Bob Weir Signature Guitars
There are guitarists who just play music, and then there are guitarists who become the very fabric of a music movement, shaping sounds, influencing future generations, and leaving behind a legacy that resonates across decades. Enter Bob Weir, the rhythm guitar genius behind the Grateful Dead, an iconic figure in the world of rock and psychedelic music. But to merely call Bob Weir a guitarist would be doing him a disservice. He’s an innovator, a sonic explorer, a boundary pusher, and one of the most unique rhythm guitarists to have graced our eardrums.
Now, when a man of such musical stature collaborates to produce signature guitars, it’s bound to create ripples in the music world. Bob Weir’s collaboration with D’Angelico brought forth two beauties that perfectly encapsulate his spirit and style: the D’Angelico Premier Bob Weir Bedford and the D’Angelico Deluxe Bob Weir Bedford. But before we dive deep into these majestic instruments, let’s journey through the life of the man who inspired them.
Bob Weir Signature Guitars
Bob Weir: Rhythm Maestro
Born in San Francisco in 1947, Bob Weir was adopted and raised by a loving family. But it was during a high school expulsion (yes, you read that right) that Bob’s path towards musical greatness truly began. At age 16, during a fateful meeting in a Palo Alto music store, he bumped into Jerry Garcia, a meeting that would lead to the formation of one of the most legendary bands ever: the Grateful Dead.
As the Dead’s sound evolved, Bob’s role in the band became more pronounced. He wasn’t just laying down basic chords; he was weaving intricate melodies and countermelodies, pushing the boundaries of what a rhythm guitarist could do. His style was a perfect complement to Garcia’s lead work, creating a sonic tapestry that was rich, intricate, and utterly unique.
With the Grateful Dead and in his other musical ventures, Bob Weir’s style has been a study in contrasts – at times subtle and understated, at other times bold and innovative. It’s this ethos that he brought to his collaboration with D’Angelico.
1. D’Angelico Premier Bob Weir Bedford
The Build
The Premier Bob Weir Bedford is not your everyday guitar. It’s a sleek, offset body that seamlessly blends modern design aesthetics with vintage tones. Constructed with a basswood body and a maple neck, this guitar is lightweight yet robust, perfect for those marathon jam sessions.
Tonality and Electronics
But the real magic lies in its electronics. The Premier Bob Weir Bedford sports two ST-single coil pickups at the neck and middle positions, and a stacked single-coil at the bridge. This unique configuration offers a myriad of tonal possibilities, perfect for Bob’s diverse playing style. Whether you’re looking to recreate the clean, chiming sounds of the Dead’s early years or the more aggressive tones of their later work, this guitar has got you covered.
Playability
One of the standout features of this guitar is its slim C-shape neck profile, making it a joy to play. Whether you’re rhythmically strumming away or weaving intricate melodies, the Premier Bob Weir Bedford responds beautifully, almost becoming an extension of the player.
Specification Table: D’angelico Premier Bob Weir Bedford
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand: | D’Angelico |
| Configuration: | P90SP90 |
| Strings: | 6 |
| Made in: | Indonesia |
| Series: | Premier |
| Colors: | Blue Matte |
| Left-Handed Version: | No |
| Body | |
| Type: | Solid Body |
| Body Material: | Basswood |
| Bridge: | 6-Point Tremolo |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint: | Set |
| Tuners: | Grover 109 Super Rotomatic |
| Fretboard: | Ovangkol |
| Neck Material: | Maple Scarf |
| Decoration: | White Pearloid Block |
| Scale Size: | 24.75″ |
| Shape: | C-Shape |
| Frets: | 22 Medium |
| Fretboard Radius: | 14″ |
| Nut: | Plastic |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch: | 5 Way |
| Knobs: | Speed |
| Volume Controls: | 1 |
| Tone Controls: | 2 |
| Bridge Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Designed Stack P-90 (Single Coil / Passive) |
| Middle Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Designed SC-101 (Single Coil / Passive) |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Designed Stack P-90 (Single Coil / Passive) |
2. D’Angelico Deluxe Bob Weir Bedford
Elegance Personified
If the Premier Bob Weir Bedford is the free-spirited youngster, the Deluxe Bob Weir Bedford is its more refined, sophisticated sibling. Boasting a satin finish and gold hardware, this guitar looks as good as it sounds. But it’s not just about aesthetics; every element of this guitar has been meticulously crafted to enhance its playability and tonal range.
Sonic Versatility
Just like its Premier counterpart, the Deluxe model also offers a wide palette of tonal possibilities, but with a few upgrades. With a five-way blade, push/pull tone knobs, and a push/pull volume knob, the tonal possibilities are virtually endless. This is a guitar that’s been crafted not just to play music, but to create sonic landscapes.
A Player’s Dream
Beyond its sound, the Deluxe Bob Weir Bedford is a dream come true for guitarists. Its slim neck profile, coupled with a smooth fingerboard, ensures that whether you’re playing rhythm or taking a rare lead, the guitar always stays responsive to your touch.
Specification Table: D’angelico Deluxe Bob Weir Bedford
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand: | D’Angelico |
| Configuration: | P90SP90 |
| Strings: | 6 |
| Made in: | South Korea |
| Series: | Deluxe |
| Colors: | Blue Matte |
| Left-Handed Version: | No |
| Body | |
| Type: | Solid Body |
| Body Material: | Basswood |
| Bridge: | 6-point Wilkinson Tremolo (Gold) |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint: | Set |
| Tuners: | Grover 509 Super Rotomatic, Locking |
| Fretboard: | Pau Ferro |
| Neck Material: | Maple |
| Decoration: | Mother of Pearl/Abalone Split Block |
| Scale Size: | 24.75″ |
| Shape: | C-Shape |
| Frets: | 22 Medium Jumbo |
| Fretboard Radius: | 14″ |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch: | 5 Way |
| Knobs: | Speed |
| Volume Controls: | 1 |
| Tone Controls: | 2 |
| Bridge Pickup: | Seymour Duncan STK P-90 (Single Coil / Passive) |
| Middle Pickup: | Lollar Blonde Single Coil (Single Coil / Passive) |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan STK P-90 (Single Coil / Passive) |
Final Thoughts
Bob Weir’s journey, from a young rebel in Palo Alto to an iconic figure in rock history, is nothing short of inspirational. His collaboration with D’Angelico is a testament to his legacy, encapsulating his spirit, style, and ethos in two beautiful instruments. The Premier and Deluxe Bob Weir Bedford aren’t just guitars; they’re a piece of rock history, a tribute to a man who redefined what it meant to be a rhythm guitarist. Whether you’re a Grateful Dead fan, a guitar enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, these guitars are a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and sheer musical genius. So, the next time you strum those strings, remember the man who made it all possible, the inimitable Bob Weir.
