When discussing iconic guitars and their impact on music history, it’s impossible not to mention the timeless debate: Bigsby vs Fender.
These two titans in the guitar-manufacturing arena, Bigsby and Fender, have unique strengths that have left distinctive imprints on our musical world.
Both brought unparalleled innovation, shaping the soundscape of countless genres and influencing generations of musicians.
Merle Travis, a legendary fingerstyle country and western guitarist, was instrumental in getting these two giants into the same conversation.
His story intertwines with Bigsby and Fender in a fascinating tapestry of ingenuity, craftsmanship, and musical evolution.
So, let’s delve deeper into this riveting narrative that has shaped guitar history as we know it today.
The Musical Legacy of Merle Travis
Merle Travis, a Kentucky-born guitarist, was much more than just a musician. His legacy transcends far beyond his distinctive fingerpicking style, now called “Travis Picking” after him.
Born in 1917, Travis grew up amidst the rural rhythms of American folk and country music.
He proved himself an impressive guitar player, songwriter, singer, and customizer.
His active years during the mid-20th century saw him performing alongside household names like Tex Ritter and producing classics such as ‘Sixteen Tons’ and ‘Dark as a Dungeon.’
His instrumental influence extends beyond his music production. His passion for tailoring his guitars to meet his unique fingerpicking style substantially shaped the evolution of electric guitars.
His desire for specific design modifications pushed the boundaries of guitar lutherie and production, affecting two significant trailblazers – Bigsby and Fender.
You could say that without Merle Travis’s innovative ideas and requests, these iconic guitar brands might not be what they are today.
Merle Travis’s musical legacy inspires countless guitarists worldwide, even today, due to this fascinating interplay between musician and instrument maker that crafted two of the world’s most influential guitars.
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Travis’ Influence on Bigsby Guitars
In the late 1940s, Merle Travis approached Paul Bigsby, the founder of Bigsby Guitars, with an idea for a new electric guitar.
Travis, a demanding instrumentalist who knew precisely what he wanted regarding functionality and playability, observed that most guitars couldn’t keep stride with his unique fingerpicking style.
Merle’s Indispensable Contribution to Bigsby Design
Travis sketched out the design of a solid-body electric guitar, emphasizing a single-piece body to improve the guitar’s sound sustain (its ability to hold a note).
This revolutionary concept was ground-breaking then and soon brought plenty of attention to Bigsby guitars.
Bigsby brought Travis’s design to life in 1948. The resulting instrument set the stage for countless modern guitars today.
With its unique “birdseye maple body,” single cutaway for easy access to higher frets, and custom pickups for amplification, the ‘Travis Bigsby’ became an incredibly desirable instrument.
It was one of the first practical solid-body electric guitars making waves before Leo Fender or Gibson’s Les Paul entered this territory on a production scale.
Boost in Bigsby Popularity
The credibility and reputation from association with Travis and his revolutionary design ideas fueled Bigsby’s popularity among musicians globally.
Word began spreading about how this new guitar allowed better mastery over tone and sustain. These innovative features ignited interest among numerous musicians looking to push boundaries on their sound quality.
A considerable breakthrough came when Luther Perkins, lead guitarist for Johnny Cash’s backup band‚ The Tennessee Two, started using a Bigsby.
Right around then, influential musicians everywhere began recognizing just how superior these innovative designs were.
In summary, Merle Travis’s pioneering vision and Paul Bigsby’s craftsmanship led to an instrument that marked a pivotal moment in music history—the birth of modern-day electric guitars.
It amplified musical notes and Bigsby‘s presence as a powerful contender in global guitar manufacturing.
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Impacts of Travis on Fender Guitar Design
Though there’s no doubt that Merle Travis was initially pivotal in advocating for the design innovations we see in Bigsby guitars, his influence also significantly impacted their rivals – the legendary Fender guitars.
Travis’ Inputs in Fender Design
Merle Travis had a close working relationship with Leo Fender, the founder of Fender Electric Instrument Company.
This relationship led to the developing of several customized guitars that suited Travis’s unique musical style.
Travis requested specific design elements that would enhance his intricate fingerpicking techniques.
