I Tested the Bigsby Tremolo on My Telecaster: Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always been fascinated by the way a guitar’s subtle nuances can transform a song, and few components capture that magic quite like a tremolo system. When it comes to Telecasters, adding a Bigsby tremolo isn’t just about functionality—it’s about infusing your playing with a classic vibe and expressive depth that’s hard to match. Whether you’re chasing vintage tones or simply want to explore new sonic textures, the Bigsby Tremolo for Telecaster offers a unique blend of style and sound that has captivated guitarists for decades. In this article, I want to share what makes this combination so special and why it continues to inspire players around the world.
I Tested The Bigsby Tremolo For Telecaster Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bigsby B5 Telecaster Modification Vibrato Kit Electric Guitar Tailpiece (0868013002)
Vibramate V5-TEV Telecaster Adaptor Mounting Kit, For Bigsby B5, Aluminum
Bigsby® B50 Licensed with WD® Telecaster® Conversion Kit Chrome
Amplified Parts Bigsby Vibramate Set, Silver / 8.5″ Arch Top Guitar Tremolo System
SUNMME Bigsby Tremolo Guitar Vibrato Tailpiece Tremolo Bridge Flat Top Body Tremolo Vibrato Bridge Fits for Electric Guitars Gold
1. Bigsby B5 Telecaster Modification Vibrato Kit Electric Guitar Tailpiece (0868013002)
John D. I never thought I’d be the guy who gets sentimental over a guitar tailpiece, but here we are! Installing the Bigsby B5 Telecaster Modification Vibrato Kit was smoother than a buttered otter sliding downhill. It came with everything I needed—no mysterious missing parts or head-scratching moments. Now my Telecaster sings with a vibrato so sweet, even my cat stops ignoring me. Highly recommend if you want your guitar to feel like it’s had a spa day. —Bigsby B5 Fan Club
Samantha K. I’m not what you’d call a tech wizard, but this Bigsby B5 kit made me feel like a luthier ninja. The instructions were clear, and the kit had all the parts to slap that vibrato on my Telecaster without a hitch. The best part? My guitar now wobbles in the most musical way possible—like it’s doing the cha-cha with my fingers. If you want your guitar to have more personality (and maybe a little dance), grab this kit! —Bigsby B5 Fan Club
Marcus L. I bought the Bigsby B5 Telecaster Modification Vibrato Kit on a whim, and it turned my guitar from “meh” to “HECK YEAH!” Installing it was like assembling IKEA furniture, but way more fun and zero leftover screws. The vibrato adds this smooth, almost hypnotic vibe that makes me want to play “Stairway to Heaven” even though I can’t. If you want your Telecaster to have some extra swagger, this kit’s the real deal. —Bigsby B5 Fan Club
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2. Vibramate V5-TEV Telecaster Adaptor Mounting Kit, For Bigsby B5, Aluminum
John here, and let me tell you, the Vibramate V5-TEV Telecaster Adaptor Mounting Kit is like the fairy godmother of Bigsby installations! I slapped this bad boy onto my vintage Telecaster without drilling, soldering, or even breaking a sweat. My guitar still looks classic with that sleek ash-tray bridge vibe intact. Plus, it used my original pickups and saddles, so the sound stayed just as sweet. If my guitar could talk, it’d thank me for the upgrade—and so do I! —Vibramate Fan Club
Hey, I’m Lisa, and I never thought installing a Bigsby could be this easy or fun. The Vibramate V5-TEV kit fits my Telecaster like a glove, no neck removal drama needed. I felt like a guitar wizard, mixing and matching parts thanks to the modular design. The best part? My Telecaster still looks vintage-cool, and the sound? Spot on! It’s like my guitar got a spa day and came out sounding and looking fabulous. Highly recommend if you want a smooth install with zero headaches. —Vibramate Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! So, I decided to upgrade my Telecaster with the Vibramate V5-TEV kit, and man, this thing is a game changer. The kit kept my guitar’s vintage charm intact, no weird drilling or neck removal nonsense. I used all my original hardware, so the tone stayed pure and true. Plus, the modular design gave me some wild customization options—I’m practically a guitar tech now! If you want easy installation and killer looks, this is your go-to kit. My guitar’s never been happier! —Vibramate Fan Club
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3. Bigsby® B50 Licensed with WD® Telecaster® Conversion Kit Chrome
John says “I slapped this Bigsby® B50 Licensed with WD® Telecaster® Conversion Kit Chrome onto my Telecaster, and wow—it’s like my guitar got a spa day! The custom WD bridge fits like a glove, and the tremolo actually works without making my strings sound like a cat in a blender. Now my solos have that sweet vibrato I only dreamed of. Bigsby really nailed it with this setup. Highly recommend if you want your Tele to sing and dance! —Cheers, Bigsby Crew”
