Paul Bigsby got his start as a talented motorcycle builder, and became one of the most important guitar builders, creating instruments that would later be copied piecemeal by other luthiers.
His first instrument, a triple neck steel guitar built in 1946 for legendary steel player Earl "Joaquin" Murphy has been found after almost 50 years!
It has been restored to original condition as played by Murphy, and is currently for sale.
Paul fastidiously made all of his guitars by hand, including casting his own aluminum hardware, and winding his own pickups. This instrument is important as it is a template for his next instrument, a solid spanish-style guitar made for Merle Travis, and a preview of what electric guitars would later become.
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A recording of "Joaquin" Murphy playing 'Texas Playboy Rag' with Tex Avery is here. (From the CD 'Tex Williams - On The Air 1947-1949')
I know I can't stand playing anything other than my Bigsby-ized Silvertone 1446L :)