Bob Weir, known for his innovative rhythm guitar work with the Grateful Dead and his subsequent projects, is celebrated for his eclectic and evolving taste in guitars. While he has utilized a wide array of instruments throughout his career, two guitars stand out as his all-time favorites: a Gibson ES-335 from the early '70s and an Ibanez George Benson model.
His All-Time Favorites
Bob Weir is known for retaining possession of nearly all the guitars he's owned over the years. Among his extensive collection, he has specifically cited two as his absolute favorites:
- Gibson ES-335 (Early '70s): Weir affectionately refers to this semi-hollowbody electric guitar as "an old sweetheart." The ES-335 is renowned for its versatile tone, capable of producing warm, jazzy sounds as well as sharp, cutting rock tones, making it suitable for Weir's diverse musical styles. Its construction, featuring a solid center block within a hollow body, helps to reduce feedback while maintaining resonant qualities.
- Ibanez George Benson Model: This hollow-body jazz guitar, which Weir notably "snatched from its namesake," speaks to his appreciation for instruments designed for intricate, clean playing. The George Benson model from Ibanez is celebrated for its clear articulation, rich tone, and excellent playability, features that complement Weir's unique chord voicings and rhythmic contributions.
Notable Guitars in Bob Weir's Arsenal
Weir's career has seen him experiment with and adopt numerous guitars, many of which have been highly customized to meet his specific performance needs, particularly in terms of electronics and onboard effects. His choice of instruments often reflects his pursuit of specific sonic textures and his role as a foundational rhythmic and harmonic player.
Here's a summary of some of the guitar types Bob Weir has favored:
| Guitar Type | Key Characteristics | Role in Weir's Playing |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow-body | Warm, resonant tones; prone to feedback at high volumes | Often used for cleaner, jazz-influenced passages. |
| Semi-hollow | Blend of hollow and solid-body qualities; versatile tone | Preferred for its balance of warmth and sustain, like his favorite Gibson ES-335. |
| Solid-body | Sustained notes, less feedback, punchy tone | Utilized for heavier rock sections and lead work. |
| Custom Builds | Unique electronics, pickups, and ergonomic features | Tailored to his specific sonic and live performance requirements. |
Beyond the Favorites: Custom Builds and Evolution
Beyond his personal favorites, Weir is also renowned for his collaboration with luthiers to create highly customized instruments. These unique guitars often incorporate advanced electronics, MIDI capabilities, and sophisticated pickup configurations, allowing him to achieve a broad spectrum of sounds and control effects directly from his instrument. Examples include guitars from makers like Modulus and Lieber, which were specifically designed to meet his evolving demands for versatility and reliability on stage.
His journey through different guitars showcases a constant search for the perfect tool to express his musical vision, from the classic elegance of a Gibson ES-335 to the precise engineering of modern custom-built instruments.
