Bigsby

Overview

Bigsby is a brand known for guitars and guitar accessories, particularly the Bigsby vibrato tailpiece used on models from Gretsch, Gibson, and others. It originated as an innovator in solid-body electric guitars and introduced a headstock with all tuning pegs on one side. The brand was independent until 1966, then owned by Gretsch until 2019 when acquired by Fender.

History

Bigsby was founded in 1946 by Paul Bigsby, a motorcycle repairman, as Bigsby Electric Guitar Company in the United States. It pioneered solid-body electric guitars and the iconic Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. Paul Bigsby sold the company to Ted McCarty in 1966 due to health issues and inability to meet demand. Gretsch acquired the brand from McCarty in 1999 and owned it until selling to Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in 2019.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in the United States under Fender ownership. Specific details on in-house versus outsourced production are not specified in available sources.

Notable Products

• Bigsby Vibrato Tailpiece - Vibrato arm installed on guitars from Gretsch, Gibson, Ibanez, and others for pitch modulation.
• Bigsby 90 Vibrato - Licensed vibrato system commonly used on Gretsch guitars.
• Bigsby Electric Guitar Models - Early solid-body electrics with innovative single-side headstock tuning pegs.
• B5 Vibrato System - Standard vibrato unit for many electric guitar models.

Reputation

Bigsby is highly regarded by guitarists for the distinctive, smooth vibrato effect of its tailpieces, a staple on vintage Gretsch instruments. Professionals value its reliability and historical significance in guitar design. Some note higher costs compared to generic alternatives, but authenticity is preferred by enthusiasts.