Guitar Great – How many guitars does Joe Bonamassa have?

joe bonamassa

Joe is a guitar museum and he has a guitar collection to rival that of any guitar great in the world. But how many guitars does Joe Bonamassa have?

When I first wrote this article he considered himself the curator and protector of over 200 guitars, acquired from some of the great guitar players of all time. Word on the street has it that his collection is now closing in on 500.

But it is a moveable feast and is still a growing obsession.  He gets to play them in his lifetime and then pass them on when he is done. Like museum pieces, he sees it as an honour.

We are privileged to be in the presence of blues guitar great Joe Bonamassa. As yet uncrowned, not only is Joe a brilliant guitar player but he has a guitar museum. How many guitars does Joe Bonamassa have changes by the month. But it is reputed to be around 500.

Bonamassa already stands alongside the greats

He’s not a household name but Joe stands alongside the greats like Jimi Hendrix, BB King. Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimmie Page, when it comes to musicianship.

He is a man of humble disposition who has grown from a twelve-year-old prodigy to become a major draw to audiences all over the world.

A workaholic, Bonamassa is transcending the boundaries. He promotes himself in an unprecedented way, flying in the face of conventional standards.

Joe Bonamassa is a true guitar legend in his lifetime, a genius who has driven himself through passion and dedication to become an amazing new world blues/rock star.

Opening for BB King at age twelve

To open for another guitar legend BB King at the age of twelve is incredible, to say the least. But when you consider his musical pedigree and the fact that he was playing Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, note for note, at the age of seven it is not such a surprise. His parents owned a guitar shop, and his great-grandfather, grandfather and father were all musicians.

Other Greats Joe has played with

The list of musicians he has played with is impressive. It includes Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Stephen Stills, Paul Rodgers and Joe Cocker.

More than 20 Allbums

He has produced more than 20 studio albums, live albums and many DVD’s. His live performances are always sell-outs and he seems to be constantly on the road taking his music to the world.

His ‘Tour de Force’ shows in the UK were a major accomplishment incorporating 60 songs into 4 different shows.

How old is Joe Bonamassa?

Joe Bonamassa was born on May 8th 1977 in New Hartford, New York, and is as approachable as if he were still the boy next door. His humble demeanour belies his incredible talent and skill.

Who influenced Joe and his music?

Among the biggest influences on his career are BB King Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimi Page, Paul Kossoff, and Gary Moore. Interestingly, they are mostly British.

Joe says they were his heroes rather than the Delta Blues players of old who were the originators of the Blues. Such as Muddy Waters, Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy.

He was even influenced by progressive rock bands like Yes and features excerpts from their music in his repertoire.

I remember being blown away when I watched the video of Joe’s performance at the Royal Albert Hall in England in 2010. It proved beyond a doubt, as well as being an incredible musician, the boy next door had stage prescence.

Before the 60’s and 70’s

I have never heard reference to Little Richard, Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee-Lewis, Elvis Presley, The Beatles or the Rolling Stones as influences. Yet they were all major players before and during the time of his heroes in the genre of blues and rock music.

I was weaned on Bill Haley, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent and Buddy Holly through to Elvis, Jerry Lee-Lewis, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan. I even wrote an article suggesting Eddie Cochran could have been better than Elvis.

Then The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Free, Pink Floyd, Cream and on to the present day. I grew up with them all and Joe is without a doubt one of the best.

How many guitars does Joe Bonamassa have for sale?

Guitarists can get Joe Bonamassa guitars for sale on his website. I am sure as many as you care to order will be welcomed.

This 2020 limited edition, Joe Bonamassa Les Paul Custom “Black Beauty” , custom inlay Outfit Epiphone comes with a case.

How many guitars does Joe Bonamassa have

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8 Comments

  1. You know what? I MISSED his concert after all….I got a very cruel case of poison ivy the day before!! Maybe one day. 🙂

  2. I’ll have to get writing soon then won’t I. Just to tease you I have written a very interesting post on James Dean also but haven’t decided when to release it!!

  3. I am cruel. Yes, ’tis true on occasion! I lucked into the whole thing really, so I am most grateful. I will suggest he come over your way if he wants to chat and ask my opinion before or after the concert:) Yes, would love to hear about your “last night with Eddie”.

  4. How can you be so cruel Sandra. Please give him my regards!!!! I doubt he will ever come to Thailand. But I can’t complain. I’ve seen so many live, from Eddie Cochran in 1959 (his last concert on the night he died) to Led Zep, Pink Floyd, Michael Jackson, Prince, U2. You’ve gib
    You’ve given me an idea for a post. ‘MY LAST NIGHT WITH EDDIE’

  5. Bingo! You are so right about Joe! I discovered him accidentally about five years ago, under some kinda wacky circumstances. Love him, and especially with Beth Hart! In fact, the two of them are my current musical obsession. Now, I don’t like to brag, but….guess what? I’ll be seeing Joe LIVE in Clearwater in a couple of weeks! Yippee!

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