Bigsby is an iconic American manufacturer known for their innovative guitar vibrato tailpieces, used by many renowned guitarists and manufacturers for decades. The company was originally founded by Paul A. Bigsby in 1946 in Downey, California. Bigsby is widely credited with inventing one of the first vibrato (or “tremolo”) systems for electric guitars, revolutionizing how musicians could add pitch-bending effects to their playing.
Paul Bigsby was a skilled engineer and motorcycle mechanic who began his journey into the guitar world by building instruments for musicians in the California area. His most famous collaboration was with country musician Merle Travis, for whom he designed a custom electric guitar. That instrument later inspired the development of the modern electric guitar design, influencing major brands such as Fender and Gibson.
Most Popular Products
Bigsby B5 Vibrato – This model is designed for solid-body electric guitars. It’s known for its sleek design and is often used on guitars like Gibson’s SG and Les Paul models, as well as by other custom luthiers.
Bigsby B7 Vibrato – Designed primarily for archtop and semi-hollow body guitars. It’s one of the most popular models and is often seen on guitars such as the Gibson ES-335.
Bigsby B50 – This is the licensed version of the B5 model, designed to offer a similar performance at a lower price point. Many guitar manufacturers use this model on their budget-friendly lines.
Bigsby B3 – A favorite for hollow-body guitars, offering a smooth and subtle vibrato effect without affecting the tone significantly.
Bigsby Palm Pedal – An advanced system that allows a guitarist to bend individual strings while playing, similar to a pedal steel guitar.
Consumer Reviews
Overall, Bigsby products are celebrated for their durability, smooth action, and classic style. Many users appreciate the vintage aesthetic that a Bigsby vibrato adds to their guitars, while others love the subtle vibrato effect it produces. Some customers, however, note that installation can be tricky for beginners, and using a Bigsby system might slightly impact tuning stability, though this is common for most vibrato systems. Nonetheless, the craftsmanship and the iconic sound make Bigsby a highly respected name in the guitar world.
Where to Buy Bigsby Products
You can find Bigsby products at a variety of major music retailers:
For more information about their products, you can visit Bigsby’s official website: Bigsby.com.
