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I recall that questions were asked here about Strats retro-fitted with Bigsby vibrato units and it was observed that Cliff Richard had owned such a guitar (and may still own it). This was in the late-70s period (just before Fender launched the USA and Japanese vintage reissue series), but it proved difficult to provide a photo of it. There's a fragment of one in Otto Kasper's discography volume, but it is hardly complete. Here's a better photograph of that instrument, seen today on a BBC-linked website:

Strange, the Strat vibrato is far better than a Bigsby. Ah well it takes all sorts.

This particular Strat was a hardtail model (just the string ferrules on the back, like a Telecaster).

I assume the conversion was done because the instrument was a valued pre-CBS model, at a time when new Fenders were a bit of a joke.

The trem on a Strat and a Bigsby are two completely different animals and comparison isn't really useful. I have Bigsby's on four of my guitars and floating trems on six of the others and, in each case, the trem suits the guitar perfectly. I do think, though, that a Bigsby on Strat is NOT a combination made in heaven!

noelford wrote:The trem on a Strat and a Bigsby are two completely different animals and comparison isn't really useful. I have Bigsby's on four of my guitars and floating trems on six of the others and, in each case, the trem suits the guitar perfectly. I do think, though, that a Bigsby on Strat is NOT a combination made in heaven!

I agree Noel, I can't play with the same expression as I do with the Strat when using the Bigsby on my Gretsch 6120 or the Guild Starfire III, it lends itself to more of a play and wobble style if you know what I mean. The Stetsbar allows the expression as does the G&L S-500. Mind you, I do however have more freedom on the Gretsch since I fitted the 'Chet' arm that allows the movement of the arm over the strings, so I can hold it with my little finger.

Here's the picture, which Jim already posted, in a slightly better quality plus another one probably taken at the same concert.
(I know that the size is larger than usually used here, but I left it to give as much details as possible.)

Ulrich

PS. Both pics originate from back of the sleeves of the Belgian Cliff LPs 'When In Germany' Vol.1 and Vol.2.

What ever! It looks horrible!