Epiphone Joe Bonamassa '59 Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar -
Epiphone's Joe Bonamassa signature '59 Les Paul combines boutique craftsmanship with Bonamassa's no-nonsense tone philosophy. It delivers classic Les Paul warmth and sustain suitable for blues, rock, and everything in between.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Handcrafted construction rivals guitars costing three times the price.
- +Classic Les Paul tone with mahogany/maple construction and quality pickups.
- +Joe Bonamassa signature expertise ensures no unnecessary frills.
- +Exceptional value for a boutique-quality instrument at $999.
Cons
- −Signature models are niche; limited community discussion compared to standard models.
- −Weight typical of solid-body Les Pauls—can be fatiguing on long gigs.
- −Finish is Antique Ebony; limited color options.
The Verdict
Joe Bonamassa didn’t design a signature guitar to compromise. The Epiphone ’59 Les Paul bears his fingerprints: no marketing fluff, no unnecessary features, just tone. And it delivers.
Construction is meticulous. The mahogany body and maple cap are selected carefully. Pickups are quality hardware. The result is a Les Paul that sounds like a Les Paul—fat, warm, with sustain that meters in seconds. It responds to picking attack and dynamics without being thin or brittle. Through a tube amp, it sings.
For blues musicians, classic rock players, and anyone seeking genuine Les Paul tone without the $4K Custom Shop price tag. If you need a lightweight guitar or want modern finishes, consider alternatives. But for straightforward, honest tone in a signature instrument, this is it. A 96 Legendary score reflects its construction quality and tonal excellence—Joe wouldn’t put his name on less.
