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Custom Jtv 59 With Bigsby B7


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That is a very cool guitar. Looks great. Does the Bigsby arm get in the way of your Model Selector knob, visually if not mechanically?

No problem just like on a Gibson LP w/ Bigsby. Playing now - i'm your captain -GFR . changes from 12 string to electric with wah.

The main problem is with sound because the JTV acoustic doesn't sound good thru my twin reverb.

But found the solution: AB box by EHX . When on 12 string change to B straight to the audio mixer. And A for electric straight to the twin reverb.

needs a bit of practice for live gigs but it works.

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Fantastic! I was thinking of adding a Bigsby or similar behind-the-bridge affair to my Korean Tobacco burst JTV59. How do you find the return to pitch with the arm when applying both a shimmy or dive-bomb?

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  • 3 weeks later...

I initially saw Anthony Lees guitar at Harmony Central Forum a couple weeks ago and decided to do the same with my JTV-69

20130523_022424_zpsff90e2d6.jpg

 

20130523_022535_zps2a602406.jpg

 

 

I just finished these mods late last night, but so far I'm in love. Its one of those situation where "on paper" it appears there are too many liabilities, like managing the upper harmonic "ping" that could occur on the "non-speaking" string length between the bridge and the tailpiece - but in this case the Bigsby B7 has that additional Roller Bar that maintains a good downward pressure force on the Piezo bridge, and during my test drive late last night -All stock Variax Features and sounds work just like a stock JTV-59 - i.e. I do not hear any anomalies !

 

Modifications so far

1) Upgraded to GFS Locking Tuners $32 - these are actually from the same Asian supplier that Line 6 uses and bolt right on -
http://www.guitarfetish.com/Sperzel-Style-Locking-Tuners-3x3-Chrome_p_1172.html

 


2) Mounted a slightly modified Bigsby B7 Tremolo Tailpiece (Ebay $107) ( inspired by Anthony Lee's JTV-59 with Bigsby)
http://www.harmonycentral.com/t5/Electric-Guitars/James-Tyler-variax-JTV-59-upgraded/m-p/35360629#M4181242

To make this work with the JTV-59 , I modified the Bigsby B7 by sawing off the mount on the upper right - this conflicted with the JTV-59 Bridge.
Then I drilled a new countersunk mounting screw hole directly under the Bigsby Spring.

 

3) I'm more of a Gretsch 6120 tone freak, and prefer clean tones, so I swapped out the stock Line6 pickups for a pair of GFS Rectotron Liverpool PUs ( Ebay $50 for the pair)
 http://www.guitarfetish.com/Liverpool-Vintage-Alnico-Humbucker-Chrome_c_125.html

 

4) Mounted the pickups to a pair of Seymour Duncan Tripleshot rings - Can choose from Series. Parallel, or select which coil is active in single coil mode.
http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/accessories/triple-shot-mou/triple_shot_swi/

 

Might ask why add all these magnetic coil select solutions to a JTV-59 Variax? I'm rather anal about my tone, and clean Palm Muting tone is essential for my Surf Band, and despite the progress, none of these Guitar Modelling solutions  we discuss today can duplicate the exact tone I need to achieve clean Palm Muting tone   - (think Astronauts "Baja) for the sound I use regularly  

 



5) I'm half way done with my JTV-59 Mods - Next I'll mount the Fishman Tripleplay wireless Guitar to MIDI  PU and mount the FTP controller on top of the Bigsby Logo on the tailpiece

 

http://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8394.msg62105#msg62105

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I initially saw Anthony Lees guitar at Harmony Central Forum a couple weeks ago and decided to do the same with my JTV-69

20130523_022424_zpsff90e2d6.jpg

 

20130523_022535_zps2a602406.jpg

 

 

I just finished these mods late last night, but so far I'm in love. Its one of those situation where "on paper" it appears there are too many liabilities, like managing the upper harmonic "ping" that could occur on the "non-speaking" string length between the bridge and the tailpiece - but in this case the Bigsby B7 has that additional Roller Bar that maintains a good downward pressure force on the Piezo bridge, and during my test drive late last night -All stock Variax Features and sounds work just like a stock JTV-59 - i.e. I do not hear any anomalies !

 

Modifications so far

 

1) Upgraded to GFS Locking Tuners $32 - these are actually from the same Asian supplier that Line 6 uses and bolt right on -

http://www.guitarfetish.com/Sperzel-Style-Locking-Tuners-3x3-Chrome_p_1172.html

 

 

2) Mounted a slightly modified Bigsby B7 Tremolo Tailpiece (Ebay $107) ( inspired by Anthony Lee's JTV-59 with Bigsby)

http://www.harmonycentral.com/t5/Electric-Guitars/James-Tyler-variax-JTV-59-upgraded/m-p/35360629#M4181242

 

To make this work with the JTV-59 , I modified the Bigsby B7 by sawing off the mount on the upper right - this conflicted with the JTV-59 Bridge.

