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Are you ready to jump into the captivating world of vintage-inspired guitars that marry classic tones with modern playability? Grab your pick and settle in, because today we’re exploring a guitar that embodies legendary craftsmanship, vintage aesthetics, and a partnership that’s making waves in the guitar community. The Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard is the latest treasure in the blues-rock virtuoso’s signature lineup. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out!
Joe Bonamassa Introduces the Epiphone 1955 Les Paul Standard Video
For an in-depth look at this guitar, make sure to check out the video below. In the video, Bonamassa gives us a closer look at the Copper Iridescent finish and shares his thoughts on the guitar’s features, including the P-90 pickups and the vintage build quality. He also talks about the inspiration behind the model, its affordability, and how it fits into the legacy of his signature guitar series.
A Brief History of Joe Bonamassa
Before we delve into the guitar itself, it’s essential to understand the man behind it. Joe Bonamassa is a blues-rock prodigy who started his career at the tender age of 12, opening for B.B. King. Over the years, he has amassed a loyal following and a collection of vintage guitars that would make any enthusiast green with envy. Known for his soulful playing and deep respect for the blues tradition, Bonamassa has become a torchbearer for the genre, bridging the gap between old-school blues and modern rock.
The Epiphone and Joe Bonamassa Partnership
A Collaboration Rooted in Mutual Respect
The partnership between Epiphone and Joe Bonamassa is more than a typical artist endorsement; it’s a collaboration built on mutual passion for quality and authenticity. Epiphone, a company with over a century of history, has always been about making professional instruments accessible to everyday musicians. When Bonamassa teamed up with Epiphone, the goal was clear: to create high-quality guitars that offer exceptional value without compromising on tone or playability.
Why This Partnership Matters
This collaboration is significant because it brings together Bonamassa’s expertise in vintage guitars and Epiphone’s commitment to craftsmanship. The result? Instruments that not only pay homage to classic models but also incorporate modern enhancements for today’s players. For aspiring musicians and seasoned pros alike, these signature models offer a chance to experience a piece of guitar history without breaking the bank.
Introducing the Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard
The Inspiration Behind the Guitar
The Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard is inspired by one of Bonamassa’s own rare 1955 Les Pauls. This particular model stands out because it combines features from the mid-’50s—a pivotal era in guitar development—with modern upgrades. It’s a guitar that respects its roots while offering something fresh to contemporary players.
Unique Features That Set It Apart
One of the standout aspects of this model is its use of P-90 pickups, a first in Bonamassa’s Artist Series with Epiphone. These pickups are known for their warm, punchy tone and offer a different flavor compared to the humbuckers found in his previous models. The guitar also boasts a long neck tenon, a feature often reserved for high-end instruments, enhancing sustain and stability.
The Sound: P-90 Pickups and Tonal Versatility
Diving Deep into the P-90 Experience
At the heart of this guitar’s sonic identity are the Epiphone PRO P-90 Soap Bar pickups. These single-coil pickups are revered for their ability to deliver crisp, clear cleans and gritty overdriven tones. They sit perfectly between the bright chime of traditional single-coils and the thicker sound of humbuckers.
Bonamassa himself said, “I’m known as a humbucker player, but the P-90s are always great. That little spark on top, the humbucking pickup doesn’t do that.” This highlights the unique tonal characteristics that P-90s bring to the table—especially their dynamic response and harmonic richness.
How the Pickups Influence Your Play
Whether you’re strumming open chords or digging into a searing solo, these pickups respond beautifully to your playing nuances. Roll back the volume knob, and you’ll find a world of clean, articulate tones perfect for blues and jazz. Crank it up, and the pickups roar with a rawness that’s ideal for rock and roll.
Build Quality and Playability
Materials That Matter
The guitar features a mahogany body and a maple top, a classic combination that contributes to its warm, resonant tone. The maple top adds brightness and clarity, balancing the natural warmth of mahogany. This synergy of woods has been a hallmark of Les Pauls for decades, and it’s executed flawlessly here.
The Neck: Comfort Meets Tradition
The mahogany neck sports a Custom ’59 Rounded C profile, offering a comfortable grip that feels substantial without being cumbersome. It’s perfect for players who appreciate the feel of vintage necks but desire modern playability. The laurel fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets provides a smooth playing surface for effortless bends and vibrato.
Attention to Detail
From the single-ply cream binding to the Graph Tech nut, every component is chosen to enhance performance and reliability. The guitar also features a long neck tenon, which extends deeper into the body than standard neck joints. This results in improved sustain and a stronger connection between the neck and body, allowing notes to ring out with clarity.
Hardware and Components
Reliability You Can Count On
Epiphone has equipped this model with Epiphone Deluxe tuners, ensuring stable tuning even during long playing sessions. The LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece not only provide precise intonation but also enhance sustain.
The Little Things That Count
Small details like the Gold Speed Knobs add to the guitar’s vintage vibe. The controls are wired with CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitors, components often found in high-end guitars, providing smooth operation and tonal consistency.
The Aesthetics: A Finish That Complements the Tone
One of the most captivating aspects of the Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard is its Copper Iridescent finish, inspired by Bonamassa’s own rare 1955 Les Paul. This finish is a tribute to a unique color from the mid-1950s, blending vintage charm with modern flair. Depending on the lighting, it can appear as deep dark gold or rich brown with metallic hues—reminiscent of an aged penny or root beer barrel candy—adding a dynamic visual element that sets it apart from traditional finishes.
