The Pizzar

It ain't easy being cheesy...


This electric guitar was an idea Bob had been "chewing on" for quite some time. I guess being Italian, things having to do with working with one's hands and eating are inescapable, so combining the two is only natural! Right? It was actually inspired by John Pisano - a very dear friend of ours who is also a great guitarist and pizza maker! (in fact, at the weeklong jazz guitar events at Papashon's [John's LA Guitar Festival venue] John made a real pizza archtop guitar, in tribute to Bob's creation, which was presented to Bob at Papashon's. It was devoured shortly afterwards so only a photo of it remains!)

The body of the PIZZAR is designed - and 3-dimensionally sculpted - to look like an authentic slice of New York style pizza. While some of the seasonings are painted on, some "real" herbs were sprinkled on under the finish as well.

Other specs:

  • Basswood body
  • Width of neck at nut - 1 3/4"
  • Mahogany neck
  • Two Kent Armstrong pickups
  • Burgundy finish on back, sides & neck
  • Two black strap buttons

Created for the recent LA NAMM Show, the guitar was exhibited at Richard Glick's "Fine Guitar Consultants" booth. Eminent jazzer Adrian Ingram debuted it, backed by Andy MacKenzie. Even well-known classical guitarist Muriel Anderson hammed it up with the Pizzar.

The guitar, a one-of-a-kind, will be auctioned off June 1st - 15th from Fine Guitar Consultants website, www.fineguitarconsultants.com. Check their site for details. And hey, we hope the winner "eats" it up!

[The PIZZAR is also featured in the current (May) issue of Guitar Player magazine and will be highlighted in upcoming issues of other magazines. It will also be included in a forthcoming coffee table book, The Electric Guitar, by Nick Freeth and Charles Alexander (Quadrillion Press).]

More pictures


Copyright © 1999 Cindy Benedetto