Merle Travis - Musical Giant & Architect of the Solid Body Guitar - Ask Zac 156

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Many know Merle Travis simply as the name behind "Travis Picking," yet are unaware of his influence as a performer and songwriter. Perhaps even less known, is how in the late 40s he was one of the architects of the solid body guitar. It seems almost a deep dark secret that his Bigsby-made guitar was borrowed by Leo Fender in 1948, and it set the course for the Telecaster and Stratocaster. Today, we seek to spotlight this overlooked contribution by Merle and Paul Bigsby and to spotlight the incredible musical works of the great Merle Travis.
Sixteen Tons: The Merle Travis Story - By Merle Travis & Deke Dickerson
amzn.to/3YtybBl
To buy a copy autographed by Deke
dekedickerson.com/merch/sixte...
The Merle Travis Guitar Album
open.spotify.com/album/6Nq6eD...
#askzac #merletravis #bigsbyguitar

[@JillandKevin]

Nice job Zac! About 20 years ago, I had a booth at a guitar show in California, and Merle's son Thom Bresh was there. A guy in the booth across from ours was selling a copy of Merle's Bigsby, and Thom came over to give it a try. Since the guy had no amps, Thom asked if he could plug into one of our amps. Now, I just happened to have a Super 400 for sale, similar to the one Merle had owned, so I grabbed it, and actually got to play a few with Thom!!! Thom was every bit as amazing as his dad!!! Still don't know who made that Bigsby copy, but I DO have pictures of Thom and I pickin'!

[@louisaccardi2268]

Hey ZAC, you are somewhat of an historian. I have been a guitarist since I was 14 and am 74 now. This was a great video on the history of guitars and the influence of a guitarist. Loved it.

[@AskZac]

Thank you

[@guitarpicker6844]

Man, you've once again educated me! I never knew the connection with Merle and solid body guitars. I grew up in a "guitar house" with my dad playing a lot of Merle Travis style picking but I never knew what a huge influence he had outside of his playing style. Thanks Zac, I would've probably never known!

[@danross146]

Just started streaming The Merle Travis Guitar. Really some AMAZING work! Thanks for opening my eyes to this artist and all of the great history associated with him!

[@AskZac]

Have fun!

[@marksahagian7226]

'm listening to the Merle Travis Guitar right now, for the first time... amazing...

[@cheyne15]

I've been playing guitar for 60 years and in my life been lucky enough to work (not as a player though!) with some of the most famous guitarists and musicians. And yet I never knew this story until now. That was a marvellous 20 minute tale Zac, thank you so much. I'll now be hunting down 'Merle Travis'!

[@marshallvanwinkle2532]

Nice video Zac. I listened to a bit of 'TMTG' and it really does have a very clear warm sound. I also live in Tahlequah, Ok. The rock that has Travis' name on it it actually in Keys, OK and marks the spot where his house used to be( according to what someone in town told me). From there it's about 25 miles to Muskogee where Barney Kessel is from and where Leo Kottke, who was influenced by Travis, began playing guitar.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I just saw a video by Deke yesterday on restored Bigsby guitar. He played one of his songs at the end, very enjoyable. I love your history about those early developers. Merci beaucoup.

[@thomasharlan7356]

Wonderful episode about one of the most influential guitarists of the 20th century, Mr. Childs. I completely agree with you about how great Merle played and sounded on "The Yellow Album", a/k/a "The Merle Travis Guitar". Merle was equally adept at the acoustic and there is a wonderful collection of radio transcriptions of his guitar instrumentals (many of which are also on The Yellow Album) called "Walkin' the Strings". If you haven't listened to it, please do - You'll love it and it's a must-have for Merle Travis fans! Those recordings, while of a lower fidelity than those on the Yellow Album, capture Merle at the peak of his playing ability. There's also a wonderful DVD collection of Merle Travis Kinescopes from his Town Hall Party appearances, titled "Merle Travis At Town Hall Party" that I think you'd very much enjoy. Take care and be well!

[@AskZac]

I love the "strings" album too!

[@freddymclain]

As I understand it, Merler learned how to pick from a local guy in his hometown named Mose Rager. Mose learned from another hometown gentleman named Arnold Schulz. Arnold was taught by his mother.

