The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Vintage Gretsch Guitars: Bigsby B6 Swivel Arm Too Tight

Bigsby B6 Swivel Arm Too Tight

- Rated: 27 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 5:48 p.m. audiodrome:

This may sound like a stupid question to some of you but the first time I even saw a Bigsby tremolo tailpiece was six months ago, so bear with me. My guitar tech just finished "tuning up" my DSV, including oiling and cleaning my vintage B6, and now everything is perfect.

When I got the guitar home, I noticed that the swivel arm is a little tighter than it was on my other B6. How can I loosen so that it swings more easily?

It looks like I would just lift up the arm, pull out the spring, and loosen the bolt - does that sound right? I just don't want to screw anything up, and if there is an easy way to do it or a trick to it, I'd rather know beforehand!
- Rated: 60 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 6:13 p.m. Bear:

If you have a very thin 5/16" wrench, you don't even need to remove the spring or loosen the strings. Just lift the arm and giving about a 1/4-1/2 turn counter clockwise on the locking nut should get you right where you want to be.

P.S. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask.
- Rated: 27 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 7:54 p.m. audiodrome:

I'll have to find a thin wrench somewhere. The only one I have handy won't fit in between the spring coils. Either way, it's not that big of a deal. It's probably better to be too tight than too loose. Plus, it will probably loosen up on it's own the more I swing it!