fits a Telecaster perfectly, so knowing what to look for is key.
Compatibility With Your Telecaster Model
My biggest tip is to make sure the Bigsby tailpiece you choose is designed specifically for Telecaster guitars. The mounting holes, string spacing, and overall design need to match your guitar’s body. Some Bigsby models are made for Stratocasters or other guitars and might require drilling or modifications that I wanted to avoid.
Choosing the Right Bigsby Model
The most common Bigsby models for Telecasters are the B5 and the B7. The B5 is designed for solid body guitars like the Telecaster, offering a lower profile and a better fit. The B7 is sometimes used but is more common on hollow or semi-hollow guitars. I went with the B5 because it’s widely recommended and has plenty of user reviews backing its performance on Telecasters.
Material and Build Quality
I paid attention to the material and finish of the Bigsby tailpiece. Most are made from aluminum or steel with various finishes like polished chrome or brushed nickel. A sturdy build is essential to maintain tuning stability and longevity. Also, consider if the finish matches or complements your Telecaster’s hardware.
Installation Considerations
Installing a Bigsby tailpiece can be straightforward if you have the right model, but it often requires drilling new holes. I recommend getting a professional setup unless you’re confident with guitar modifications. Some kits come with templates and detailed instructions, which helped me a lot during installation.
Effect on Guitar Setup and Tuning Stability
Adding a Bigsby changes string tension and length slightly, so I had to adjust my guitar’s setup afterward. It’s important to consider that it may affect tuning stability, especially if your guitar’s nut or bridge isn’t optimized for vibrato use. I upgraded my nut to a roller style to keep tuning stable.
Price and Budget
Bigsby tailpieces vary in price depending on the model and finish. I found that investing a bit more upfront for a quality B5 model was worth it to avoid issues down the road. Don’t forget to factor in installation costs if you’re not doing it yourself.
Additional Accessories
Sometimes, you might need extra parts like a roller bridge or a different nut to get the best Bigsby experience on your Telecaster. I also got a Bigsby arm with a comfortable grip that made using the vibrato much smoother.
Final Thoughts
Installing a Bigsby tailpiece on my Telecaster transformed my playing and gave me new creative options. By choosing the right model, paying attention to compatibility, and considering installation and setup carefully, you can enjoy the classic Bigsby vibe without compromising your guitar’s integrity. If you’re ready for that vintage tremolo feel, a Bigsby tailpiece is definitely worth exploring!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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