[@slimcoogan3277]

Joe Maphis has a fantastic tribute song to Merle. Me and ol' Merle. It is VERY good. 🎶🎵🎸🎶🎵🎸💥

[@jim232777]

Yes, I have that same yellow vinyl LP, from when I was a kid in the 70s. The price tag is still on, at $2.99! 😀

[@12footchain]

LOVE this story. This is one of your top 5 episodes for me for sure.

[@AskZac]

Thanks, Doug!!

[@fgmmusic]

Great episode particularly for your enthusiasm and love for Travis.

[@tombanks1696]

Great episode Zac. This is why we love your channel. Bought the book and album. Love the stories... Thanks again.

[@davidhoover3537]

Thanks for another fun and educational episode, Zac!

[@tfunk1829]

Leo didn't create it but he did perfect it.

[@AskZac]

I can go with that

[@JimPharis103]

Great video about one of my absolute favorite players. Strictly Guitar is another great recording of Merle playing solo electric for those interested.

[@kylecravens6501]

Love this. It was so cool to see his legendary Bigsby guitar at the Country Music Hall of Fame! Not to mention seeing Mother Maybelle's L5 and Les Paul's "The Log" - seriously 3 of the most important guitars - not to mention the prototype of Chet's 6120. My little heart could hardly take it! :)

[@danthegeetarman]

Very cool video and story. And shoutout to Deke and his book. A must have.

[@DubMartin]

Such a great episode. Thank you so much. I am also a huge Travis fan. I was an early buyer of the book and have owned and loved copies of “the yellow album” for probably 60 years. It is also my favorite album ever. You could probably do an episode about neck widths, too. A narrow neck and a slightly shorter scale can be very useful for all of Merle’s strange thumbed chord shapes.

[@AskZac]

Wonderful!

[@robertbarnes9745]

Great show Zac. Thanks!

[@AskZac]

You bet!

[@scottreynolds6317]

Wonderful video! I look forward to learning and listening to Merle Travis’ music!!!

[@AskZac]

Wonderful!

[@louisdombrowski4198]

Great episode Zac👍 About Travis's 16 tons, I remember Tennessee Ernie Ford saying about when the song was recorded the musicians wanted to know how fast to play and Ford started snapping his fingers and left it in there when they were done..

[@tulsatoolfool]

You are doing this right...thanks for well researched history of the greats and valuing them...

[@AskZac]

My pleasure

[@James-ou9hc]

Your videos here and your interviews on TrueTone Lounge are awesome. An interview with Chris Tapp from the Cold Stares would be great. They have great songs and Chris’ tone incredible

[@MarkEaster]

I love history (all kinds) and I can tell you do too. I hear your little quips that have such a deeper meaning and are significant with the times and relationships. This is a deep and sincere compliment. I know Ken Burns did “The History of Country Music” but you could have your own History Channel “Music That Made America” series. Grammy Award stuff right here!

[@roberthdahlquist]

Much appreciated Zac! This episode is a huge contribution to the bigger picture; thanks to Deke, and to you for spreading the word.

[@AskZac]

Thanks again!

[@blacklabelnic]

Perfect timing Zac, I’m going through a heavy travis phase at the moment! You’ve done a wonderful job as always.

[@AskZac]

Thank you

[@ZacCostilla]

Can’t wait to see what goodness this will bring us!

[@davidethangraham]

Hey, I live in the small town he lived in. Tahlequah, OK. 17,000 in population. It's also where the Turnpike Troubadours are from.

[@bretthamilton7308]

WOW. Can't wait to get that book. It's crazy how the tone back then was so sweet. No matter how hard they try, with all the digital gadgets we have access to, that sound is impossible to replicate. Great video.

[@AskZac]

Enjoy

[@iannicholls7476]

A fascinating episode Zac! I’d heard of Travis picking and knew that he was an early user of a solid body guitar but I can see there’s a whole lot more to discover. I owe my soul to the company store!

[@AskZac]

Nice!

[@Oldguyplayer1970s]

Another fantastic video!

[@mattskillman]

I never knew this awesome bit of guitar history. Thanks for the video!

[@AskZac]

You bet!

[@guitareveryone]

Great episode! A true legend. I agree that Merle and Paul Bigsby should have gotten some credit for some of the design of the solid body electric and the telecaster. Just to think, without Merle, not only wouldn’t we’ve had Chet Atkins but I would also think Jerry Reed, his son Thom Bresh, John Knowles and maybe even Lenny Breau which although was a jazz legend but also a true fan and friend and so loved by Chet. And the great players later on such as Tommy Emmanuel. I’ve heard that Merle album. Such great cuts….and the tone!

