Pronunciation: [bˈɪɡsbi] (IPA) 
The word "Bigsby" is spelled as /ˈbɪɡzbi/. It is comprised of two syllables: "Big" and "sby". The "i" in "Big" is pronounced as a short "i" sound, while "sby" is pronounced as "zbi". The "g" in "Big" is silent, so the emphasis is placed on the first syllable. It is a proper noun, commonly used as a surname or as the name of a type of guitar vibrato system. Overall, the spelling of "Bigsby" accurately reflects its pronunciation in English.
Bigsby is a noun used to denote a type of vibrato system often used on electric guitars. It is named after its inventor, Paul Bigsby, who developed this mechanism in the early 1950s. The Bigsby vibrato system is designed to create small pitch variations in the guitar's notes by modulating the tension of the strings. It allows guitarists to produce smooth and subtle vibrato effects, adding depth and expressiveness to their playing.
The Bigsby vibrato system consists of several components. It typically includes a bridge with a movable arm or a vibrato tailpiece, which is attached to the guitar's body. The arm, also referred to as a tremolo arm or whammy bar, can be depressed or raised by the player to alter the pitch of the strings. The movement of the arm is translated into a change in string tension via a spring mechanism. This causes the strings to slightly slacken or tighten, resulting in the characteristic vibrato effect.
Bigsby is often associated with a distinctive vintage sound and is frequently found on classic electric guitars like the Gibson Les Paul, Gretsch Duo Jet, or Fender Telecaster. It has been emblematic of rock and roll, blues, and country guitar styles for decades. The use of a Bigsby vibrato system requires skill and finesse to achieve controlled and tasteful vibrato variations. Its iconic design and contribution to the sound of guitars have made the term "Bigsby" well-known among musicians and guitar enthusiasts alike.
The word "Bigsby" originated as a surname. Its etymology can be traced back to Old Norse, where "by" means a farm or village. It is believed that "Big" was a personal name combined with "by", meaning "Big's farm" or "Big's village". Over time, the surname "Bigsby" became associated with a particular family or community, and eventually, the name was adopted for other purposes, such as the Bigsby vibrato tailpiece commonly used on guitars.
