Epiphone Joe Bonamassa

Overview

The Joe Bonamassa signature series Epiphone Les Paul is quite a step up from the standard Epiphone Les Paul. This guitar is a bit more expensive than a standard, but it’s unique features make it worth the extra cash.  If you are into the signature Joe Bonamassa sound, but don’t wan to spend thousands of dollars to on the Gibson version of this guitar, you will probably really dig this Epiphone version.

In this gear review we will cover the main features, pros and cons of the signature series Joe Bonamassa Epiphone Les Paul. I have to admit that I am a little biased because I am a pretty big Bonamassa fan. At any rate, I will give you enough information to see if this guitar is something that you would like to check out for yourself.

Price - 8/10

I was really surprised to see that this guitar was under $800. Epiphone Les Paul Standard guitars start at about $450 and they don’ t come with a hardshell case. All of the upgrades that you get with this guitar would cost at least $300. When you factor the hardshell case in with all of the upgrades, I was expecting this guitar to cost about $899. Not a bad deal at all for $770.

Sound Quality - 8.5/10

I thought that the sound quality of this guitar was quite different from that of an Epiphone Standard Les Paul. The main reason for this is the pickups that are used in this guitar. Instead of the generic Alnico V humbuckers that come with most Epiphone guitars, the signature Bonamassa comes with real Gibson Burstbucker pickups. The tone of these pickups is quite different and better in my opinion. They really seem to give the guitar a more open and unique sound that you might or might not like.

Like most other Les Pauls, this one has a mahogany body with a maple top. This combination of woods makes for a thicker sounding tone. Overall, the sound quality of this guitar is definitely a step above a standard Epiphone Les Paul, but you will have to decide if you like the tone of the Burstbuckers for yourself.

Build Quality - 8/10

The build quality of this guitar seems to be on par with the Epiphone Les Paul Standard. However, the upgrades on this guitar really take it up to the next level. The Grover tuners, Burstbucker pickups and deep-set neck really lift the overall quality of this guitar. The inlays, binding and unique color scheme all work together to give this guitar a super-cool look.

Features - 9/10

• Solid Mahogany Body

• Carved Maple Top

• Set Mahogany Neck

• Deep Set Neck

• Rounded D-Profile 1959 Neck

• Rosewood Fretboard

• Bustrbucker 3 Bridge Pickup

• Burstbucker 4 Neck Pickup

• 24-¾” Scale Length

• 12” Fretboard Radius

• Gold Top Finish

• 1.68” Nut Width

• 22 Medium-Jumbo Frets

• 2 Volume and 2 Volume Knobs

• 3-Way Pickup Selector Switch

• Pearloid Trapezoid Inlays

• Grover Tuners

• Nickel Hardware

• Lifton-Style Hardshell Case

• Certificate of Authenticity

• Black Pickguard and Pickup Mounting Rings

• Miss-Matched Volume and Tone Knobs

Ease of Use - 8/10

The Bonamassa signature series Epiphone Les Paul is as easy to use as any other Les Paul that I have encountered. Plug in and play! The case and strap-locks that are come with it really add some value and give some extra protection for your investment.

Pros

• Deep-set neck

• Burstbucker pickups

• Grover tuners

• Hardshell case included

• Unique look

• Certificate of authenticity

• Grover tuners

Cons

• May be too thick sounding for some players

Overall Rating - 8.3/10

If you have been looking into getting a Les Paul that is a cut above the Epiphone Les Paul Standard but are note quite ready to dish out over $1000, then the signature series Joe Bonamassa Les Paul might be a great option for you. It sounds great, comes loaded with a ton of nice features and it will probably be a collectors item in the future. If you see one in your local music store, pick it up and give it a try. You might love the Burstbuckers!