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Bigsby B5 Vibrato

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$149.00 to $222.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (20)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

Find out who is using Bigsby B5

2 community setups

6 wishlisted

23 saved

Page last updated Jun 30, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated June 30, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (6)

$165.99

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$197.99

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4.7 (34)

$221.34

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5.0 (14)

$149.00 62 available New

$100.00 15 available Used

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4.7 (7)

$222.00

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£199.00

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Average Price: $176

Standard/Professional

$79

$200+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Bridges and Tailpieces category, Bigsby B5 Vibrato is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Bigsby B5 Vibrato". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Elevate your guitar playing experience with the Bigsby B5 Vibrato Tailpiece, a staple accessory for musicians craving that iconic vintage vibrato sound. Perfectly engineered for flat-top solid-body guitars, this vibrato system not only enhances your instrument’s aesthetic but also its sonic flexibility. Designed with a tension bar to optimize the break angle, it ensures smooth pitch transitions and precise vibrato effects that are both expressive and fluid.

Whether you're a professional guitarist or a passionate hobbyist, the Bigsby B5 is easy to install, attaching effortlessly with just four screws. Its die-cast aluminum construction guarantees durability and stability, allowing you to maintain exceptional tuning even during the most dynamic performances. Known affectionately as the "horseshoe," this tailpiece has graced a variety of iconic guitars, including models from Gibson, Rickenbacker, and Fender.

With its classic look adorned with the Bigsby logo, your guitar will not only sound incredible but also capture the essence of vintage style. The B5 Vibrato is a versatile choice, making it an indispensable addition to your musical arsenal whether you're crafting subtle, haunting melodies or delivering powerful, energetic solos.

Key Features:

Designed for flat-top solid-body guitars
Includes a tension bar for increased break angle
Constructed from durable die-cast aluminum
Smooth and stable vintage-style vibrato action
Easy installation with four screws
Compatible with a wide range of guitar models

Product specs

Type	Bigsby B5 Vibrato
Intended Instrument	Flat Top Solidbody Guitars
Bridge Style	Vibrato
Material	Aluminum
Finish	Aluminum

FAQs

Is the Bigsby B5 Vibrato suitable for all guitars?: The Bigsby B5 Vibrato is designed for flat top solidbody guitars. It may not be compatible with archtop or hollow body guitars due to its specific mounting requirements.
How difficult is it to install the Bigsby B5 Vibrato on my guitar?: Installing the Bigsby B5 Vibrato requires drilling and precise alignment on your guitar. It's recommended to have it installed by a professional to ensure proper setup and avoid damage.
Does the Bigsby B5 Vibrato affect guitar tuning stability?: The Bigsby B5 Vibrato can maintain tuning stability if properly installed and used. Ensuring the vibrato returns to its rest position consistently is key to keeping your guitar in tune.
What material is the Bigsby B5 Vibrato made from?: The Bigsby B5 Vibrato is made from aluminum, which contributes to its lightweight design and durability.
What is the weight of the Bigsby B5 Vibrato?: The Bigsby B5 Vibrato weighs approximately 287 grams (10.1 oz), making it a relatively lightweight option for adding vibrato to your guitar.

Videos

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Gear Confessions

Modified Bigsby B5 Vibrato / Tremolo

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Reviews

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PROS

Enhances guitar aesthetics with a classic, eye-catching design
Simple operation and delivers classic tremolo sound
Installation instructions are clear and easy to follow
Compatible with Vibramate V5 for no-drill installation
Improves guitar's overall balance and weight distribution
Excellent build quality and durable finish
Smooth string changes, despite forum debates
Provides good tuning stability with proper bridge and tuners

CONS

Requires an uncommon 17/64" drill bit for installation
Stock saddles may adversely affect smooth tremolo action
Higher price point compared to separate tailpiece and bridge options

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Bigsby B5 Vibrato.

Setup and maintenance

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Vibramate is recommended for Bigsby B5 installations to avoid drilling holes in the guitar, preserving its original condition.
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Restringing requires looping the string ball end under a peg, a process that becomes easy with practice and the use of a capo to hold strings in place.
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Owners recommend ensuring the bridge moves and the nut doesn't bind for optimal tuning stability, particularly on flattop guitars with a Bigsby B5.
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Features and functionality

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Bigsby vibratos excel at subtle pitch modulation, ideal for styles like rockabilly and songs like Chris Isaak's "Foolish Games."
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A string-through version of the Bigsby is recommended for easier restringing, though aftermarket options like Callahan rollers may be necessary for some models.
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User experience

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Some users report no tuning issues, especially when using graphite roller nuts and locking tuners to enhance stability.
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Users express that licensed Bigsbys can be adequate, with the main difference being the materials like bronze bearings in genuine models versus nylon in licensed ones.
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Mods and upgrades

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The B3 model is recommended for archtop guitars like the Gibson ES-339 to avoid steep break angles that could affect playability.
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A Callahan slotted roller bridge is suggested to improve tuning stability and ease string changes on Bigsby-equipped guitars.
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Use cases and applications

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Bigsbys are praised for adding weight and sturdiness to guitars, enhancing the feel and overall sound quality.
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Comparisons

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Duesenberg Les Trem II is noted for being more sensitive and stable compared to Bigsby B5, making it a preferred choice for some users.
Source

Critic Reviews

Bigsby vibrato tailpiece: everything you need to know about the iconic tremolo system | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Bigsby B5 Vibrato is celebrated for its vintage appeal and engineering simplicity, remaining largely unchanged since 1951. It’s favored by many guitarists for its reliable performance, offering a mechanical solution that has influenced modern guitar hardware. However, some users find its sustain and tuning stability could be improved, especially with models featuring front rollers. Solutions like Callaham and Vibramate offer upgrades and non-destructive mounting systems to address these issues. Overall, the Bigsby B5 is a classic piece of gear that, while not perfect, offers a distinct musical expression cherished by many.

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5.0 out of 5

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