Bigsby®. True Vibrato.

It all started in California, with a genius inventor who “could build anything”. Fortunately, Paul Bigsby would branch out from building Crocker motorcycles into music... and the world would never be the same.

In the years since fellow biker and “lightning fast” guitarist Merle Travis first asked Bigsby to build “a vibrato that works”, Bigsby’s True Vibrato has enhanced the playing styles of guitarists the world over. They’ve been featured continuously on Gretsch® guitars since 1955, and have been heard on recordings in almost every genre, from punk to folk, and country to rock. The Gretsch Company is proud to offer the Bigsby True Vibrato tailpiece, the first successful design of what is now called a whammy bar or tremolo arm. Guitar makers of almost every style turn to Bigsby to add the finishing touch to their instruments, a beautiful, subtle and extremely functional statement.

© 2011 Fred Gretsch Enterprises. Bigsby® and Gretsch® are registered trademarks ofFred Gretsch Enterprises, PO Box 2468, Savannah, GA 31402

The Bigsby® Story

www.bigsby.com

The Paul Bigsby StoryMost musicians are familiar with the famous Bigsby Vibrato, but not as many know about the wonderful guitars that Paul Bigsby built in the 1940s. Bigsby, who was responsible for developing and refining the pedal steel guitar, also built the first modern solid body electric guitar for Merle Travis in 1948, predating Leo Fender and Gibson’s Les Paul by a number of years. This book tells how Bigsby influenced Fender and Gibson, as well as a number of others, in building techniques and design.

This deluxe illustrated coffee table book contains over 300 color and black & white photos. The book also comes with an audio CD of Paul Bigsby, recorded in the late 1950s, telling stories of his business.

Bigsby®. True Vibrato.For over 50 years, Bigsby Vibratos have been adding the expression that turns good songs into great ones. Original equipment on many of the world’s best selling instruments. Just a few of the companies currently using Bigsby include Gibson®, Epiphone®, Fender®, Gretsch®, Paul Reed Smith®, Squier®, Schecter®, Taylor®, ESP® and many, many more!

Once you get used to your Bigsby, you’ll find it hard to play without it... but fortunately, installation is easy! Especially with our new B50 & B70 kits... everything you need to install your new Bigsby, all in one package! *

Comprehensive installation instructions are available at www.bigsby.com/installation

Easy to install, hard to live without!

*Some basic tools are required for installation. Please see the Bigsby website for detailed installation instructions and links to installation demonstration videos.

Find spare parts at www.bigsby.com/parts

Gibson and Gibson SG, Les Paul Special, Super 400, Les Paul Standard/Custom, ES-335; Fender and Fender Telecaster; Gretsch and Gretsch 6120, Duo Jet; Epiphone and Epiphone Casino; Rickenbacker and Rickenbacker 325; Paul Reed Smith, Squier, ESP, Schecter and Taylor are trademarks of their respective owners.

Want to find out more about Bigsby?

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Lightning™ SeriesFor players who want the Bigsby® sound and “vibe” but for a less expensive instrument. Named in tribute to “lightning fast” Merle Travis who inspired Paul Bigsby to build his first vibrato, the Lightning Series offers a high quality Bigsby at a more affordable price. Made from Aluminum like their Original Kalamazoo™ Series brothers but constructed using less expensive Die Cast methods.

B11Designed for thin hollowbody and semi-hollowbody electric guitars such as Epiphone Casino, Gretsch Duo Jet. Like the B3, but featuring a more “minimalist” appearance.• Approximate weight: 286 grams / 10.1 oz.• Overall Length: 7-11/16” / 195.3 mm• Overall Width: 3-11/16” / 93.7 mm

Designed for archtop solidbody and semi-solidbody electric guitars such as Gibson Les Paul Standard/Custom, ES-335. Like the B7, but featuring a more “minimalist” appearance.• Approximate weight: 344 grams / 12.1 oz.• Overall Length: 8-3/8” / 212.7 mm• Overall Width: 3-5/8” / 92.1 mm

B12

The original 1950s design for the Fender Telecaster.• Approximate weight: 333 grams / 11.7 oz.• Overall Length: 8-3/8” / 212.7 mm• Overall Width: 4-1/4” / 107.9 mm• Professional installation recommended.

