1970 Bozo Podunavac Bell Western. SN:Unknown. Instrument database.

Bozo Podunavac | Bell Western | 1970 | SN:unknown

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• Model: Bell Western Prototype
• Year: 1970
• Serial number:Unknown
• Top:  European Spruce
• Back & sides: Brazilian Rosewood
• Neck: Mahogany
• Body length: 20 1/4
• Upper bout: 11
• Lower bout 16 1/2
• Bridge:Ebony
• Binding: Rosewood
• Rosette: Marquetry
• Backstrip: Herringbone
• Purfling: Line
• Headstock: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 25.4”
• Nut width: 1 3/4”
• Twelfth fret width:2 5/16”

This is a very early example of a Bozo Bell Western. Mr Podunavac was raised in Belgrade and completed his apprenciship to Milutin Mladenovic in 1950.

He emigrated to Chicago and soon thereafter in 1964 opened his own shop and built guitars under his own name. He is best known through Leo Kottke who played several of his guitars in the 70’s.

To date he was completed over 500 guitars with a distinctive voice and aesthetic. He relishes highly ornate instruments and his guitars are known for being balanced with a full projection.

The prior owner, Peter Lang says: “This particular guitar is a custom built and fully appointed instrument. Peter has played Bozos since the early 70’s when he had the opportunity to play Rev. Gary Davis’s Bozo 12 String. Bozo’s old world style extends to the meticulous craftsmanship found on this guitar.

The unusual bell shape of this and other Bozo guitars is the marriage of a Martin D-28 upper bout and Gibson J-200 lower bout. The builder also uses X-bracing different from the standard Martin style. Lang is selling this instrument among others due to health issues which are preventing him from touring and performing. The instrument is in extremely fine condition for an instrument of this age, and is completely original. The frets on this guitar show very little wear.

This guitar is  currently owned by Peter Lang a six and twelve string guitarist  who began his career in the early 70’s with John Fahey on the Takoma record label.  Takoma records was the early home to Bola Sete, Robbie Basho, George Winston, Leo Kottke, and Norman Blake among others.”

Pictures kind courtesy of Peter Lang : www.peterlang.org
©2009

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