Bo Diddley — Rig Network

The rectangular Gretsch — Bo Diddley is inseparable from guitars of unusual shapes. The Jupiter Thunderbird's rectangular body is largely aesthetic (the tone is produced by the pickups and electronics rather than the body shape), but the visual impact established the 'Bo Diddley guitar' as its own category.

Unique to this artist in the database

Bo Diddley built and commissioned various square or rectangular custom guitars throughout his career — these custom builds are his defining visual icon. Multiple builders have constructed them over the decades, but the aesthetic is constant.

Unique to this artist in the database

The Magnatone amp is critical to Bo Diddley's sound — the Magnatone's vibrato/tremolo circuit uses true pitch modulation (unlike later amp tremolo which only modulates volume), creating the characteristic wavering, swirling quality of his early recordings. The amp's tremolo at moderate speed creates the texture beneath the hambone rhythm.

Unique to this artist in the database

Used for some Chess Records sessions — the GA-40's warm single-speaker output provides the raw Chicago recording studio character of the earliest Chess recordings.