In 1959, Bozo Podunavac emigrated to the U.S. and settled in Chicago, where he began working in the repair shop of a now-defunct musical dealer and manufacturer. In 1964, he struck out on his own and began building handmade guitars with his name on the peghead. In the old-world tradition of his homeland, Bozo specialized in highly ornate, unique designs that demanded skill and precision throughout the build process. Bozo’s eye-catching guitars have been played on the stage by Leo Kottke, Johnny Cash, Reverend Gary Davis, Peter Lang, Bob Gibson and many other artists. While their over-the-top stylings definitely get the audience’s attention, Bozo’s guitars are also great-sounding instruments. This original Masterpiece, this 2000 Bozo Bell Western 6 string, was made personally by Bozo Podunavac while living happily in sunny South Florida during the 1990’s for Mike Holden, a left-handed Attorney from Ft.Lauderdale. Mike was a fan of Bozo’s for years & finally could afford a few nice guitars & commissioned Bozo to make 1 Arch Top & 1 Flat Top in 2000. Bozo was famous for his intricate Pearl & Herringbone inlays & did a fabulous job on this big beautiful Bell Western Flat Top using the best Indian Rosewood, ebony & mahogany.

This Bell Western dates to 2000 and is in great condition. The body is made from beautifully striped Indian Rosewood for the back and sides and a lovely Sitka Spruce for the top. Its got wonderful herringbone trim inside around all of its binding on the back and sides on every edge of its body. On its Spruce Top is Bozo’s signature Abalone inlaid double stripes of herringbone on every outer edge & around its fabulous inlaid Rosette showing Bozo’s European influences – flowers, more herringbone, and more Abalone. The ebony bridge is heavily shaped and inlaid, again with Abalone. The headstock has a Bozo rendering of his name and a traditional ‘Flowerpot’ – of course in Abalone. The position markers on its ebony fingerboard use three rectangles of abalone. Quite rare on its own in its right handed form, there can’t be many other lefties produced ! It’s excellent overall showing some pick wear on its top, a nicely repaired treble side crack & she comes in its original hard case. Mike had me sell this to a good lefty friend in Holland back around 2005. It is now ready for its 3rd caretaker ever & one cannot order a new one so grab your left-handed wallet & get this bad boy if you’ve ever wanted one.