Bob Weir’s Unforgettable Guitar Heist: The Story Behind His Ibanez George Benson Model
Throughout his illustrious career as a founding member of the Grateful Dead adn later with bands like Ratdog and Dead & Company, Bob Weir formed a deep bond with his guitars. Actually, he amassed an remarkable collection of around 100 electric and acoustic instruments, as revealed in the 2015 documentary, The Other one.
A Special Connection to Two Guitars
Weir, who passed away on January 10 at the age of 78, once shared with Guitar Player in 1998 that he had two standout favorites: a vintage Gibson ES-335 from the early ’70s, affectionately referred to as “an old sweetheart,” and an Ibanez George Benson model that carries a interesting backstory.
The bold Confession
“In the mid ’70s, I was collaborating with Ibanez on some designs,” Weir recounted. “They presented me with a new guitar that had just arrived from Japan. After playing it, they informed me it was made for George Benson. I boldly declared, ‘No, you didn’t. You can call the authorities or do whatever you need to do, but I’m taking it.’”
“It still bears Benson’s name,and I’ve penned countless songs on that guitar. I’m not sure if George is aware of this incident, but I’d like to extend my apologies to him.”
Legacy and Impact
Weir’s passing followed a battle with cancer diagnosed in the summer of 2025. Although he triumphed over the illness,he ultimately succumbed to underlying lung complications,as shared on his Instagram account.
During his tenure with the Grateful Dead, Weir emerged as an indispensable member of the ensemble. Jerry Garcia, the band’s iconic frontman, articulated weir’s significance perfectly, relying on his innovative chord progressions and steady rhythms to complement his own virtuosic lead guitar work.
“He’s like my left hand,” Garcia expressed in an interview with Guitar Player in October 1978.”We engage in a profound musical dialog, and our interplay is inherently complementary. We enjoy ourselves, and our playing is designed to both challenge and support one another.”
– Jerry Garcia
“His playing provides the essential context for my own,” Garcia continued. “It’s a complex idea to convey, but any serious examination of the Dead’s music reveals that our arrangements are meticulously crafted. There are moments that would truly perplex me if I had to create a harmonic bridge amidst the rhythmic complexities of two drummers and Phil Lesh’s innovative bass style. Weir’s ability to navigate those challenges is nothing short of remarkable.”
Influence and Recognition
Jorma Kaukonen, guitarist for Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, praised Weir’s skills in a recent interview with guitar Player. He highlighted Weir’s studies with blues legend Reverend Gary Davis, which equipped him with a unique set of chord shapes.
“Bobby’s a genius in many respects,” Kaukonen remarked. “He learned from Reverend Davis, and the chord shapes he employed were quite unconventional for fingerstyle guitarists. It was fascinating to see him play with a pick rather of his fingers; it was genuinely impressive.”
Continuing the Musical Journey
Following Garcia’s death in 1995, Weir quickly intensified his involvement with Ratdog, a blues-rock jam band featuring bassist Rob Wasserman, keyboardist jeff Chimenti, saxophonist Dave Ellis, drummer Jay Lane, and matthew Kelly on harmonica and guitar.
He also co-founded Further with Lesh and later formed Dead & Company, which included former Grateful Dead members such as drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, guitarist John Mayer, bassist Oteil Burbridge, and keyboardist Chimenti.
“Not everyone gets the chance to reinvent themselves in midlife,” weir reflected in 1998.”I would be remiss to ignore that opportunity and the challenges it presents.”
