As you might know, Paul Bigsby is known to the inventor of the first
practical and
usable solid electric guitar(Fig1). He also invented other things such as vibrato unit.
(it seems he was a a very talented person)
According to Merle Travis, the owner of the guitar, Fender borrowed this guitar from him
for two days and released Esquire after a few weeks later.
(Leo Fender denied this story)
Although Bigsby guitar was though-neck, they have many similar points
like
solid body, in-line machine heads, through-the-body strings, etc.
Moreover to say, the headstock design was copied on strat, and, it was Bigsby
who originally
made popular the vibrato unit among musicians.
He was believing Leo stole his ideas and became rich. He easily got angry
in less than
two
minutes when he heard the name "Fender". Naturally, he never talked
with Leo
while he
had many good relations with other guitar companies.
Now, knowing these backgrounds, you must know you can't put Bigsby vibrato unit on
your
telecaster. Yes, you will be cursed if you do it! It might be okay with the "F"
stamped
unit like Fig2, but you should definitely avoid the "Bigsby" stamped
unit like Fig3 as the
spirit of Bigsby won't forgive you. : )
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Fig.2 |
Fig.3 |
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Fig.1 |
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