1961 Wandre model BB hollowbody, twin pick-ups, bright red, excellent original condition. Comes with a black form-fitting case.

Notable on this guitar are the fantastic f-hole shapes, twin Davoli pick-ups, early square raised-metal control panel, and early decorative Wandré fret inlays. A very desirable Wandré model.

Antony Wandre Pioli was born in Italy in 1926, the son of violin maker Roberto Pioli. He began making guitars in the 1950s. Today Wandre's 1950s & early '60s guitars are celebrated for their radical aluminum necks (which can't ever warp), their unique switching, and most of all their wonderful shapes and fantastic pop-art colors. Many are in art museums. Plus, they've been cherished and played by such noted guitarists as Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Miller (of Emmy Lou Harris fame), and Ace Frehley of Kiss. In 1957, Wandré began working with instrument makers Davoli (already well-known for their pick-ups and amps). While production runs were low (compared with US makers Fender or Gibson) they sold well the world over. Many were distributed under other brand names, like Framez, Noble, Avalon, and others. Yet each and every guitar, from their 1957 beginnings right up to the mid-60s, was designed by Wandré himself and bears his name. Most were made in his famous round factory (now an Italian landmark) in the small town of Cavriago. The names that Wandré whimsically chose for his guitar models sound straight out of an early 60's Fellini movie: the solidbody "Doris", the hollowbody "Bikini" and "B.B." (for Brigitte Bardot), the "Cobra", "Twist", "Spazial", and many more.

From The Ilinois Collection.

Excellent condition