B16

Original Kalamazoo™ SeriesBigsby® Original Kalamazoo Series Vibratos are still Sand Cast by hand in the United States the old fashioned way. Molten Aluminum is poured into Sand Cast molds, exactly as Paul Bigsby made the original Bigsby Vibratos in the 1950s. We know how much your guitar means to you, and Bigsby Kalamazoo Series Vibrato systems are lovingly made to enhance your instrument while delivering Paul Bigsby’s original vision in every way.

B3 Designed for thin hollowbody and semi-hollowbody electric guitars such as Epiphone Casino, Gretsch Duo Jet. • Approximate weight: 296 grams / 10.4 oz.• Overall Length: 7-5/8” / 193.7 mm• Overall Width: 3-5/8” / 92.1 mm

Unless otherwise noted, all Original Kalamazoo Series Vibratos are available in polished Aluminum or Gold Finishes. The B7 is also available in an all Gold finish, Right Hand model only. The Arm on all Bigsby Original Kalamazoo Series Vibratos adjusts with 1/8” Allen wrench and 5/16” socket wrench.

Lightning Series I Vibratos are available in polished Aluminum or Gold finishes, except the B60 which is available in polished Aluminum only. Lightning Series II Vibratos are available in polished Aluminum, Gold or Black finishes. The Arm on all Bigsby Lightning Series Vibratos adjusts with 1/8” Allen wrench and 5/16” socket wrench..

Designed for large hollowbody electric guitars such as Gretsch 6120 or Gibson Super 400®. • Approximate weight: 311 grams/11 oz.• Overall Length: 9-1/4” / 235 mm• Overall Width: 3-5/8” / 92.1 mm

B6

Lightning Series I

B70

B50

For archtop solidbody and semi-solidbody electric guitars. Based upon the original B7 design.• Approximate weight: 358 grams / 12.6 oz.• Overall Length: 8-11/16” / 220.7 mm• Overall Width: 3-3/4” / 95.3 mm

B60For large hollowbody guitars. Based upon the original B6 design. • Approximate weight: 308 grams/ 10.9 oz.• Overall Length: 8-5/8” / 219.1 mm• Overall Width: 3-7/8” / 98.4 mm

For flat top solidbody electric guitars. Based upon the original B5 design. • Approximate weight: 290 grams / 10.2 oz.• Overall Length: 4-5/16” / 109.5 mm• Overall Width: 3-13/16” / 96.8 mm

Designed for archtop solidbody and semi-solidbody electric guitars such as Gibson Les Paul Standard/Custom, Gibson ES-335.• Approximate weight: 354 grams/12.5 oz.• Overall Length: 8-3/4”/222.3 mm• Overall Width: 3-5/8”/92.1 mm

B7

B700For arch top solidbody and semi-solidbody electric guitars. Based upon the B7/B70 design.• Approximate weight: 345 grams/12.2 oz.• Overall Length: 8-5/8” / 219.1 mm • Overall Width: 3-3/4” / 95.3 mm

B500For flat top solidbody electric guitars. Based upon the B5/B50 design. • Approximate weight: 279 grams / 9.8 oz.• Overall Length: 4-9/16” / 115.9 mm• Overall Width: 3-3/4” / 95.3 mm

Bigsby Vibratos continue to be made using original designs, molds and methods, and therefore, incorporate markings or text associated with patents that have since expired. Such markings are included only for the sake of historical accuracy and are not intended to denote or imply live patents or ongoing patent protection.

A slimmer, sleeker Bigsby, the Lightning Series II Die Cast Vibrato systems are perfect for today’s instrument styles, while retaining the subtle and flexible vibrato Bigsby is famous for.

Classic Bigsby® designs for the player who wants vintage style! Lightning Series I Die Cast Vibrato systems offer the traditional Bigsby look, feel and function at an affordable price.

B5 Designed for flat top solidbody electric guitars such as Gibson® SG, Gibson Les Paul® Special, Rickenbacker® 325, and Fender® Telecaster®*. Sometimes referred to as the Bigsby “horseshoe”.• Approximate Weight: 286 grams / 10.1 oz.• Overall Length: 4-3/4” / 120.7 mm• Overall Width: 3-3/4” / 95.3 mm*Requires 0495-0258 Bridge and 0495-0257 Bridge Plate.

B30For thin hollowbody and semi-hollowbody guitars. Based upon the original B3 design. • Approximate weight: 296 grams / 10.4 oz.• Overall Length: 7-1/2” / 190.5 mm• Overall Width: 3-3/4” / 95.3 mm

Lightning Series II