This meticulously applied finish not only honors its vintage roots but also enhances the guitar’s visual appeal, complementing its tonal capabilities. The maple top subtly shows through, adding depth and character, while details like the cream binding and gold speed knobs complete the cohesive design. The Copper Iridescent finish symbolizes a bridge between past and present, offering players an instrument that stands out both visually and sonically.
The Value Proposition
An Accessible Piece of History
Priced at $849, the Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard offers incredible value. You’re getting premium features typically found on more expensive instruments, making it an excellent choice for both serious hobbyists and professional musicians.
Who Should Consider This Guitar?
This guitar is ideal for players seeking a versatile instrument that excels in blues, rock, and jazz. If you appreciate vintage aesthetics but require modern reliability, this Les Paul delivers on all fronts. It’s also a fantastic option for collectors interested in signature models that offer more than just a famous name.
Community Opinions: What Players Are Saying
Positive Reception and Excitement
The guitar community has been buzzing with anticipation and excitement over the release of the Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard. Many players who have had the chance to see or play the guitar in person praise its stunning finish and vintage vibe.
One guitarist noted, “I played this one last week. It looks really cool in person.” The dynamic Copper Iridescent finish seems to captivate players, offering a visual experience that standard product photos can’t fully capture. The neck profile has also received positive feedback, described as a comfortable medium that stays true to the typical ’50s size without feeling too chunky.
Discussions on Value and Features
The inclusion of P-90 pickups and the guitar’s overall build quality have been points of interest. Some community members appreciate the long neck tenon feature, often associated with higher-end models, stating that it adds to the guitar’s value proposition.
However, opinions on pricing vary. While some players find the guitar more affordable than expected, considering the direction of recent signature models, others feel that the price is a bit steep for an Epiphone Les Paul with P-90s. One commenter mentioned, “Spec-wise, it’s just another regular Epi Les Paul with P-90s, except it comes with a case. It’s $900 where I’m from. I’d say that’s too much for it.”
Collector’s Perspective
There’s also a perspective that views the guitar as a collector’s item. Some believe that purchasing the guitar now could be a smart investment, with potential appreciation in value over the next several years. As one community member put it, “These are also collector items. If you buy one today, keep it in the box and never play it. Fast forward 5-6 years, it will be worth 1.2-1.5k in today’s dollars.”
Diverse Opinions on Signature Models
While many are enthusiastic about the guitar, there are varying opinions on signature models in general. Some players express fatigue over the number of signature guitars released under Joe Bonamassa’s name, wishing for more non-signature options with similar specs.
Despite these differing views, the overall sentiment leans towards appreciation for the guitar’s quality and the unique features it brings to the Epiphone lineup.
Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard Specs
- Body Shape: Les Paul
- Body Wood: Mahogany
- Top Wood: Maple
- Binding: Single-Ply Cream (Fretboard)
- Neck Wood: Mahogany
- Neck Profile: Custom ’59 Rounded C
- Nut Width: 43.05 mm
- Fingerboard Wood: Laurel
- Scale Length: 24.75″ (629 mm)
- Number of Frets: 22
- Nut: Graph Tech
- Inlay: Pearloid Trapezoid
- Bridge: LockTone Tune-O-Matic
- Knobs: Gold Speed Knobs
- Tailpiece: LockTone Stop Bar
- Tuners: Epiphone Deluxe
- Plating: Chrome
- Neck Pickup: Epiphone PRO P-90 Soap Bar
- Bridge Pickup: Epiphone PRO P-90 Soap Bar
- Controls: 3-Way Epiphone Toggle Switch
- Case: Hardshell Case Included
- Finish: Copper Iridescent Gloss
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): EIJB55CPINH3
FAQs About the Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard
Q: What sets this guitar apart from other Les Paul models?
A: This model features P-90 pickups, a Custom ’59 Rounded C neck profile, and a long neck tenon, combining vintage specifications with modern enhancements for superior tone and playability.
Q: How does the P-90 pickup differ from humbuckers?
A: P-90 pickups offer a brighter, more articulate sound compared to humbuckers. They excel in delivering clear cleans and gritty overdriven tones, making them versatile for various genres.
Q: Is the laurel fingerboard a good substitute for rosewood?
A: Yes, laurel is a durable wood that offers a smooth playing surface and a tonal quality similar to rosewood, making it an excellent alternative.
Q: Does the guitar come with any accessories?
A: The guitar includes a hardshell case featuring Bonamassa’s “Nerdville” logo, providing excellent protection for your instrument.
Q: Is this guitar suitable for beginners?
A: While it’s designed with professional features, its playability and price point make it accessible for beginners who are serious about their musical journey.
The Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard – Final Thoughts
The Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard is more than just a signature model; it’s a testament to what happens when a legendary guitarist collaborates with a storied manufacturer. The result is a guitar that offers exceptional tone, playability, and value.
Whether you’re a Joe Bonamassa fan, a blues enthusiast, or someone looking for a versatile instrument with vintage flair, this guitar deserves your attention. Its combination of classic features and modern reliability makes it a standout choice in a crowded market.
So, will this Les Paul find a place in your collection? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you’ve had the chance to play one, we’d love to hear about your experience!
If you enjoyed this review and want to explore more articles about guitars, gear, and the stories behind them, be sure to visit our Guitar Blog. We have plenty of content to keep your love for guitars alive!
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