Then I drilled a new countersunk mounting screw hole directly under the Bigsby Spring.

 

3) I'm more of a Gretsch 6120 tone freak, and prefer clean tones, so I swapped out the stock Line6 pickups for a pair of GFS Rectotron Liverpool PUs ( Ebay $50 for the pair)

 http://www.guitarfetish.com/Liverpool-Vintage-Alnico-Humbucker-Chrome_c_125.html

 

4) Mounted the pickups to a pair of Seymour Duncan Tripleshot rings - Can choose from Series. Parallel, or select which coil is active in single coil mode.

http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/accessories/triple-shot-mou/triple_shot_swi/

 

Might ask why add all these magnetic coil select solutions to a JTV-59 Variax? I'm rather anal about my tone, and clean Palm Muting tone is essential for my Surf Band, and despite the progress, none of these Guitar Modelling solutions  we discuss today can duplicate the exact tone I need to achieve clean Palm Muting tone   - (think Astronauts "Baja) for the sound I use regularly  

 

 

 

5) I'm half way done with my JTV-59 Mods - Next I'll mount the Fishman Tripleplay wireless Guitar to MIDI  PU and mount the FTP controller on top of the Bigsby Logo on the tailpiece

 

http://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8394.msg62105#msg62105

Nice Job Steve.

I didn't cut the top of the mount on the Bigsby. I just Fined it until it fit (Half of it ) Under the bridge.

but your solution is great too.

Interesting Pickup's with the switch on the Ring. (Not for me, but every man has his Sound).

Not sure about the Fishman Tripleplay,  it's possible to use the Variax bridge with the Graphtech Ghost Hexpander.

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Wow those mods you guys have made are amazing I am terrified of messing with the electronics parts on the variax, (pickups ect.).  I am fine with a traditional guitar but I am afraid of damaging the modeling components.  I haven't even opened up the back panels to look inside.  I changed some hardware but that's about it...  Kudos though awesome work.. 

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  • 1 month later...

My 12 year old son took the picture at the end of the Inlay. and opened a new profession for me. but no thanks i've got to much on my hands.
It might be a bit strange but i did this in the garden, with SRV in the background.

 

1_zpse74d5e31.jpgYeh. It would be nice if they took my customization. It would be Lines 6 greatest selling guitar. Because every time i  gig with it. Line 6 gets a new customer. :)
It's not easy inlaying with the fret's already on.

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  • 4 weeks later...

Hello - P.B. Sarkissian,

There are two JTV-59's with Bigsby B7 Tremolos I know of.

 

Yes - I recently did send mine in for an RMA repair of the Toggle Swtich to Line-6 in Calabasas.

 

Thank you for making a great repair - this guitar works flawlessly now!

 

Prior to the RMA trip - I re-installed the factory pickups, but below I detail all the mods / upgrades i made - I love this guitar!

==

 

I initially saw Anthony Lees guitar at Harmony Central Forum a couple weeks ago and decided to do the same with my JTV-69

20130523_022424_zpsff90e2d6.jpg

 

20130523_022535_zps2a602406.jpg

 

 

I just finished these mods late last night, but so far I'm in love. Its one of those situation where "on paper" it appears there are too many liabilities, like managing the upper harmonic "ping" that could occur on the "non-speaking" string length between the bridge and the tailpiece - but in this case the Bigsby B7 has that additional Roller Bar that maintains a good downward pressure force on the Piezo bridge, and during my test drive late last night -All stock Variax Features and sounds work just like a stock JTV-59 - i.e. I do not hear any anomalies !

 

Modifications so far

 

1) Upgraded to GFS Locking Tuners $32 - these are actually from the same Asian supplier that Line 6 uses and bolt right on -

http://www.guitarfetish.com/Sperzel-Style-Locking-Tuners-3x3-Chrome_p_1172.html

 

 

2) Mounted a slightly modified Bigsby B7 Tremolo Tailpiece (Ebay $107) ( inspired by Anthony Lee's JTV-59 with Bigsby)

http://www.harmonycentral.com/t5/Electric-Guitars/James-Tyler-variax-JTV-59-upgraded/m-p/35360629#M4181242

 

To make this work with the JTV-59 , I modified the Bigsby B7 by sawing off the mount on the upper right - this conflicted with the JTV-59 Bridge.

Then I drilled a new countersunk mounting screw hole directly under the Bigsby Spring.

