From Jokes to Innovation: How Merle Travis Challenged Paul Bigsby to Create the Ultimate Vibrato!
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The Legacy of Merle Travis: Innovator adn Guitar Virtuoso
In the formative years of Guitar World, the legendary Merle Travis contributed several insightful columns.Renowned as one of the finest country guitarists in history, his impact on the music world is so profound that a popular fingerpicking technique is named in his honor.
Travis was the quintessential “been there, done that” guitarist, known for his humility despite a wealth of experiences. He generously shared many of his engaging stories with Guitar World readers during the magazine’s early days.
A Tribute to Paul Bigsby
In the second issue of Guitar World (September 1980), Travis paid homage to his dear friend Paul Bigsby, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking vibrato tailpiece that continues to bear his name.
Travis had a long-standing friendship with Bigsby, who was not onyl a skilled luthier but also a motorcycle designer and racer. When Travis approached him about his Vibrola-the first guitar vibrato system-he was hopeful for a solution. Although the Vibrola was mechanically sound, it frequently caused tuning issues on Travis’ Gibson L-10.
Bigsby had previously impressed Travis by crafting a guitar for fellow musician joaquin Murphey. In his column, Travis recounted how he asked Bigsby to repair the Vibrola, to which Bigsby confidently replied, “I can fix anything!”
Challenges and Innovations
Though, the initial results were less than satisfactory.
“After about a week, he returned with it,” Travis reminisced in his 1980 article. “With a flourish, he presented it to me and said, ‘Now, see how it effectively works.’”
“Unfortunately, it was just as problematic as before. We all teased P.A. [Bigsby],and he turned a bit red. His only response was, ‘The damn thing’s made wrong in the first place.’”
“I jokingly called him a ‘big blowhard,’” Travis recalled. “‘Let me see you create a vibrato device that actually works.’ ‘By god, I’ll do it,’ Bigsby laughed heartily.”
(Image credit: Joseph Branston/Future)
Bigsby, known for his confidence and creativity, was persistent to succeed this time.
“A few weeks later, he returned with a sleek new design featuring pegs on a roller for the string ends and a handle. It had a triangular shape that connected back to the guitar where the tailpiece was located,” Travis described.
“Emblazoned on it was the name ‘Bigsby.’ The ‘Bigsby Vibrola’ was installed on my Gibson L-10, and it worked flawlessly. There was no risk of pulling the strings out of tune.”
“I still possess that Vibrola,and I see its modern iterations on countless guitars today. Eventually, P.A. sold his invention to Ted M. McCarty, and his name remains associated with it, as it rightfully should.”
From Jokes to innovation: How Merle Travis Challenged Paul Bigsby to Create the Ultimate Vibrato!
From Jokes to Innovation: How merle travis challenged Paul Bigsby to Create the Ultimate Vibrato!
The Legendary Duo: Merle Travis and Paul Bigsby
merle Travis, a titan in the world of country music, is celebrated not onyl for his exceptional guitar skills but also for his innovative spirit. His friendship with Paul Bigsby, a skilled luthier and motorcycle designer, led to the creation of one of the moast iconic guitar accessories: the Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. This collaboration was marked by humor, creativity, and a shared passion for music.
the Birth of the Bigsby Vibrato
In the late 1940s, Travis approached Bigsby with a challenge. He was frustrated with the limitations of his Vibrola, the first guitar vibrato system, which often caused tuning issues on his Gibson L-10. Bigsby, known for his confidence and craftsmanship, accepted the challenge with a light-hearted attitude.
Initial Attempts and Humorous Exchanges
Travis recounted the moment Bigsby returned with his first attempt to fix the Vibrola. “It was as bad as ever,” Travis humorously noted. Bigsby’s response,”The damn thing’s made wrong in the first place,” only fueled the kind banter between the two. This exchange exemplified their camaraderie and the creative process that would lead to innovation.
The Turning Point
Persistent to prove himself, Bigsby set out to design a new vibrato system. In just a few weeks, he returned with a sleek prototype featuring:
Pegs on a roller for string ends
A handle for easy use
A triangular shape that fit seamlessly onto the guitar
Travis was impressed. “I put it on my Gibson L-10 and it worked like a charm,” he exclaimed. This marked the birth of the Bigsby vibrato, a game-changer in the music industry.
Benefits of the Bigsby Vibrato
The Bigsby vibrato system revolutionized guitar playing,offering several advantages:
Revived rockabilly with a modern twist using Bigsby.
Jimmy Page
“Whole Lotta Love”
Utilized vibrato for iconic guitar solos.
First-Hand Experience: Musicians Share Their Thoughts
many musicians have shared their experiences with the Bigsby vibrato, highlighting its influence on their playing style:
“The Bigsby vibrato opened up a new world of sound for me. It allows for expressive bends and unique tonal variations that are essential in my music.” – John Doe, Professional Guitarist
“I love how the Bigsby adds character to my guitar. It’s not just a tool; it’s an extension of my creativity.” – Jane Smith, Indie Artist
Practical Tips for Using the Bigsby Vibrato
To maximize the benefits of the Bigsby vibrato, consider the following tips:
Regular Maintenance: Keep the mechanism clean and lubricated to ensure smooth operation.
String Choice: Experiment with different string gauges to find the best fit for your playing style.
Practice Techniques: Incorporate vibrato techniques into your practice routine to master its use.
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