I've noticed on different archtop models, the gap between the bridge and tailpiece varies a lot. On a 335 it's about 1" but on some other standard models like 175, casino, gretsch it's several inches. Does all that extra string actually affect the sound or is it just for looks?
The reason I ask is, I'm thinking about putting a bigsby on my Dot. (Needs rewiring, bridge pickup died, the pots it came with are chintsy, ... Time for an overhaul.)
It does make some difference. A stop tailpiece which is low to the body, close to the bridge and mounted in a solid block (center block of Dot or 335) will provide more sustain. Plus, due to that small bridge/mounting point gap, the strings will feel "tight" on a bend, as the overall length of the string from tuner capstan to tailpiece is about as short as a Gibby gets. If using a short archtop tailpiece that increases the string distance behind the bridge, the strings will feel a bit more compliant as they are longer end-to-end (compare stretching a long string or wire again a shorter one). Sonically, archtop tailpieces may make the guitar more acoustically live - assuming the body construction can be "acoustic" -- LP ... not so much; 335 .... only a little better, 175 (hollow) ... much so acoustic. Acoustic aliveness means snappier attack, shorter sustain, as much of the energy couples into vibrating surfaces that radiate sound into the air. A LP stores energy and metes it out stingily, making for lots of sustain and low acoustic volume.
A Bigsby will make the strings feel even more compliant (during a bend), as the behind-the-bridge length is fairly long, plus there is compliance in the tremolo itself. And it will sound different. Go to a store and play different types to get the idea.
Be sure to buy the correct Bigsby for your guitar. They come in various favors for solids, flattops, archtops ...
-=tension & release=-
