John Bolin Gretsch Billy Bo Prototype Ex Billy Gibbons Collection

A genius guitarist with a unique look and eccentric style, Billy Gibbons has made his mark on music history as much for the thick tone of his guitars as for his beard, now inseparable from the Reverend himself. A tireless instrument collector, Gibbons is also highly inventive when it comes to designing original models. Among the myriad guitars he has created over the years, the red Billy Bo holds a special place. This now-iconic guitar is actually a tribute to two generations of bluesmen—Billy Gibbons, of course, and Bo Diddley, who originally came up with the shape. The John Bolin Billy Bo Gretsch Prototype offered by Matt’s Guitar Shop is a rare guitar built by John Bolin. It showcases all the key features of the Reverend’s personal instruments, pushing the Billy Bo concept to its highest level.

Let’s revisit the story of the Billy Bo, a mythical guitar that introduced a bold and futuristic design. In 2005, Billy Gibbons launched his first signature model with Gretsch—a radically designed guitar that actually dated back decades. The Gretsch Jupiter Thunderbird shape was originally created by the legendary Bo Diddley in 1959. At the time, the Brooklyn brand made him just one example, which he later gave to Gibbons. This historic piece remained in ZZ Top’s frontman’s archives for years until he pulled it out for a recording session, after which he proposed to Gretsch the idea of developing a dual-signature model uniting two generations of guitarists. Hence the name Billy Bo—honoring both Gibbons and Diddley. The Billy Bo retains the original shape, but features TV Jones Powertron pickups, better suited to ZZ Top’s signature thick modern tone.

John Bolin and Billy Gibbons began a fruitful collaboration after meeting backstage at a ZZ Top concert in Boise, Idaho. Gibbons fell in love with Bolin’s instruments, and the two quickly embarked on several guitar projects combining one’s creativity and the other’s technical mastery. Master builder John Bolin worked closely with Billy Gibbons, crafting more than 100 custom guitars and basses over two decades. Over the years and through numerous builds, they dreamed up eccentric instruments showcasing Bolin’s craftsmanship. They experimented with various materials to meet the Reverend’s boundless imagination: sculpted tops, gold finishes, flame tops, fur and leather coverings, even warped tops. Their partnership extended to the stage, where Bolin gradually became the maker of the Billy Bo guitars Gibbons played live—primarily to reduce weight on the shoulders.

This rare Billy Bo John Bolin Prototype comes directly from Billy Gibbons’ collection and was built by luthier John Bolin. It features all the hallmarks of the Reverend’s personal instruments: a remarkably lighter weight compared to its Gretsch equivalent and a bridge pickup that roars with intensity. A truly exceptional piece, available at Matt’s Guitar Shop!

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