Bigsby Vibrato Roller Bridge Replacement on a Carvin SH-445 Electric Guitar

Описание: This video shows how to replace a 'Tune-o-matic' fixed M type bridge with a roller bridge.

The guitar is a Kiesel / Carvin SH445 semi-hollow electric guitar with a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. (You'll also hear me call it a trem - gasp!)

Over time the strings developed a bend where they broke over the fixed bridge saddles. This caused them to bind in the saddle slots, making an audible 'click' when the Bigsby was engaged for anything more than a light warble. The roller bridge provides a curved point of contact with the string, and allows the strings to roll smoothly over the bridge without binding.

The new roller bridge went in without needing any permanent modifications. I installed a model "B-11" bridge, purchased from GuitarFetish.com. It was less than $30 delivered.

The old fixed bridge is Kiesel / Carvin's standard 'M' bridge. While the new roller bridge came with matching gold bushings and posts, I didn't need to use them, as the new bridge fit perfectly over the stock Carvin posts. (Note - the Guitar Fetish posts are NOT the same thread diameter as the Carvin bushings.)

I can't comment on whether the bridge replacement affected the guitar's tone since I restrung with a different brand of brand new strings - Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalts. I'll say this - between the bridge replacement and the new strings it sounds AWESOME!

Links & resources:

Guitar Fetish Parts
http://www.guitarfetish.com/

Roller bridge:
http://www.guitarfetish.com/Gold-Roll...

Carvin Guitars/Kiesel Guitars
http://www.kieselguitars.com/

Carvin SH Guitar models
http://www.kieselguitars.com/customsh...