What Should i Buy?

Looking for a big boned, Bigsby’d blues machine

I’m looking for a big-bodied rockabilly/jazz guitar for an old-school Chicago blues project I’m working on. Whatever I buy must have a Bigsby, cost around a grand or less and, of course, look super cool. I’ll probably end up with a Gretsch, but I’d like to see some other suggestions. David Crane, via email

You can’t really go wrong with a Gretsch. The Electromatic range offers all the cute looks of the top-end Professional Series guitars for way less money. So, yes, we’ll be recommending one of those. There are other great hollowbodies out there, however, including a cracker that costs less than half your maximum budget. Check them out.