Gamechanger Audio Bigsby Pedal Guitar Effect

Polyphonic Pitch Shifter That Brings The Legendary Bigsby Tremolo To Any Instrument

The Gamechanger Audio Bigsby Pedal is a polyphonic pitch shifter pedal created in partnership with Fender Musical Instruments Co. and Bigsby, designed to reproduce the string-bending, vibrato and "twang" of the iconic 1951 BIGSBY Tremolo arm without any hardware modification to the guitar itself. Built around a golden-age mechanical design paired with a SHARC-powered hybrid algorithm, the pedal gives players access to authentic Bigsby-style motion through an original-style L-shaped foot bar, a hand-selected spring and a 1.07 kg (2.4 lb) chassis that feels planted underfoot.

Standout Features Of The Bigsby Pedal

Two genuine design choices set the Bigsby Pedal apart from any standard pitch shifter on the market. The DETUNE parameter is a precision-crafted algorithm that emulates the tuning instability and dissonant micro-fluctuations of real mechanical string-bending, so the wet signal sounds like an actual vibrating string. A buffered-bypass circuit then crossfades between DRY and WET signals so pitch shifts can be inserted into picking patterns, lead lines and melodic phrasing without audible glitches.

Pitch-Shifting Algorithm & Processing — Smooth Polyphonic Tracking With Guitar-Friendly Range

For a polyphonic pitch shifter, tracking accuracy across open and barre chords is the single most important player-facing specification. The hybrid algorithm was developed entirely in-house to preserve the natural timbre of plugged-in electric and acoustic string instruments, and the range covers up to 12 semitones in each direction with independent upper and lower limits.

• Pitch-Shift Range: up to 12 semitones (one octave) in both directions — players can bend from subtle wobble to a full octave dive on the fly.
• Processor: SHARC audio processor — the same DSP used in high-end multi-effect units, enabling smooth real-time chord tracking.
• Auto Mode runs an LFO-driven vibrato with pedal-controlled depth, so classic optical tremolo, chorus and vibrato textures emerge without the player ever touching the foot bar.
• Detune Parameter: algorithm emulating mechanical tremolo instability — adds the subtle warble characteristic of a real Bigsby arm.

Connectivity & Control — Expression, MIDI And Footswitch I/O For Studio And Stage

Integration into a rig matters as much as the core sound, and this pedal is unusually well-equipped. The EXP OUT jack converts the spring-loaded foot pedal into an expression controller for other pedals and rack gear, with adjustable DEPTH, RATE and OFFSET; MIDI IN allows full CC/PC control plus tempo-synced RATE with 15 subdivisions and 10 user preset slots; an FSW IN lets a standard momentary or toggle footswitch engage LATCH mode for hands-free octave, detune or harmonizer operation.

• Inputs / Outputs: 1/4" unbalanced TS instrument I/O with high-quality buffered bypass — placed first or in an effects loop without tone loss.
• Through its TRS 1/4" EXP OUT, the pedal drives any external expression-controlled device directly from the foot bar without adding an extra expression pedal to the board.
• MIDI Connector: 3.5 mm Type B adapter to 5-pin DIN — full MIDI control plus tempo and presets.
• External Footswitch: TS 1/4" FSW IN supporting momentary, toggle or dual latching footswitches — activates LATCH mode and allows momentary dives or detune effects up to two semitones.
• Presets: 10 user preset slots via MIDI PC — recall favorite sounds instantly during a set.

Electrical & Physical Specs — Studio-Grade Signal Path In A Compact Footprint

Clean signal handling and reliable powering are essential for a pedal that sits first in the chain and re-pitches the entire guitar tone. The signal path is rated for a 4 Vpp maximum, a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response (±1 dB), 90 dB signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted) and an optically isolated, RF-filtered MIDI input for clock and CC communication.

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±1 dB) — full-bandwidth signal with no rolled-off high end.
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 90 dB (A-weighted) — quiet enough to sit before a high-gain amp.
• Power Requirements: 9–12 V DC center-negative, minimum 500 mA, 2.1 x 5.5 mm barrel — runs from any standard pedalboard power supply.
• Battery Powered: No — requires an external PSU for stable polyphonic tracking and MIDI operation.
• Measuring 18 x 10 x 8 cm (7.1" x 4" x 3.2"), the chassis fits a standard pedalboard tier with side clearance for clean cable management.
• Weight: 1.07 kg (2.4 lb) — heavy enough to stay put under the foot without adhesive mounts.

Who Is It For — Electric And Acoustic Players Who Want Authentic Bigsby Motion On Any Rig

This pedal serves electric and acoustic string players — guitar, baritone, bass, mandolin, banjo — who want the unmistakable Bigsby pitch-bend character on instruments without a hardware tremolo installed. It also suits experimental players seeking polyphonic octave, harmonizer and chorus textures, MIDI-driven performers who want tempo-synced modulation with 10 recallable presets, and tone obsessives who want authentic vibrato on lap-steel, slide and country-style leads.

Brand & Product Story — Fender And Bigsby Co-Development From Latvia

The idea of a pedal-form Bigsby existed inside Gamechanger Audio long before the company was founded, but only after receiving explicit approval from Fender and Bigsby in 2019 could the Latvian maker begin a two-year design and development cycle. Born from that two-year cycle is a pedal produced in cooperation with Fender Musical Instruments Co., positioned by Gamechanger as a modern chapter in Paul Bigsby's 1951 legacy.