diff --git a/beets/library.py b/beets/library.py
index 9b1055793..08cac4323 100644
--- a/beets/library.py
+++ b/beets/library.py
@@ -472,10 +472,13 @@ class Item(LibModel):
 
         for key in ITEM_KEYS_META:
             value = getattr(f, key)
-            if isinstance(value, (int, long)) and value.bit_length() > 63:
+            if isinstance(value, (int, long)):
                 # Filter values wider than 64 bits (in signed
                 # representation). SQLite cannot store them.
-                value = 0
+                # py26: Post transition, we can use:
+                # value.bit_length() > 63
+                if abs(value) >= 2 ** 63:
+                    value = 0
             setattr(self, key, value)
 
         # Database's mtime should now reflect the on-disk value.