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Installing Vibrola on SG

92standard

New member
Joined
Jun 15, 2007
Messages
58
I really love the style and look of the '67/'68 era SG Standards with the Deluxe Vibrola and big scratchplates but can't afford one so I thought I'd install an Allparts one on my '91 SG Standard (because it's a bit of a beater anyway so if I don't like it a few more holes won't hurt!).

What I was wondering was, do any of you fine people have any experience of fitting the Vibrola to a stop tail SG or similar? Do I need to remove the stop tail stud bushings to get the trem flush to the body? Are the holes visible? And most importantly, what about the grounding?

If anyone can supply pics of conversions or advice on any of these, I'd be grateful.
 

roadrunner

Active member
Joined
Aug 25, 2001
Messages
6,835
You're going to change out a stop tail for a Vibrola???????????????????:bug You might want to reconsider that move.

I'm voting for leaving your alone... big time.
 

BrickwallJackson

New member
Joined
Aug 4, 2007
Messages
259
I really love the style and look of the '67/'68 era SG Standards with the Deluxe Vibrola and big scratchplates but can't afford one so I thought I'd install an Allparts one on my '91 SG Standard (because it's a bit of a beater anyway so if I don't like it a few more holes won't hurt!).

What I was wondering was, do any of you fine people have any experience of fitting the Vibrola to a stop tail SG or similar? Do I need to remove the stop tail stud bushings to get the trem flush to the body? Are the holes visible? And most importantly, what about the grounding?

If anyone can supply pics of conversions or advice on any of these, I'd be grateful.

The holes are visible. On some originals I have seen that appear to have been converted to stop tail, and then converted back, they covered the holes from the stop tail with mother of pearl inserts. Looked pretty cool. You could see them poking out from under the spring on the vibrola.

As far as grounding, I don't know but I think I heard that you have to drill a hole for the grounding wire to attach to HOWEVER, if you leave the ferrules from the stop tail in the guitar, you might not have to do that.

Don't quote me though. J.D. is a good guy to ask as he's got the skinny on alot of these little details.
 

92standard

New member
Joined
Jun 15, 2007
Messages
58
You're going to change out a stop tail for a Vibrola???????????????????:bug You might want to reconsider that move.

I'm voting for leaving your alone... big time.

I know, I know. I just luuuuurrrve the look though. All that chrome....
 

J.D.

Well-known member
Joined
May 24, 2006
Messages
10,030
The install isn't particularily difficult. Place it (all the way back toward the rear strap button, centered with the stop TP studs), mark the holes, drill some pilot holes, and screw it down. However, since the string ground is generally the stop TP studs (no longer used or connected to the strings), the new tailpiece will need to be grounded. Gibson typically does this by drilling a small hole in between the rear mounting screw holes through to the control cavity and soldering a wire into the control ground buss.
 

roadrunner

Active member
Joined
Aug 25, 2001
Messages
6,835
I know, I know. I just luuuuurrrve the look though. All that chrome....

Yeah, they do look cool I agree but tuning, stability and maybe... tone... might go right out the window after you put that thing on.
 

92standard

New member
Joined
Jun 15, 2007
Messages
58
Thanks guys,

Will I need to remove the stop tail bushings/inserts to get a good fit?

Sorry, I'm worrying too much about it I think! Does anyone have an example pic so I can see if the left over holes would offend me too much?!?

Just want to get it right before I reach for the screwdriver (again).

I'm not worried about the tonal effects of installing it. Actually, most of my favourite SG sounds were with the ol' vibrola, Angus, Eric, Elliot, Rossington et al.
 
L

loufed52

Guest
If I was going to do this and still make it look decent, I'd pick up a used black stoptail SG.

You can pull the post bushings, fill the holes, and cover the plugs with black nitro nail polish. If you do it right and buff it nicely you will hardly see it.

I don't know what color yours is, but in general, any transparent stain touch up will show.
You can buy a small bottle of cherry stain from StewMac, stain the plugs, and then use clear nitro nail polish on them.


As for grounding, you can ground it to any of the Vibrola screws or the bridge posts, but you will have to be very careful.
A long drill bit and a steady hand will do it, but make sure that you protect the top.

This '69 SG was a stoptail conversion that was otherwise mostly original.
The stoptail holes were plugged, it was refinished, and the Vibrola re-installed.
You can hardly see the plugs- it was really well done.

DCP_0017.jpg
 

92standard

New member
Joined
Jun 15, 2007
Messages
58
I don't know what color yours is, but in general, any transparent stain touch up will show.
You can buy a small bottle of cherry stain from StewMac, stain the plugs, and then use clear nitro nail polish on them.

Mine is, predictably for a 90's SG, Cherry. I might have to go all the way and plug 'em up properly on this one. Nice example though! Thanks.
 

J.D.

Well-known member
Joined
May 24, 2006
Messages
10,030
You do not need to remove the stop TP bushings to install the Lyre but they will be visible. Before doing anything, simply lay the Lyre on the guitar and see if it what you want before drilling any holes, it's that simple.
 

Studio Dave

Member
Joined
Nov 16, 2006
Messages
33
Thank GOD you didn't say "Maestro" Vibrola, lest the hounds be released from the depths of the netherworld.
 

Studio Dave

Member
Joined
Nov 16, 2006
Messages
33
Is Lyre OK? (Or Tiki, or Angus?)
I think we agreed for the most part that "wobbly bits" is the most Politically Correct term and would result in the AVH hounds remaining subdued and securely chained to their dog houses.
 
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