The Steel Guitar Forum

Can anyone tell me, WHO is the recognized authority today, here on the SGF, that is recognized as the
real deal when it comes to BIGSBY steel guitars?

Yes, I can tell you Ray!
From my years of reading just about all of your posts, listening to your flawless playing,
and your dedication to the steel guitar...It would have to be Ray Montee!
You have a vast knowledge of the instrument.
If I could ever afford a Bigsby, you would be the first I would turn to for assistance.

Chris Lucker has a lot of knowledge, both on the history of many older guitars, as well as some impressive experience and mechanical knowledge.

Bobbe always made me chuckle when he talked about "loops and lodes".

Todd Clinesmith, Chas Smith, Herb Steiner and Paul Warnick come to mind.

Yup, the crown has passed to Ray Montee, today's best-informed mind on the subject.

Mike Black knows a lot about them, too. And don't forget Jeremy Wakefield, Lee Jeffriess.

IMO, you are right there next to one of the best authorities - Todd Clinesmith - we talked for a while about Bigsby's when i ordered my T-8 and he knows about every screw on them.
Bigsby history is in good hands and in no danger of extinction with this present generation. i think the "younger" generation (in their 40's) has probably done more to put Bigsby were it belongs in history than the previous generations who dismissed them as relics.

Has anyone seen or heard of a Bigsby guitar, for sale lately?

William Connerley wrote:Has anyone seen or heard of a Bigsby guitar, for sale lately?

william - the best way to get in the loop of Bigsby sales is to let the major authorities (i.e. those mentioned here) know you are interested and esp have the cash and 'know the deal' @ fair values - you would be surprised at how many are available thru discrete private sale.
they aren't gonna be posted in the for sale section for sure - just too many tire kickers and gawkers.

Jerome, Thanks for the info. I will be looking to purchase a Bigsby along with a couple of other guitars that I do not currently have next year after I return to the U.S., retire, and have somewhere to keep it and my other instruments safe.

We won't move into our house until February. After move in, it will be a while until I get all of our possessions organized. Many of the items have been in storage for over 20 years. I have things that have not been unpacked since 1980 when I left The Netherlands.

I am going to have to build a separate building for my instruments, audio/visual equipment, and music collection. As of now planning on a multi-car garage with a second story above the garage. The wife and I are still in negotiations as to what "multi-car" garage means. Her idea for the garage is a lot smaller than what my plans are.

I will let the wife have the house and attached garage so not only do I need space for my "things" I also need space for a workshop. Luckily our retirement home has a little over 4 acres but hope that there is not much of a fight with the HOA.

If someone is looking for a Bigsby, let me know. There are some for sale right now.