BIGSBY PEDAL

A revolutionary polyphonic pitch shifter pedal created in cooperation with Fender Musical Instruments Co.

The BIGSBY Pedal is a revolutionary polyphonic pitch shifter pedal that reproduces the string bending and vibrato effects produced by the BIGSBY Tremolo arm and other traditional tremolo systems.

The idea to create a BIGSBY-style pitch-shifting pedal was born out of a long-standing admiration for the BIGSBY system’s unique feel, sound and design.

The palpable twang and inimitable nuance of Paul Bigsby’s 1951 spring-loaded masterpiece is quite simply the stuff of legend.

Whether you’re wielding one yourself or thrilling to a classic recording, the magical warbling instantly conjures visions of back alley brawls in Brixton, spaghetti Western gunfights in a sun-drenched desert, or fist-pumping crowds singing odes to rocking the free world.

How It Works

The Gamechanger BIGSBY combines golden-age rock ’n’ roll mechanics with state-of-the-art signal processing. On the outside, an original-style activator bar (modified to withstand years of foot stomping) is paired with a carefully selected spring that yields the same cushy feel and unique bounce of hand-activated models—because that’s integral to the feel of all the best traditional tremolo systems.

But it would all be mere eye candy without the processing power inside. The BIGSBY pedal uses the same ultra-powerful SHARC® chip found in hi-tech multi-effectors to meticulously track the subtleties of the lovely chromed mechanics.

Custom Analog-to-Digital & Back

We developed our own hybrid algorithm that would not only achieve smooth, polyphonic real-time pitch-shifting in the lower harmonic intervals typical of Bigsby-style vibratos, but also preserve the natural timbres and inherent tonal characteristics of the instruments plugged into it. We specifically worked to ensure it melds seamlessly with electric and acoustic guitar (standard 6-string, baritone, and bass), mandolins, banjos, and more.

Another key component of the BIGSBY pedal’s sound is its DETUNE parameter—a precision crafted algorithm designed to emulate the imperfections and dissonant properties of traditional mechanical string-bending hardware. This makes vibrato effects produced by the Bigsby pedal virtually indistinguishable from the real deal.

Nostalgic Innovation or Futuristic Romanticism?

Despite its roots in the past, the BIGSBY pedal’s unique format and stellar build quality open the door to sounds you simply couldn’t get with traditional hand-operated hardware. Your hands are freed to play more intricate patterns … creative string-bending combinations let you mimic beautiful lap-steel and slide-inspired licks … thoughtful pairing with other instruments and/or effects lends the potential for sounds you’ve never heard before. Even better, it’s always on—all you have to do to imbue your music with BIGSBY magic is activate the pedal bar.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

EXP OUT

FSW IN

MIDI IN

EXP OUT

This allows you to use the BIGSBY as a unique spring-loaded Expression Controller with fully adjustable DEPTH, RATE and OFFSET controls – for modulating any expression parameters of other pedals and effects units (via a TRS 1⁄4” jack cable).

The BIGSBY Pedal’s Expression Output can be used either in parallel with or independently from the pitch-shifting algorithm.

FSW IN

The BIGSBY Pedal’s FSW IN connector is compatible with all standard momentary or toggle type footswitches with a TS (Tip/Sleeve) 1⁄4” jack (normally closed or normally open). You can also use a dual-latching footswitch with a TRS jack – in this case, only one side of the footswitch will work.

Pressing the footswitch will activate LATCH mode. When latched, the BIGSBY will hold a constant interval determined by the current position of the DEPTH knob – this way you don’t have to hold down the BIGSBY Pedal for long phrases.

When in LATCH mode you can still use the BIGSBY’s foot-pedal to make momentary dives and detune effects up to two semitones. Pressing the opposite side of the foot-pedal will flip the direction of the pitch shift.

MIDI IN

Connected with a 3.5mm type B connector.

