Bigsby B3 Vibrato Tailpiece Polished Aluminium

Softer Vibrato Feel for Thin Archtops and Carved-Top Solid Bodies

The Bigsby B3 Vibrato Tailpiece in Polished Aluminium is designed for thin archtops measuring 38.1 mm to 57.2 mm (1-1/2” to 2-1/4”), as well as carved-top solid body guitars, including some Gretsch Duo Jet models. Commonly used where a tension bar is not required, the B3 gives players smooth, expressive pitch movement with a softer string response.

The lack of a tension bar creates a shallower break angle over the bridge, which helps the strings feel less stiff under the fingers. That softer feel suits subtle vibrato effects, gentle chord shimmer and expressive pitch movement where the player wants control without a firmer break angle.

USA precision made low-friction needle bearings help the string mounting bar return accurately to pitch. The B3 uses a cast aluminium frame with a stainless steel handle, and mounting hardware is included, with spring, washer, screws and felt pads supplied. It mounts with four supplied screws near the strap button.

At Riffs & Licks Music, we think this tailpiece is best suited to players, repairers and luthiers working on thin archtops or carved-top solid body guitars, with the shallow break angle being the key differentiator for softer Bigsby-style vibrato.