Bigsby Reintroduces Original Telecaster Shim from 1953

Bigsby Reintroduces Original Telecaster Shim from1953 -

The B16 vibrato, which is specific for a Fender® Telecaster®,was a rare item on early Fender models as it was only available in1953 and early 1954. For 2013, Bigsby is reintroducing the original1953 aluminum neck shim designed by Paul Bigsby for use with theBigsby B16 vibrato.

Accompanying this reintroduction is a step-by-step installationvideo below.

The video demonstrates the process of installing a B16 using theneck shim, but an installation can also be performed without theuse of the original aluminum shim. As consumers often desire thepossibility of personalizing their instruments to fit their ownvibe and playing preferences, there are benefits to both styles ofinstallations. If the player desires to keep vintage look andintegrity by using the shim and a single saddle floating bridge,the shim adds the perfect height (3/16") and pitch angle for theneck. As this process includes an additional contact point of woodand aluminum, the tone of the instrument changes. Many suggest itadds sustain and a shimmering top end. If the player chooses thevintage look of the B16, but wants a modern 6-saddle body-mountedbridge, no shim is needed. The use of a 6-saddle bridge allows forindividual string intonation, different saddle material choices,and a more traditional "woody" sound as the neck joint is wood onwood. These two installation options offer the player the perfectopportunity to make their Telecaster unique to their creativemind!