Few modern guitarists embody the spirit of vintage gear obsession quite like Joe Bonamassa. From his searing blues phrasing to his encyclopedic collection of rare instruments, Bonamassa has become not only one of the most accomplished guitarists of his generation but also one of the most passionate curators of guitar history. His arsenal spans decades of craftsmanship, covering everything from golden-era Gibsons to iconic Fenders — each chosen for tone, feel, and legacy.
The Gibson Les Paul Legacy
At the heart of Bonamassa’s sound lies the Gibson Les Paul Standard. He’s often seen with “Principal Skinner,” his prized 1959 Les Paul, celebrated for its flame maple top and warm, singing sustain. This guitar has become synonymous with Bonamassa’s tone — fat, vocal mids paired with creamy overdrive from his vintage Marshall amps.
Other notable Les Pauls in his stable include:
- “Spot” – a 1958 burst with a distinctively faded top.
- “Runt” – a 1960 Les Paul with slimmer neck profile, used for faster, more fluid solos.
- A range of ’50s Goldtops and Customs, each contributing subtle differences in tone and feel to his live and studio work.
Bonamassa’s love for the Les Paul runs so deep that Gibson even issued a Joe Bonamassa Signature Les Paul, capturing elements of his vintage tone in a modern instrument.
The Fender Side: Strats and Telecasters
While known primarily as a Gibson player, Bonamassa often returns to Fender guitars for brighter textures. His 1951 Nocaster and early-’60s Stratocasters make frequent appearances when a sharper, more articulate tone is needed — especially for slide work or vintage blues covers.
The 1956 Fender Stratocaster “The Blonde” is one of his favorites, delivering that sparkling clarity and quack that perfectly complements his more mid-heavy Les Paul tones.
The ES-335 and Semi-Hollow Beauties
Bonamassa’s appreciation for Gibson’s semi-hollow designs is evident in his collection of ES-335s, ES-345s, and ES-355s. These guitars offer a touch of warmth and airiness, bridging the gap between his solidbody Les Pauls and the fully hollow jazz boxes. The 1961 ES-335 often features in his live sets for songs requiring smoother articulation and vintage soul.
Flying Vs, Firebirds, and Oddball Classics
True to his collector reputation, Bonamassa doesn’t shy away from the exotic. He owns several 1958 and 1959 Flying Vs — some of the rarest guitars ever produced — as well as a variety of Firebirds, Explorers, and even quirky Ampeg Dan Armstrong plexi models. Each instrument has a story, and Bonamassa often rotates them on tour, giving fans a museum-grade guitar show night after night.
Acoustic Excellence
Beyond electrics, Bonamassa’s acoustic setup is equally impressive. His Martin D-45, Gibson J-45, and Gibson SJ-200 have all been featured in his unplugged performances, revealing a subtler, folk-blues side to his playing. These acoustics provide a lush tonal foundation for his storytelling and roots-based material.
A Living Guitar Museum
What sets Joe Bonamassa apart isn’t just his technical mastery, but his reverence for the instruments themselves. He’s openly described his collection as a “living museum of American guitar history.” His guitars aren’t trophies — they’re tools of inspiration, each one a connection to the blues legends who came before him.
Whether wielding a ’59 Les Paul through a wall of vintage Marshalls or a Telecaster through a cranked tweed Fender, Bonamassa’s tone is always unmistakable — soulful, precise, and dripping with the kind of history that only a true guitar aficionado could assemble.