[@mikedennis6979]

My cpi inflation calculator informed me that $1070.00 in 1952 is equal to $12,422.94 in 2023 . Another great episode Zac. Thanks

[@MisterRlGHT]

First time I heard Merle Travis play Sheik of Araby, my face fell off and I still haven't found it.

[@robamaral9089]

I downloaded the Merle Travis Guitar record. Guy has four hands! What a great musician

[@chrisva4268]

Another wonderful video Zac! I'm slowly working through Deke's biography and really enjoying it, Merle was an unparalleled talent. The birth of the solidbody electric guitar is convoluted, I've played a Slingerland Songster and Rickenbacker Electro Spanish, both more of an afterthought to steels. It really does all come down to those sketches revealed in Deke's research as the turning point, those drawings couldn't have found a better place than the hands of P.A. Bigsby. I'm honored to say I've gotten to play one of his guitars. They are masterpieces, easy to play with a clarity of tone unmatched for their era.

[@AskZac]

Jealous!

[@StephenSpelman]

Great episode, Zac. I didn't know any of this about Merle Travis and Paul Bigsby. As I was watching, I looked over at my '68 Strat, and man, that headstock is really close to the Bigsby guitar you showed. Thanks so much for this episode

[@brianbard3410]

Bixby was the first and his neck were considered to be better

[@StephenSpelman]

@@brianbard3410 - if you watch Zac's video above, he makes that very clear.

[@slicksnewonenow]

Hiya Zac- Ya know... Chris Scruggs had a beautiful replica Bigsby guitar.... I bet if he's still got it and ya ask him nice, he'd probably lend it to you for a while... I don't know who built it, but another old bud of mine, T.K. Smith, has a shop out in California where he builds beautiful tributes to P.A. Bigsby. T.K. could very well have built Chris's guitar. The pickups in those original Bigsbys were what made the magic... Really low ohm single coils, and the magnets in them were square bar stick, wound with square wire. Smith makes exact replicas called C.A.R. (cast aluminum replica). Cheers!

[@steveburchfield5576]

Good Job Zac!!! I think my favorite finger picker these days is Doyle Dykes. He really carries the Legacy On!!!

[@thomaslemon3971]

I had the pleasure of seeing Dykes play about 10 years ago. Insanely good guitarist and an even better human being.

[@jeffmoore4437]

Another great A-Z video. Although this is about Merle Travis, Paul Bigsby was a huge contributor to the steel guitar world as well. When people get into the Leo Fender/Les Paul argument, even though I'm a big Fender fan, I love to bring up Paul Bigsby. Thanks Zac.

[@markmcdonald5711]

Have you read "The Birth of Loud"?

[@jeffmoore4437]

@@markmcdonald5711 no, but the title makes me want to.

[@markmcdonald5711]

@@jeffmoore4437 You'll be glad you read it.

[@robamaral9089]

Great job professor,😊

[@AskZac]

Thank you! 😃

[@briankehew579]

The headstock comes from German Stauffer guitars, which Martin was making in the US...

[@slimcoogan3277]

Someone may have posted this already. I didn't read every eingle comment. There's a wonderful.Bear Family boxset, featuring Merle Travis. Guitar Rags and a too Fast Past. 🎵🎶🎸👍❌️💯

[@gene42]

I've always loved Merle's playing. Years ago, I was at Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture, where (at the time) there was a great room dedicated to the history of guitar, with video playing of famous, influential guitarists. I sat to watch with several others, while Segovia was playing wonderful classical guitar. The next video was Merle playing Cannonball Rag. The small audience was laughing along with his fun, masterful playing and applauded when it was done. My takeaway: Merle 1, Segovia 0.

[@jimdavis9325]

Deke Dickerson and a crack backup band, The Whippersnappers, put on a great show in Tucson recently. He mentioned being part of a Johnny Horton tribute show in SoCal in June.

[@utahprepper8925]

Travis: I bet you can't make a vibrato that's damn near impossible to string up but stays in tune. Bigsby: Hold my beer. . .

[@Guitaural.]

Right on the money. I read 'The Story of Paul Bigsby: The Father of the Modern Electric Solid Body Guitar" years ago and it is a _fantastic_ book; large size, lots of photos, and well written. Highly recommended. Leo clearly got many ideas from Paul. The Strat headstock is a direct copy.

