OffsetGuitars.com

https://www.guitarworld.com/news/fender-acquires-bigsby

Probably a good buy for them. I would be surprised if this resulted in any significant changes or even any new or reissue guitar models.

I'm hoping they did this for Gretsch purposes, not Fender purposes.

I've always wanted a factory bigsby tele, maybe it will happen more haha

I'd be ok if it became easier to get F-branded bigsbys, on guitars or aftermarket. When I bought my B5, the only way to get an "F" one was to overpay and buy a kit that came with a telecaster bridge I didn't need.

It's not like they can move production overseas, so who cares. Not really sure why they bought it.

Larry Mal wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:35 pm

It's not like they can move production overseas, so who cares. Not really sure why they bought it.

I have to assume someone ran some numbers and realized that they're paying more in licensing fees and markup for the units that are going on all the Gretsches than it would cost to buy the company in the long run.

does this mean gibson aint going to be able to use bigsbys anymore? i mean i'm kinda ok with that.

also, i'm hoping this means a reduction in the price of aftermarket bigsbys. much like what fender does with their pickups.

mbene085 wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:48 pm

Larry Mal wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:35 pm

It's not like they can move production overseas, so who cares. Not really sure why they bought it.

I have to assume someone ran some numbers and realized that they're paying more in licensing fees and markup for the units that are going on all the Gretsches than it would cost to buy the company in the long run.

Nice to imagine that they are that committed to Gretsch, then. Although it seems plain to even me that this latest incarnation of Gretsch is doing good business.

s_mcsleazy wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:51 pm

does this mean gibson aint going to be able to use bigsbys anymore? i mean i'm kinda ok with that.

That what I thought also!

s_mcsleazy wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:51 pm

does this mean gibson aint going to be able to use bigsbys anymore? i mean i'm kinda ok with that.

Bigsby is still a seperate entity, I doubt they'll cut off what has to be one of its largest clients aside from Fender itself.

Grey wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 11, 2019 4:05 pm

s_mcsleazy wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:51 pm

does this mean gibson aint going to be able to use bigsbys anymore? i mean i'm kinda ok with that.

Bigsby is still a seperate entity, I doubt they'll cut off what has to be one of its largest clients aside from Fender itself.

I doubt Fender would cut off 50% of Bigsby profits....

I'd like a USA Thinline Tele with Bigsby for less than the $3500 & up CS special Orders....

I'm hoping all this means Fender will eventually make a Tele bridge plate along the lines of what Mastery and Vibramate have out, but at a more affordable (to me, anyway) price point.

Fender doesn’t need Bigsby, in my opinion. It seems more natural that Gretsch own Bigsby, since many Gretsch models come stock with the vibrato piece. Pure speculation but I think this more of a cash grab for Fred & Family. If FMIC is smart, they won’t change much, maybe except getting rid of the third pricing tier. Those B500 and B700 models are being copied to pointlessness. They’d be better off distinguishing the MIA (Bx) and import (Bx0) models as a step up in quality.

My only ‘wish list’ is a stock Tele with a factory Bigsby B16–no metal shim. Other pickup options even. I also hope they reissue Bigsby guitars, in the vein of TK Smith. Hopefully that’s a guitar productive relationship (Smith and FMIC) and not a litigious one.

Oh man I didn't even think of the Bigsby guitars angle.

That would be so, so cool.