 

3) I'm more of a Gretsch 6120 tone freak, and prefer clean tones, so I swapped out the stock Line6 pickups for a pair of GFS Rectotron Liverpool PUs ( Ebay $50 for the pair)

http://www.guitarfetish.com/Liverpool-Vintage-Alnico-Humbucker-Chrome_c_125.html

 

4) Mounted the pickups to a pair of Seymour Duncan Tripleshot rings - Can choose from Series. Parallel, or select which coil is active in single coil mode.

http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/accessories/triple-shot-mou/triple_shot_swi/

 

Might ask why add all these magnetic coil select solutions to a JTV-59 Variax? I'm rather anal about my tone, and clean Palm Muting tone is essential for my Surf Band, and despite the progress, none of these Guitar Modelling solutions we discuss today can duplicate the exact tone I need to achieve clean Palm Muting tone - (think Astronauts "Baja) for the sound I use regularly

 

 

 

5) I'm half way done with my JTV-59 Mods - Next I'll mount the Fishman Tripleplay wireless Guitar to MIDI PU and mount the FTP controller on top of the Bigsby Logo on the tailpiece

 

http://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8394.msg62105#msg62105

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Glad Folks at Line6 got exposed to the beautiful thing a Bigsby equipped JTV-59 is - Its replaced my Gretsch Brian Setzer 6120  for #1 Gig Axe.

 

Lets pettion management to make this a Production Model !!!

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I have three JTV's of my own---

 

a Black 69, the second unit I did the Tremolo Mod to,

a Tobacco 59 and a Cherry Sun 59,... yeah they're great.

JTV-59's,.... Sweet! Luv 'em.

 

Then there's yours with the Bigsby on it, double sweet. If we

petition to make it a regular production thing, I'll have to service

them,.... hmmm, yeah, I guess I can deal with that,.... just hope

our guy in parts procurement can.

 

 

-P.B. Sarkissian

 

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Cool

 

on my JTV-69 I removed the "Tremol-No and now use a SuperVee MagLok - made a world of difference and much better tone - I can finally palm Mute and staty in Tune - yet still do Jeff Beck style tremolo dives.

http://www.guitarworld.com/review-super-vee-mag-lok-tremolo-anti-deflection-device

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Cool

 

on my JTV-69 I removed the "Tremol-No and now use a SuperVee MagLok - made a world of difference and much better tone - I can finally palm Mute and staty in Tune - yet still do Jeff Beck style tremolo dives.

http://www.guitarworld.com/review-super-vee-mag-lok-tremolo-anti-deflection-device

 

I was starting to think I was the only person using a MagLock on a JTV-69.  I'll give your comment a +5.  It does its job extremely well. 

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  • 1 year later...

Musicom Lab EFX MkIV 
http://www.musicomlab.com/efxmkiv.htm
Line6 relay-g50
http://line6.com/wireless-guitar-system/
Korg pitchblack+
http://www.korg.com/us/products/tuners/pitchblack_plus/
MXR Custom Shop La Machine 
http://youtu.be/tn4ew9Y9p9c
Compressor -> Wampler EGO
http://youtu.be/rrAIuGMTqtA 
Boss FV-500H 
Molten Voltage Professional - Digitech Whammy 4 
http://youtu.be/VP3AaHzwKM4
MC404 CAE Wah 
http://youtu.be/dpcJ8dA4GXg
MXR M108 10 Band EQ 
MXR CAE Boost Overdrive Pedal MC402
http://youtu.be/0pSmyKwVeqQ
Stereo Talking Machine - Electro-Harmonix 
http://youtu.be/_BGgZ9ho07E
Wampler Tom Quayle Dual Fusion
http://youtu.be/rhZABpif3z4
Strymon Big Sky 
http://youtu.be/wvH8Or_rkFY
Strymon TimeLine 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QtGYGRdqms
Corona Chorus - TC Electronic
http://youtu.be/tB-sXNE7Wzg

60 PL's - Lava Cable High-End Tightrope Solder-Free kit. 
http://www.lavacable.com/index.php?id=187

Voodoo Lab - Pedal Power® 2 Plus + MXR EQ 18V 
VAC9 for whammy

 

5E905E905E90_zps21ff022d.jpg

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  • 4 weeks later...
  • 2 weeks later...

Jefflynyrd and Anthonylee, those look awesome!

 

How is the tuning stability with the Bigsby? How are the guitar models affected by vibrato or bends, since the strings are riding on the piezos? Anything weird happen to the tone?

 

I have a JTV59P goldtop that I'm considering adding a bigsby to.

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

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The JTV-59 with its carved LP style maple top works best with the Bigsby B7 style Tremolo

20130523_022535_zps2a602406.jpg

 

While guitars with a "Flat Top" (like a Godin LGX-SA) work best with the GFS X-Trem

1410382106_363093604_20140909_2050111.jp

 

 

I expect you will have a harder time installing the GFS X-trem on a JTV-59 ( due to its curved top)   - compared to using the Bigsby B7 on the JTV-59

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