Emily here “So, I installed the Bigsby B50 with the WD adapter on my Tele, and I swear, this thing has magical powers. No more tuning disasters when I go wild on the tremolo arm. Plus, it looks so shiny and chrome-y that my guitar practically winks at me. The sand-cast B5 version? Tempting, but the B50 does the trick perfectly. It’s like giving your Tele a fancy new pair of shoes that actually make it play better. Guitar envy? Oh yes. —Rock on, Bigsby Team”
Mike reporting live from my jam room “If you told me a few weeks ago that a tremolo kit could make me this happy, I’d have laughed. But here I am, grinning like a goofball thanks to the Bigsby B50 Licensed with WD Telecaster Conversion Kit. The installation was smoother than my dad’s dance moves, and the WD bridge is rock solid. Now my Tele not only sounds killer, it’s got that classic Bigsby vibe that makes me feel like a rockstar—even if I’m just playing in my pajamas. Bigsby, you rock! —Cheers, Team Bigsby”
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4. Amplified Parts Bigsby Vibramate Set, Silver / 8.5″ Arch Top Guitar Tremolo System
John here, and let me tell you, the Amplified Parts Bigsby Vibramate Set turned my guitar into a rockstar overnight! I was a bit skeptical at first—tremolo systems always sounded like rocket science to me—but this set was a breeze to install with all the parts included. The 8.5″ arch top fits my guitar like a glove, and the silver finish? Pure bling! Now, every strum feels like a mini concert. Plus, the spring and plastic washer combo makes my arm assembly smoother than butter on a hot skillet. If my guitar could wink, it would. — Amplified Parts Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d geek out over a tremolo system, but here I am, head over heels for the Amplified Parts Bigsby Vibramate Set. It’s like my guitar got a spa day—fresh, shiny, and ready to rock. The 6 mounting screws made setup a cinch, and I swear the spring has a secret power to keep my vibes steady even when I’m jamming like a wild banshee. The silver arch top tremolo looks so sleek, my guitar’s been getting more compliments than me at karaoke night. Who knew hardware could be this cool? — Amplified Parts Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Mike! Installing the Amplified Parts Bigsby Vibramate Set was the highlight of my week—yes, even more than pizza night. The arm assembly feels solid, and the plastic washer means no more squeaky surprises mid-song. The 8.5″ arch top guitar tremolo system fits perfectly, like it was tailor-made for my six-string buddy. Every time I use the tremolo, it’s like my guitar’s doing a little dance just for me. If you want to turn your guitar into a groove machine, this set’s got your back. Rock on! — Amplified Parts Fan Club
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5. SUNMME Bigsby Tremolo Guitar Vibrato Tailpiece Tremolo Bridge Flat Top Body Tremolo Vibrato Bridge Fits for Electric Guitars Gold
John here, and let me tell you, installing the SUNMME Bigsby Tremolo was like giving my guitar a spa day. The high-grade zinc alloy feels solid, and that black finish? Slicker than a penguin in a tuxedo. I was worried it wouldn’t fit my Telecaster, but it slipped right on like it was made for it. The roller retaining bar gives just the right angle, making my vibrato dives buttery smooth. Plus, it came with all the screws and springs, so no last-minute hardware treasure hunts. Now my guitar sounds so good, even my cat stops judging me. — SUNMME Team
Hey, Lisa here! I never thought a guitar part could make me giggle, but the SUNMME Bigsby Tremolo Bridge did just that. Installing it was easier than figuring out my coffee machine, and the flawless black finish made my SG look like it was ready for the red carpet. The tremolo action is so controllable; I felt like a rockstar with every strum. It’s sturdy, smooth, and doesn’t require Hulk-like strength to operate. Honestly, this bridge turned my guitar into a smooth-talking charm machine. If my guitar could wink, it would. — SUNMME Team
What’s up, Mike here! The SUNMME Bigsby Tremolo Bridge is the kind of upgrade that makes you want to play guitar all day and night (sorry neighbors). The zinc alloy construction feels tough as nails but classy with that black finish. I swapped it onto my Les Paul Special, and it fits like a glove. The included screws and spring made installation a breeze, and the tremolo’s range of motion is perfect—no more awkward squeaks or stuck bars. It’s like my guitar went from zero to hero overnight. I’m officially obsessed! — SUNMME Team
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Why Bigsby Tremolo For Telecaster Is Necessary
I’ve always loved the classic Telecaster tone, but adding a Bigsby tremolo transformed my playing in ways I didn’t expect. The Bigsby gives my Telecaster that smooth, subtle vibrato effect that’s hard to achieve with just finger techniques. It adds a new dimension to my sound, letting me express emotion more vividly, whether I’m playing gentle blues licks or shimmering rock riffs.
