Ebay seller: Vibrola

[the stonesteels]

Hi everyone. FIRST POST. Glad to finally be a member :) I've never had an affinity for SG's not til last a couple of months ago. I've seen Angus, Pete and all the great players but I think it was the Tweedy that got me hooked.

Just got a Gibby SG Sam Ash exclusive for a great price. I would've loved a Tweedy but the last one they had at my local store has a pretty back nick (VERY VISIBLE) and though there were no neck breaks etc. I was apprehensive to jump the gun. Hence, the pelham blue standard. (The last remaining one at the store too I might add.) I've already seen a member on here with a color combination I'm opting for :) I also appreciate the comprehensive SG library with all the specs that I found here.

Inspired by the Tweedy SG, I'm planning to change my PG to cream and add a Vibrola. Newbie question though. The Long version fits perfectly yeah? Looking at all the Gibson pictures I haven't seen a short version on an SG nor a firebird.

Question #2, have any of you guys bought from supercouperon on fleabay??

Maestro Vibrola Tremolo Long Version Nickel SG Firebird | eBay


Here's a pic of her current state :)

 

[Biddlin]

Yes, I purchased a long vibrola from them quite recently.

It was a smooth transaction .
Biddlin ;>)/

 

[the stonesteels]

Thanks Biddlin :)

Was it a seamless install for you? Man, I can't wait for mine. Also, if you have a link for a thread or a post, I'd love to see em!

 

[Biddlin]

Alex SG and I have both done the installation without incident. I don't think either of us gave much detailed information, but the thing is self explanatory.
SG Guitar Forum | Parts Used on SGs

http://www.everythingsg.com/forum/epiphone-sg/18688-maestro-vibrato-ordered.html

http://www.everythingsg.com/forum/epiphone-sg/20548-another-vintage-g-400-a.html

The way I did it was to remove the stopbar, lay the frame on guitar top, centered it,with the back edge of the frame just inside the edge of the body.

mark the holes, remove frame and make starter holes with screws, put the frame back on and cinch it down, install the cover(hardest part, because the screws are tiny and hard to put in place), install the string bar and strings.
Biddlin ;>)/

 

[Alex_SG]

Alex SG and I have both done the installation without incident. I don't think either of us gave much detailed information, but the thing is self explanatory.
SG Guitar Forum | Parts Used on SGs

http://www.everythingsg.com/forum/epiphone-sg/18688-maestro-vibrato-ordered.html

http://www.everythingsg.com/forum/epiphone-sg/20548-another-vintage-g-400-a.html

The way I did it was to remove the stopbar, lay the frame on guitar top, centered it,with the back edge of the frame just inside the edge of the body.

mark the holes, remove frame and make starter holes with screws, put the frame back on and cinch it down, install the cover(hardest part, because the screws are tiny and hard to put in place), install the string bar and strings.
Biddlin ;>)/

Yep. Like Biddlin said. Lining it up is easy... Screwing it in aint! Make sure you have a sharp eye, 'cos when the screws go flying, they aren't easy to find. But once you have it on, you're in tonal heaven!!! Good luck with the install, and myself and Biddlin will be more than happy to guide you along with the install if you require assistance.

 

[Biddlin]

" 'cos when the screws go flying, they aren't easy to find."
I keep a magnetic wand handy !

 

[the stonesteels]

Awesome. Thanks! I'm Francis by the way. I've got a bunch of professional luthier friends so I'll have do the install for me.

I'm also browsin' around my city for custom engraving :)

 

[Hammer]

Looking at all the Gibson pictures I haven't seen a short version on an SG nor a firebird.

You'll see them on the same year Firebird IIIs, reverse and non. Purty SG, BTW.

 

[the stonesteels]

Thanks!!!

 

[theNARDdog9]

I have a Maestro Vibrola I may be interested in selling, if you are looking to buy. It has the Gibson engraving so no need to get it custom engraved.

 

[likea45]

I did something similar to my blue mist special pictured here:

I did allot of research and landed on the one below.
Long Gibson Style Nickel Vibrato Tailpiece | Allparts.com


Good luck with your mod.

 

[pickup]

I have a Maestro Vibrola I may be interested in selling, if you are looking to buy. It has the Gibson engraving so no need to get it custom engraved.

Hi Clayton,
Is the Vibrola chrome or nickel?
Thanks!

