WBRTB

Adjustable tension for Bigsby*

WBRTB for Bigsby™ Vibrato

Creating the perfect break angle from the saddles to the Bigsby* Vibrato tailpiece is dependent on the positioning or mounting of the Bigsby* unit, and the fixed height roller bar that features on some Bigsby* units.

A too sharp angle will cause tuning issues and a too shallow angle not allow strings to ring perfectly. The Wilkinson WBRTB solves these issues and can be fitted to literally any Bigsby* unit, even one that does not have a fixed front roller bar can now benefit from the advantages of a variable front tension roller.

Even better is the fact that the WBRTB does not require any specialist knowledge to fit, or
require any un-reversible modification to your Bigsby* unit.

Roller elements

The WBRTB comprises of four elements, these are number one the main body of the unit which acts not dissimilar to that of a seesaw type device with the pivot point being the string roller bar of the Bigsby* unit. Number two, the delrin clip/bushes that clip around the string roller and into the WBRTB. Number three the tension adjustment screw at the tail of the unit. Number four the 6 precision rollers at the front of the unit.

Removing the Bigsby* from your instrument to fit the WBRTB is required, so restringing is an ideal time to fit a WBRTB.

For Bigsby’s* with a fixed front string roller, the roller needs to be removed before attaching the WBRTB, this is achieved by unscrewing the two grub screws that are located under the bar on the underside of the unit.

Setup

Once the WBRTB is clipped under the string roller bar you are then ready to re-attach your Bigsby* to your instrument.

Each string now rests under a precision roller that is un-grooved to allow easy alignment to the bridge and string roller bar and snag free movement for the strings.

When raising strings to pitch the player can then see the angle the strings leave the rear of the saddles and via the WBRTB tension screw can adjust this angle downwards or upwards, more clockwise movement of the screw will create a steeper angle and more down force at the front rollers, while counter clockwise adjustment of the tension screw will reduce the angle and the down force on the strings.

Specification

  • Model WBRTB

  • Finishes Polished stainless steel

  • Body material Stainless steel

  • Roller material Stainless steel

  • Bushings Delrin