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 BIGSBY, PAUL | | ELECTRIC | While Bigsby's instruments were built on a custom order basis, there is some overall uniformity to the differences in models. One model was based on Merle Travis' neck-through/semi-hollowbody/single Florentine cutaway original design. The Electric Standard was similar, except had different scroll appointments and adjustable pole pieces on the pickups. A model built for Jack Parsons again had a single pointed cutaway, but a 3 in. deep body. Bigsby's last design had a double cutaway body.
In his workshop, Bigsby built Spanish guitars, mandolins, electric guitars, pedal steel guitars, and neck replacements on other company's acoustic guitars. It is estimated that there were only twenty-five to fifty electric Spanish guitars built (and only three or four doublenecks), six mandolins, around 150 pedal steel guitars, and perhaps a dozen or so Bigsby neck replacements (source: Michael Wright, Vintage Guitar Magazine; and Tom Wheeler, American Guitars).
These guitars are very rare, and when one is encountered, we suggest having several professional appraisals done on it before determining a value. These guitars have been seen priced anywhere between $5,000 and $40,000. | |
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