All the reasons why guitars are popular would make a long and detailed list. Their versatility, low weight, and reasonable price give them a special place in the music world. They blend nicely with other instruments while having an identity of their own. In addition, playing guitar also offers lots of health benefits to players.
With that out of the way, expert players recommend using enhanced performance tools for better playability. These tools particularly come in handy for beginners. A vibrato tailpiece is one such tool that adds a vibrato effect to a guitar’s tone by changing the length of the guitar’s strings.
With a vibrato tailpiece, you can bend the pitch of the notes with your hand and add the vibrato effect. Bigsby is a company that specializes in manufacturing premium vibrato tailpieces. It is a subsidiary of Fender, which is a big name in the music industry. They were made by Paul Bigsby and are usually installed on the top of a guitar.
That being said, if you are just getting started with the guitar, you may go through a dilemma since there are many models available. Among all the models, B3 and B7 are the most popular ones and have been used by thousands and thousands of musicians around the world.
If you plan to buy any of these models, this article has everything you need to know about them.
Comparing the Bigsby B3 vs B7
Below is a detailed comparison between the Bigsby B3 and Bigsby B7 vibrato tailpieces.
| Features | Bigsby B3 tailpiece | Bigsby B7 tailpiece |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 7 ⅝” | 8 ¾” |
| Body | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Idler bar | No | Yes |
| Weight | 10.4 Oz | 12.5 Oz |
Bigsby B3
Manufactured by Bigsby, the Bigsby B3 is one of the highest-selling vibrato tailpieces by Bigsby. It checks all the boxes and nails the fundamental pillars of what makes a great vibrato tailpiece.
Most of the guitars in the 60s and ’70s came with this tailpiece, and it still enjoys the same popularity. It belongs to the Kalamazoo line series by Bigsby.
Construction
The best thing about the Bigsby B3 tailpiece is its premium construction. Bigsby has a history of manufacturing well-constructed vibrato tailpieces, and the Bigsby B3 tailpiece is no exception. It is 7 ⅝” long, which is a bit shorter than the other Bigsby models.
If the bridge is closer to the end of the guitar, the Bigsby B3 tailpiece is the perfect choice for you. The Bigsby B3 tailpiece has an aluminum body for increased durability. If you are sick and tired of using tailpieces made of plastic that breaks off after a few weeks, the Bigsby B3 tailpiece is the right option for you.
Not only does the aluminum give the tailpiece more durability, but it also gives it a stunning look. Whether you have a vintage guitar or a modern-looking one, it will perfectly complement its look. If you are looking to enhance the appearance of your guitar, consider choosing the Bigsby B3 tailpiece.
Mounting
The Bigsby B3 tailpiece mounts on the bottom of the guitar with four screws. The holes have already been drilled, so you do not go through the hassle of drilling them on your own. Worry not; you can still install your guitar strap while using it. The Bigsby B3 tailpiece is suitable to be used with every guitar type.
Whether you own a folk guitar or a classic one, this tailpiece is up for it. However, it is best suited for the archtop guitars, such as the Gibson 335 archtop guitar. As mentioned earlier, the Bigsby B3 tailpiece is short. Expectedly then, it weighs next to nothing.
It will add no weight to your guitar, making it a perfect choice for players with bad backs. Talking about the performance, it does exceptionally well what it is supposed to do; producing the vibrato effect. It changes the tension between the strings to produce the ideal tone.
Bigsby B7
Next, we have the Bigsby B7. It is also manufactured by Bigsby and is among the most sought-after models by Bigsby to date. It has lots of cool features and is the older sibling to the Bigsby B3 tailpiece. Let’s delve further and see what’s so special about this tailpiece.
Construction
When it comes to construction, the Bigsby B7 tailpiece is as good as anything. Like the Bigsby B3 tailpiece, it is also made of premium aluminum, which is far more durable than plastic. One major difference between the B3 and B7 tailpieces is that the latter one features an idler bar, so you can easily increase the break angle of the string.
The aluminum construction also looks pleasing to the eyes, and investing in this tailpiece is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the look of your guitar. It gives a shiny look to the guitar, and the guitarists are all for it. The Bigsby B7 tailpiece weighs only 12.5 Oz.
While it’s a bit heavier than the B3 tailpiece, it is still pretty low for a tailpiece made of aluminum. The thing with tailpieces is that those made of aluminum usually weigh more than the other ones. In other words, durability is usually a trade-off with the weight of the tailpiece.
However, the Bigsby B7 tailpiece is highly durable while being lightweight at the same time. The Bigsby B7 tailpiece can be used with every guitar type. However, it is also more suitable for archtop guitars. It is 8 ¾” long, which is a bit longer than the B3 tailpiece.
So, make sure that your guitar has enough room for it to be installed smoothly. In terms of performance, the Bigsby B7 tailpiece is hard to beat. With its cool effects, it will certainly enhance your playing experience.
Mounting
The Bigsby B7 tailpiece is also installed following the same mounting process. It is mounted on the bottom using four screws, and the holes for those screws are already drilled for your convenience. Now talking about their prices, the Bigsby B3 and Bigsby B7 have a similar price bracket.
They are the premium models that use the latest technology and innovative features. So, they are a bit pricier than most tailpieces in the market. However, their amazing tones and constructions mean that they are totally worth your money.
Final Verdict
The Bigsby B3 and Bigsby B7 are widely used tailpieces that have been embraced by thousands of guitarists. Both have many ground-breaking features and exciting sound effects for better playability. Both of these tailpieces have the same aluminum construction for improved durability.
However, the idler bar makes the Bigsby B7 tailpiece the clear winner. That being said, the Bigsby B3 tailpiece is also a great choice if you are looking for a great-sounding and durable vibrato tailpiece.