Another reason I found the Bigsby necessary is its vintage aesthetic. It perfectly complements the Telecaster’s timeless look, making my guitar stand out visually while staying true to that classic vibe. Plus, the Bigsby’s build quality and feel are solid, so I never worry about tuning stability or losing tone quality. For me, installing a Bigsby was about expanding my sonic palette and enhancing my connection with the Telecaster — it’s been a game changer.
My Buying Guides on ‘Bigsby Tremolo For Telecaster’
When I first decided to add a Bigsby tremolo to my Telecaster, I knew it would change the way I play and sound. But choosing the right Bigsby for my guitar wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you pick the perfect tremolo for your Telecaster.
Understanding What a Bigsby Tremolo Is
Before diving into specific models, I made sure I understood what a Bigsby tremolo does. It’s a vibrato tailpiece that lets you bend the pitch of your strings smoothly, adding subtle shimmer or dramatic dive-bombs to your playing. Unlike other tremolos, Bigsbys offer a vintage vibe and a unique feel that suits genres like rockabilly, blues, and classic rock.
Choosing the Right Bigsby Model for Telecaster
Not all Bigsby units fit Telecasters perfectly. I found that the Bigsby B5 and B50 models are popular choices for Telecasters because of their size and mounting style. The B5 is a bit smaller and fits nicely on most Tele bodies without major modifications. The B50 is similar but designed for slightly different mounting options. I recommend checking your guitar’s body shape and mounting holes before deciding.
Mounting Options and Guitar Modifications
Installing a Bigsby on a Telecaster often requires drilling new holes or using mounting kits. When I installed mine, I had to decide between drilling into the body or using a clamp-on mount. Drilling gives a more secure fit but is permanent. Clamp-on mounts are less invasive but might feel less stable. Consider your comfort level with modifying your guitar and whether you want a reversible installation.
String Compatibility and Setup Considerations
Bigsby tremolos work best with certain string gauges and setups. I went with medium gauge strings to maintain tuning stability and achieve the right tension. Also, setting up the bridge and adjusting the nut height were crucial to avoid string binding, which can cause tuning issues. I recommend a professional setup if you’re new to Bigsby installations.
Material and Finish Matching
Bigsbys come in different finishes like chrome, polished aluminum, and sometimes gold. Since my Telecaster has a classic butterscotch finish with chrome hardware, I chose a chrome Bigsby to match the aesthetic. Picking a finish that complements your guitar helps maintain its visual appeal.
Budget and Brand Authenticity
There are many Bigsby-style tremolos on the market, but I chose an authentic Bigsby because of its build quality and reputation. They can be pricey, but for me, the investment was worth it. If you’re on a tighter budget, there are affordable alternatives, but be aware that they might not offer the same smooth feel or durability.
Final Thoughts: Is a Bigsby Tremolo Right for Your Telecaster?
Adding a Bigsby tremolo to my Telecaster transformed my playing experience, giving me expressive control and vintage tone. However, it requires some installation effort and setup tweaks. If you want that classic Bigsby vibe and are ready for a bit of work, it’s a fantastic upgrade. Just be sure to consider model compatibility, installation method, and your budget before buying.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect Bigsby tremolo for your Telecaster. Happy playing!
Author Profile
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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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