 

[the stonesteels]

I was initially opting for the cream appointments until I came across this a few nights ago. (And saved myself $36.99 + shipping lol

Warning: Kleenex is mandatory. lol

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QC671rGhU4]1968 Gibson Pelham Blue SG - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Hammer]

I was initially opting for the cream appointments until I came across this a few nights ago. (And saved myself $36.99 + shipping lol

Warning: Kleenex is mandatory. lol

I think the Tweedy looks much better with the creme plastics swapped out for black, too.

 

[likea45]

I think the Tweedy looks much better with the creme plastics swapped out for black, too.

Disagree, just looks like another run of the mill standard with a lyre attached, but to each their own.

 

[Hammer]

Disagree, just looks like another run of the mill standard with a lyre attached, but to each their own.

But, but...the Blue Mist...she is not run of the mill! On a lighter color, like the Blue Mist, I prefer darker plastics. My one exception to that rule would be something like your white-out Standard...that thing looks badass. On darker colors, creme is ok and is almost a must for me on a black LP. Ahh, but this is one of the things that makes SGs so damn awesome. Vive la variété!

 

[the stonesteels]

Vibrola is here!!

Need some final clarifications. This was taken from a thread between biddlin and Alex. Others who have experienced installing a vib, PLEASE chime in.

1. Do I connect both pieces (both the bridge and the tail piece while I'm doing the measurements?

2. Say for example, I was off by 1mm or two OFF the center, would there be any negative repercussions in terms of its tuning stability? intonation? Or is it strictly aesthetic visual imperfection?

I was gonna bring to my luthier but it's not til Saturday and if it's not complicated I'm fine installing it myself. Thanks again!!!



From Biddlin:

Right you are sgtbeefheart !(As an owner of a Triumph Bonneville, I appreciate the British pursuit of solid wiring.)And the existing bridge should be grounded to the circuit . Then the strings make a pretty good connection between the vibrola plate and the bridge . So simplified instructions:

1. • 1 Turn the tuning pegs to loosen the strings and remove them from the guitar.
   • 2 Remove the stop tail piece.
   • 3 Measure the width between the screw holes on the vibrola with a ruler or measuring tape, and mark the two corresponding spots on the guitar with a pencil in the spot where the old stop tail piece had been. Use the drill to create two holes. Use a bit that drills holes the same size as the screws included with the vibrola.
   • 4 Attach the lyre vibrola to the guitar with a screwdriver using the two provided screws, and tighten. Attach the cover plate to the base, securing with the four small provided screws, and attach the arm.
   • 5 Restring the guitar. ;>)/
     6 Procure Graphite Spray

Any additional tips or advice is greatly appreciated :)

 

[Alex_SG]

Vibrola is here!!

Need some final clarifications. This was taken from a thread between biddlin and Alex. Others who have experienced installing a vib, PLEASE chime in.

1. Do I connect both pieces (both the bridge and the tail piece while I'm doing the measurements?

2. Say for example, I was off by 1mm or two OFF the center, would there be any negative repercussions in terms of its tuning stability? intonation? Or is it strictly aesthetic visual imperfection?

OK... You don't really have to have the bridge on while doing measurements. I didn't bother even measuring!. I basically lined up the bottom end of the vibrola (where it bends over the heel of the body) with the strap button, then centered it until it looked right.

I just did it all by sight. When it looked correct, that's when I started marking with a pencil where the holes were going to be drilled.
If you are off by a millimetre or so, I really don't think there will be any tuning or intonation problems. Yes, visually it won't be perfect, but I think anyone would be hard pressed to notice that it isn't 100% lined up...

I don't think there's a science to fitting a vibrola. If you still don't feel confident, get a luthier to do it, but I think you should be able to do it without any problems. Hope this helps...

 

[the stonesteels]

Thanks Alex. That's exactly what I did too. I lined it up by sight and thank God it doesn't look crooked.

One more question though, (and I maybe stupid for having done so) I didn't screw the 4 small screws in thinking the BIG two screws up top are sufficient. Is this correct? I stretched the strings but they're getting off tune EVERY minute or so. I'd like to think it's because the strings are still fresh and I just need to break em in (I stretched em out quite a few times too).

If this continues to be out of tune substantially by tomorrow afternoon. I'll probably have my answer lo. Thanks again!!

 

[the stonesteels]

Here's a few pics :) :) :)







She looks RIGHT in my left wall