This allows you to control all functions of the BIGSBY Pedal via CC messages, as well as creating and saving presets onto 10 preset slots, syncing the RATE Parameter to a specific tempo (with subdivisions), and more.

BIGSBY Pedal

Lifetime Warranty
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
The BIGSBY Pedal doesn’t come with a free power supply. Gamechanger Audio BIGSBY Pedal requires a standard pedal power supply – Barrel plug – 2.1 x 5.5 mm with a center-negative polarity with 9V DC and at least 250 mA.

United States: No Sales Tax for US Orders

European Union: VAT will be added to orders without an EU-VAT number

All other countries may face customs duties

Read Less Tax Information

You may cancel your order any time by emailing us at [email protected]

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION


Input Type	1/4” Unbalanced TS
Input impedance	1MΩ
Maximum input level	9 dBu
Output type	1/4” Unbalanced TS
Output impedance	100 Ω
Maximum output level	9 dBu
Expression Input Type	1/4” Unbalanced TRS (Exp out) / 1/4” Unbalanced TS (FSW in)
Input impedance (ring)	100 kΩ
Output impedance (tip)	220 Ω
Max input level	20 dBu
Max output level	20 dBu
MIDI Connector	3.5 mm TRS (mini jack), Type-B
Type	Optically isolated input, RF filtered
Frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz (±1 dB)
Signal to noise ratio	90 dB (A weighted)
Operating temperature	0º to 50º C
Power Supply Connector Type	9V DC, center negative 2.1 x 5.5 mm plug
Input voltage	9V DC
Input current	220 mA
Power consumption	2 W
Product Dimensions	WLH 220 x 110 x 86 mm (8.6 x 4.3 x 3.3 in)
Product Weight	960 g (2.11 lb)

Read Less Read All

BIGSBY T-shirt

Be a part of the BIGSBY Pedal family with this mechanical drawing of the BIGSBY Pedal on the launch campaign’s distinctive red square.

PLUS PEDAL

LIGHT PEDAL

PLASMA RACK

How It Happened

Here's a little documentary video about the BIGSBY Pedal's origins and development process. This has really been a special product for us - something that has been in our minds for years even before Gamechanger Audio was started. Fortunately, in 2019 we received the green light from Fender and Bigsby to start building it.

The BIGSBY Pedal is a revolutionary polyphonic pitch shifter pedal that reproduces the string bending and vibrato effects produced by the BIGSBY Tremolo arm and other traditional tremolo systems.

The idea to create a BIGSBY-style pitch-shifting pedal was born out of a long-standing admiration for the BIGSBY system’s unique feel, sound and design.

Now, after a two-year-long design and development period, we are proud to unveil what we believe is one of the most capable and inspiring pitch-shifting tools currently on the market.

ALGORITHM

Powered by the formidable SHARC® Audio Processor, the BIGSBY Pedal runs a hybrid algorithm specifically developed by Gamechanger Audio to achieve smooth polyphonic real-time pitch-shifting at low intervals.

It has been painstakingly tweaked to preserve the natural timbre and sound of electric and acoustic string instruments, including baritone and bass guitars, guitars, mandolins, banjos, etc.

Another key component of the BIGSBY Pedal’s sound is the DETUNE parameter.

A carefully crafted algorithm that is designed to emulate the imperfections and dissonant properties of traditional mechanical string-bending hardware. As a result, the vibrato effects produced by the BIGSBY Pedal are almost indistinguishable from those of a conventional tremolo arm.

INTERFACE

The unique spring-loaded foot-pedal design opens up a world of new strumming patterns, bend combinations and beautiful lap-steel and slide-inspired licks that cannot be achieved with traditional tremolo systems.

The BIGSBY pedal is always “on” – the only thing you need to do to activate it is to step on the foot-pedal.

The algorithm ensures that transitions between the DRY and WET (pitched) signals are as smooth as possible, allowing you to seamlessly incorporate pitch-bends into complex picking patterns as well as lead and melodic lines.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

EXP OUT

FSW IN

MIDI IN

EXP OUT

The BIGSBY Pedal’s Expression Output can be used either in parallel with or independently from the pitch-shifting algorithm.

