Electric pedal-steel guitar volume pedal
Maker
Paul A. Bigsby
Date1955 ca.
Place MadeDowney, California, United States, North America
Serial No.none
SignedEmbossed on front of pedal: .Bigsby [trademarked logo] Black label bordered in gold, with red and gold text, on bottom of pedal and top of case: MADE IN U.S.A. / Bigsby [trademarked logo in red] / Electric Guitars / TRADE MARK REG. U. S. PAT. OFF.
MarkingsLOANER written by Bigsby in black marker on both sides of pedal
LEFT / RIGHT stamped on plastic panel covering bottom of pedal
DescriptionPaul Bigsby was one of the great California innovators of the mid-20th century. He created some of the first solid-body, Spanish-style, electric guitars, contributed significantly to the development of the modern pedal steel guitar, and invented a tremolo tailpiece that is widely used today. This pedal-operated volume control unit was Bigsby’s personal demonstration model and is preserved with its original case.
Polished, cast aluminum volume and tone control pedal. Foot rest covered with striated rubber mat, "to prevent foot slipping." Volumne is controlled by up and down pressure on pedal; tone is controlled by swiveling from left to right or from right to left. According to a 1958 Bigsby catalog, "There are no stops on tone control and a smooth easy action creates the 'doo-aah' effect easier and quicker than by hand control." Input jacks located on both sides, near front. A "left" and "right" switch on the bottom of the unit is used to activate either the left or right input jack. Black plastic plate screwed onto bottom covers electrical and mechanical works (springs, cords, on "ball bearing rollers"/pulleys). Four rubber feet are screwed to bottom of pedal, "to prevent control sliding even on hardwood floors."
DimensionsFootrest: 11-1/2" long; 4-1/4" wide
Height, including feet (closed): 3-1/4" (maximum); 2-1/2" (minimuim)
ProvenanceThis unit was once the personal property of its inventor, Paul A. Bigsby, who used it as a demonstration model (marked "Loaner" on both sides), obviously traveling with it to England in 1958 (see text on Cunard ship decal on case).
Credit LineBoard of Trustees, 2003
Object numberM-378
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