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On May
10, 1999 the Gretsch Guitar Company purchased Bigsby Accessories
from Ted McCarty, a long-time friend of our family, especially
of my father William Gretsch. My father and Mr. McCarty
knew each other long ago in Chicago - Mr. McCarty even attended
my baptism when I was a child. In October 1999, after a
long and successful career spanning over 60 years, Ted McCarty
retired from the music industry. Sadly, on April 1, 2001
at the age of 91, Ted McCarty passed away
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Early
in 1999 when we announced the sale together, Mr. McCarty
made these comments: "Fred is the obvious person
to take over Bigsby. When Paul Bigsby wanted to sell
his company in 1966, he came to me. When I wanted to
sell Bigsby and retire, I approached Gretsch Guitars.
It's a very natural progression."
Gretsch
guitars have featured Bigsby vibrato tailpieces for
more than 45 years. Gretsch and Bigsby are often thought
of together, and now we are one company. |
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are continuing to manufacture vintage-style Bigsby vibratos
and bridges using the same hand-made methods prescribed by founder
Paul Bigsby half a century ago. Six hand assembled vibrato models
are available with the Bigsby name. The tailpieces continue
to be used as original equipment on guitars by Fender, Gibson,
Guild, Rickenbacker, Ibanez, Yamaha and many more. In addition
to the original and hand-made Bigsby products, we are manufacturing
an additional line, Bigsby Licensed. The Bigsby Licensed vibratos
use the same designs as the hand-made models in a smooth metal
die cast format. Three tailpiece models are available. In the
future, other products with the historically rich Bigsby name
will be introduced. |
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