Bigsby vibrato tailpiece
This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2022) |
The Bigsby vibrato tailpiece (or Bigsby for short) is a type of
Bigsby was inspired to create a new vibrato system after being tasked by
Design
The Bigsby vibrato unit is installed on the top of the guitar and includes a 'rocking bridge', not a 'roller bridge'. The lever arm of the Bigsby is spring-loaded and attached to a pivoting metal bar, around which the strings of the guitar are installed. In the neutral or unused position, the pressure of the spring counterbalances the pull of the strings, resulting in constant pitch when the strings are played. When the arm of the Bigsby is pushed down towards the top of the guitar, the bridge rocks forward causing the strings to loosen, lowering their pitch. When the arm is released, the strings return to normal pitch. The arm may also be lifted to raise the pitch of the strings.
Bigsby vibratos are still factory-installed on a variety of electric guitars, including certain instruments branded as
Ownership
Bigsby was sold by its previous owner, Gretsch, to Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in January 2019.[3]
See also
- Vibrato systems for guitar
- Tailed bridge guitar
References
- ISBN 9781476854885.
- ^ a b c Price, Huw (July 22, 2022). "Everything you need to know about the Bigsby vibrato". Guitarist. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
- ^ a b c Beckner, Justin (August 8, 2022). "The Story of Bigsby Guitars: the solidbody electric guitar's unsung hero". Guitar. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
External links
- Bigsby guitars, producer of the Bigsby vibrato tailpiece.
- History of Bigsby guitars.
- Vibramate