There is some validity to the statement that Bigsby built the first PEDAL steel soemtime in the late 40's, but it is recognized that the first electric (aka LAP) steel was the Rickenbacher (note spelling) Frypan in 1933. Then, around the same time as Bigsby built the steel for Speedy West, the Electoharp and a National model that shifted the tuning via a lever, appeared. Interesting aritcle, though, and a nice website.
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Posted - 03/18/2009 : 10:10:36 AM