FSW IN

MIDI IN

Connected with a 3.5mm type B connector.

BIGSBY PEDAL

United States: No Sales Tax for US Orders
European Union: VAT will be added to orders without an EU-VAT number
All other countries may face customs duties
Lifetime Warranty
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
The BIGSBY Pedal doesn’t come with a free power supply. Gamechanger Audio BIGSBY Pedal requires a standard pedal power supply – Barrel plug – 2.1 x 5.5 mm with a center-negative polarity with 9V DC and at least 500 mA.
You may cancel your order any time by emailing us at [email protected]

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION


Input Type	1/4” Unbalanced TS
Input impedance	1MΩ
Maximum input level	9 dBu
Output type	1/4” Unbalanced TS
Output impedance	100 Ω
Maximum output level	9 dBu
Expression Input Type	1/4” Unbalanced TRS (Exp out) / 1/4” Unbalanced TS (FSW in)
Input impedance (ring)	100 kΩ
Output impedance (tip)	220 Ω
Max input level	20 dBu
Max output level	20 dBu
MIDI Connector	3.5 mm TRS (mini jack), Type-B
Type	Optically isolated input, RF filtered
Frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz (±1 dB)
Signal to noise ratio	90 dB (A weighted)
Operating temperature	0º to 50º C
Power Supply Connector Type	9V DC, center negative 2.1 x 5.5 mm plug
Input voltage	9V DC
Input current	220 mA
Power consumption	2 W
Product Dimensions	WLH 220 x 110 x 86 mm (8.6 x 4.3 x 3.3 in)
Product Weight	960 g (2.11 lb)

Read Less Read All

BIGSBY T-SHIRT

Be a part of the BIGSBY Pedal family with this mechanical drawing of the BIGSBY Pedal on the launch campaign’s distinctive red square.

PLUS PEDAL

Sustain and sustenuto pedal for all melodic instruments

PLASMA COIL

A special Jack White and Thrid Man Records edition of the PLASMA

PLASMA Rack

Plasma distortion device in 1U rack format

HOW IT HAPPENED

Here's a documentary video about the BIGSBY Pedal's origins and development process.

This has really been a special product for us - something that has been in our minds for years even before Gamechanger Audio was started. Fortunately, in 2019 we received the green light from Fender and Bigsby to start building it.

BIGSBY PEDAL

The BIGSBY Pedal is a revolutionary polyphonic pitch shifter pedal that reproduces the string bending and vibrato effects produced by the BIGSBY Tremolo arm and other traditional tremolo systems.

The idea to create a BIGSBY-style pitch-shifting pedal was born out of a long-standing admiration for the BIGSBY system’s unique feel, sound and design.

How It Works

Custom Analog-to-Digital & Back

Nostalgic Innovation or Futuristic Romanticism?

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

BIGSBY Pedal

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

BIGSBY T-shirt

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

PLUS PEDAL

LIGHT PEDAL

PLASMA RACK

How It Happened

The BIGSBY Pedal is a revolutionary polyphonic pitch shifter pedal that reproduces the string bending and vibrato effects produced by the BIGSBY Tremolo arm and other traditional tremolo systems.

The idea to create a BIGSBY-style pitch-shifting pedal was born out of a long-standing admiration for the BIGSBY system’s unique feel, sound and design.

ALGORITHM

Another key component of the BIGSBY Pedal’s sound is the DETUNE parameter.

INTERFACE

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

BIGSBY PEDAL

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

BIGSBY T-SHIRT

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

PLUS PEDAL

PLASMA COIL

A special Jack White and Thrid Man Records edition of the PLASMA

PLASMA Rack

Plasma distortion device in 1U rack format

HOW IT HAPPENED

USEFUL INFORMATION

CONTACT US

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