Billie’s main acoustic since 2011 has been the Gibson J-180 signature model, which is based on the Everly Brothers J-180 but with a few key changes. Instead of the original diamond fretboard inlays, it has star inlays, and the bridge is a standard Gibson shape. The pickguards are tortoiseshell rather than black (and there are two of them), and the truss rod cover is engraved with “Billie Joe.”
Specs
The guitar was built in Bozeman, Montana, in a limited run of just 100 pieces. It features a Sitka spruce top, Eastern maple back and sides, a mahogany neck, and an Indian rosewood fingerboard. For amplification, it uses a Fishman Matrix VT preamp and piezo system.
Usage
Billie first used the J-180 during the 21st Century Breakdown tour, most often for the acoustic encore section of the set. His tech, Hans, noted that the guitar could handle Billie’s aggressive strumming without breaking strings, which was part of the reason it became his go-to. Songs like Good Riddance, Macy’s Day Parade, and Words I Might Have Ate were all played on it live.
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