Some included wider necks and ‘Staggered tuning keys,’ now synonymous with the iconic Fender Telecaster, one of the most popular electric guitars ever made.
These modifications served Travis’s needs and enhanced the general playability for a broader range of guitarists, contributing significantly to Fender’s success.
The Role of Travis in Fender’s Success
Without a doubt, Leo Fender capitalized on his collaboration with Merle Travis.
Much like Bigsby, he implemented the changes this influential guitarist suggested, increasing his guitar’s popularity amongst players looking for an optimized playing experience.
The player-friendly approach sparked by Travis’s inputs helped establish Fender as one of the globally sought-after guitar brands.
To sum it up, Merle Travis directly influenced several signature features in iconic Fender designs, contributing significantly to its distinct soundscape and worldwide fame.
Bigsby vs Fender: An In-depth Comparison
In comparing these two trailblazers, it’s essential to delve into some critical areas that guitarists often consider when choosing between Bigsby and Fender.
The main focus will be sound production, design elements, and durability.
Sound Production
Sound is the soul of any guitar, and these two brands offer unique auditory experiences.
Bigsby: Bigsby guitars are typically praised for their depth of tone, individual string clarity, and enhanced sustain.
They tend to excel in genres such as country and rockabilly, benefiting from the improved twang produced by the typical Bigsby Vibrato setup.
Fender: With Fender guitars, you can expect an array of sound dynamics driven by their patented pick-up designs.
Their Strats have become iconic in blues and rock-n-roll due to their bell-like tones and crispier edge to the sound that cuts through a mix perfectly.
Design Elements
A guitar’s design intimately reflects a player’s style and comfort.
Bigsby: The most distinguishing feature in many Bigsby guitars is arguably their vibrato system (often referred to as a ‘whammy bar’), which offers pitch-bending effects that have become synonymous with the Bigsby brand name.
Fender: Their bolt-on neck design was revolutionary at its time. It allowed for easier production and repairs but also affected tone production- offering a snappier response with a pronounced attack on the strings.
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Durability
Regarding durability, both companies spare no expense in getting it right.
Bigsby: Built like tanks, featuring hardwearing elements such as cast aluminum vibrato units rather than cheaper pressed metal alternatives.
Notably, it requires careful handling due to relatively fewer replacement parts available compared to Fender models.
Fender: These guitars were designed with durability in mind – from their solid body construction to heavy-duty hardware components used throughout each model’s build, making them a significant investment intended for prolonged use with better replacement parts available in case of failure or damage.
Both Fender and Bigsby guitars have distinct characteristics highly influenced by Merle Travis’s unique needs as a guitarist, making them stand apart as compelling options for different musicians’ styles today.
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FAQs About Merle Travis
What was unique about Merle Travis’ guitar-playing style?
Merle Travis was known for his unique fingerpicking method, often known as “Travis Picking,” where he played the bass line with his thumb and melody with his other fingers.
In what way did Merle Travis influence Bigsby guitars?
As a friend of Paul Bigsby, Merle Travis requested specific design features for his custom guitar, pushing Bigsby towards innovation and leading to their unique solid-body electric guitars.
Did Merle Travis also influence Fender guitars?
Yes. Leo Fender noticed the demand for solid-body electric guitars after Travis’s custom Bigsby gained popularity. This led him to create the iconic Fender Telecaster.
Who were some famous artists inspired by Merle Travis’s picking style?
His “Travis Picking” technique profoundly influenced notable artists like Chet Atkins and Scotty Moore, Elvis Presley’s guitarist.
What are some of Merle Travis’ popular songs?
Some of his most loved songs include ‘Sixteen Tons,’ ‘Dark as a Dungeon,’ and ‘I Am a Pilgrim.’
Conclusion
In tracing the story of Merle Travis’s engagement with Bigsby and Fender, we capture a snapshot of the guitar’s evolution.
His unique style challenged and transformed guitar design, proving instrumental for future musicians. Bigsby and Fender owe a part of their legacy to this pioneering individual.
Therefore, when pondering the distinction between ‘Bigsby vs. Fender,’ it is essential to appreciate the common backbone – Merle Travis.
So, remember to echo a rich musical history when you strum your favorite tune on any guitar—be it a Bigsby or Fender.
