Bigsbys on an archtop

[Phil59]

Bigsbys are never a good idea on any guitar

Yes, that it is what I was suggesting with my "naive" question. Particularly, why ruin a high-class archtop? If you want to do the Jimi, EVH or SRV thing, get a solid body with a whammy bar. Maybe I'm missing something here?

[wintermoon]

Yes, that it is what I was suggesting with my "naive" question. Particularly, why ruin a high-class archtop? If you want to do the Jimi, EVH or SRV thing, get a solid body with a whammy bar. Maybe I'm missing something here?

Pretty sure he's joshin...

[Stringswinger]

Yes, that it is what I was suggesting with my "naive" question. Particularly, why ruin a high-class archtop? If you want to do the Jimi, EVH or SRV thing, get a solid body with a whammy bar. Maybe I'm missing something here?

In fact you are missing something. Bigsby's do not do Hendrix or Van Halen. They do Chet Atkiins and Les Paul, two guys who played archtops (among other guitars). Not every archtop player is a jazz player. The Rockabilly cats like Archtops and Bigsbys.

[Marty Grass]

After seeing John McGlaughlin with his Bigsby equipped Johnny Smith Gibson, I was sold! Have them on an Elferink Tonemaster Archtop, Gibson ES-339, and used to own a Benedetto Bambino with one as well! Love the ability to add subtle bends, etc.

And once you learn to change strings properly it isn’t hard at all!

String changing is very easy when you add this: VIBRAMATE(R) - Innovative Music Products - Made in USA

[mr. beaumont]

Pretty sure he's joshin...

Joshin' a little...I'm the resident "Bigsby hater" around here, so I have to keep up appearances

[Phil59]

In fact you are missing something. Bigsby's do not do Hendrix or Van Halen. They do Chet Atkiins and Les Paul, two guys who played archtops (among other guitars). Not every archtop player is a jazz player. The Rockabilly cats like Archtops and Bigsbys.

Good point. Thank you for the helpful answer I was seeking.

[guitarcarver]

[wildschwein]

In fact you are missing something. Bigsby's do not do Hendrix or Van Halen. They do Chet Atkiins and Les Paul, two guys who played archtops (among other guitars). Not every archtop player is a jazz player. The Rockabilly cats like Archtops and Bigsbys.

Mr Young (on a solid) also uses one to great effect:

[Barra]

Mr Young (on a solid) also uses one to great effect:

Whatever about bigsbys...those dodgy 80's neck ties really get in the way!

[sgosnell]

Merle Travis used a custom Bigsby on a high-end Gibson, and later had Bigsby build an entire guitar for him. He used the tremolo subtly, and influenced Chet Atkins and all the other players in that genre. Not every guitarist in the world plays straight-ahead bebop jazz.

[ronjazz]

Having recently switched to Gretsch arch tops, I find that the included Bigsby is a really nice addition for expressive playing, even in the jazz styles, and very useful when playing in the pit for rock-based theatrical shows. Check out Julian Lage's very tasty use of the Bigsby, along with McLaughlin.

[Marty Grass]

The Bigsby is like the wah wah pedal. It should be used tastefully.