[@AskZac]

Well said!

[@Wildman9]

Great story about my Dads favorite guitar player . When I was a kid in ( Baldwin Park) we lived down the street from Spade Cooley . I remember that the cops were always at his house. He liked to get drunk alI the time . Not to long after that he murdered his wife .My folks said they would fight late at night, and of course the cops would show up. My folks would go to the Pallamino Club to watch and listened to some of the great artists of the day. Thanks for the show ,you always have some great info on artists of the day. 👍🎸

[@smelltheglove2038]

Reminds me of my old man. Total sweetheart if he wasn’t drinking, after two or three you better get out the house.

[@jasonstacey9460]

Merle Travis and Harley Davidson valve springs.

[@BrandochGarage]

Excellent!

[@AskZac]

Many thanks!

[@MarkEaster]

I’ve always said, that Mabelle Carter and the Carter Scratch developed into Travis picking and that developed into Chet Atkins and then it took off from there up to Tommy Emmanuel. Sounds like I need to do more reading. 🤔

[@jackiewilburn3063]

Great video as always Zac! Only thing i got confused about is the birthdate. In a 1961 interview with Merle, he says he was born November 17th 1917 instead of the 29th

[@david25876]

Paul McCartney is a finger thumb picker. At least on Blackbird. I’m sure he added more digits also. 😊

[@professorhamamoto]

Excellent.

[@AskZac]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@paulantoni1046]

Will there be a Zac Child’s Truefire course in the works ….? 🎸 🔥

[@toddmuday4497]

Merle was the man. He also has taste and his picking always fit the song. The man was also a caroonist.

[@toddmuday4497]

& Zac is the man. He also has taste. The man.

[@toddmuday4497]

Merle played Guild in the late 50's. Those sounded great. Marcel Dadi was a master of Travis style. Really one of the best.

[@shamsam4]

A lot of stuff would have had to have happened differently had he not existed. Which makes me think of Mother Maybelle...

[@brianfarrell2663]

Great.

[@NickRatnieks]

I had not heard that Thom Bresh had died. This is such very sad news as he was a great performer,-mimic, guitarist and wonderful "larger than life" character. I had noticed he was looking a little gaunt- but assumed he might have been told to lose some weight. Merle Travis was a troubled genius and he had issues. I have double album of his with Joe Maphis and Merle mentions in the liner notes, he wished he could have been more like Johnny Bond in his life. Of course, there are many clips from Town Hall Party and Ranch Party where we see him with Joe Maphis, Larry Collins and Johnny Bond, so we can see him in his element even if he's not up front. I have that Merle Travis album- but it is a reissue!

[@joeldowdy404]

Merle was the man!!! One of my favs. As a little kid (late 70s/early 80s) we would drive out to my grandma's house out in eastern Ok and on the way there driving towards Lake Tenkiller there was a huge rock (12ftwX6fth) on the side of the road and someone had painted it white with big black letters that said "Merle Travis, King of Country Music". So I would ask my mom who Merle Travis was so she had some cassette tapes and they would play me some Merle Travis. My dad liked him and Earnest Tubb.

[@ndolde]

Not even time to talk about the d-28 with the bigsby neck. RIP Travis & Bresh

[@AskZac]

I don't want to spoil everything. The book is fantastic.

[@jerryfraker377]

O.W. Appleton. Check that guitar out that was made in 1941.

[@LUCKYB.]

Zack how Ya Doin ? Take care and Be safe.

[@AskZac]

I am good. How are you?

[@LUCKYB.]

@AskZac trying to get things worked out . Still Alive and above the Dirt .I did not know Willey passed .till the other Day . Figured He world out live all Horseman ! That it Easy Zak

[@rhp52]

a lot of roads lead back to merle.....

[@henryb160]

Always prefered Merle Travis to Chet Atkins whose playing became over refined. Yeah, Merle's electric tone and touch is sensational on that recording and I think his acoustic playing also sounded top drawer when he accompanied himself on his (IIRC) Martin D28.

[@halbertking2683]

O.K. How about a three pickup Merle Travis.....................with a Bigsby ?

[@RavioloComboli]

Reminds me of the goofy goober guitar

[@jltrem]

Zac should have ended this video with a cover of "Reenlistment Blues".

[@AskZac]

I should have

[@niklet805]

More like $12,000.00 in todays money.

[@markdeweese9288]

Probably would not be b-benders either.