This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2023
Bo Diddley Stage Played & Signed Historic Signature Jupiter Thunderbird "Billy-Bo" Model G6199 Gretsch Guitar.
From the personal collection of Bo’s close friend and protégé Charlie Tona, a guitarist and guitar-maker who both played with and designed guitar with Bo Diddley.
This first production model G6199 guitar, released by the Gretsch Guitar Company, was hand-delivered and presented to Bo Diddley at his home in Archer, Florida, personally by Fred and Dinah Gretsch. Bo Diddley played this guitar on stage and he has signed it as well. Towards the end of his career, Bo gave the guitar to Charlie, telling him that he only wanted him to have it because some day it would be very valuable and he wanted Charlie to reap the benefits of that value, and because he trusted Charlie to keep the guitar safe and in good condition.
This guitar was featured in Guitar Aficionado Magazine as well as in Hard Cover Book, Immortal Axes-Guitars that Rock by Lisa S. Johnson. Accompanied by the original Gretsch Guitar Tolex case.
Condition: Very good, vintage stage used.
Authentication: Certified Letter of Provenance from Bo Diddley's wife, Sylvia Piaz McDaniel, documenting the origin th history, supporting photographs, a Letter of Provenance from Charlie Tona, and a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.