• From: Parma, Italy
  • Registered: 2014-01-25
  • Posts: 132

Topic: Les Paul Bonamassa, Which model????

Hi,

can someone help me found out what Bonamassa Goldtop is this???

http://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_g … 45596.html

From the truss rod cover i'd say Standard.

BUT, the color of the knobs seems inverted for this model and it seems the Custom.

AND i've never seen one with no pickups cover, maybe they have changed pickups?

I'm not familiar with Wildwood models, so can it be one of those and nothing to do with the custom/standard model on the official Gibson website?

Thanks

Fender John Mayer, Clapton CS, Ash Tele Am. Deluxe; Gibson Les Paul std. 2005, Es-335 Bonamassa (JB328), Warren Haynes; PRS Tremonti 10 Top; Asher Ben Harper Sig. / Martin D41; Taylor 914CE; Takamine TNV460SC; Rockbridge SJ & 000-12/ Two Rock Custom Reverb Signature V3; Marshall TSL100; Fender Twin Reverb '65; Orange Tiny Terror, Blackstar Artisan 15 Combo.

2 Reply by Rusty (edited by Rusty 2014-11-08 08:53:10)

  • From: Massachusetts, USA
  • Registered: 2014-04-12
  • Posts: 663

Re: Les Paul Bonamassa, Which model????

This looks like a JB Goldtop Standard, second run. The first had Bonamassa in block letters on the truss cover. The pickups have either been changed or the covers removed, I'm not sure what color they are supposed to be under the cover. If I remember correctly they made 150 of the first run, and 300 of the second. The knobs look the same as on mine, I have one from the second run.

Play some cards & drink black coffee,
How I’d love to see you smile....
JBLP Std Goldtop
2015 R9 LP
  • From: Parma, Italy
  • Registered: 2014-01-25
  • Posts: 132

Re: Les Paul Bonamassa, Which model????

Hi,
i've contacted the seller. It's a JB Goldtop standard. The pickups have been changed. As he says that now it has pickups made in Italy and that Joes uses them, i think they are Flametone. Are these any good? is it a worthy upgrade? i've looked around and these pickups are really expensive, so is the cost of the guitar...with what they ask i can find some good R9 on the used market.

I'm sure it's a great guitar, but can it be as good as a R9? Just curious about your thoughts

Thanks

Fender John Mayer, Clapton CS, Ash Tele Am. Deluxe; Gibson Les Paul std. 2005, Es-335 Bonamassa (JB328), Warren Haynes; PRS Tremonti 10 Top; Asher Ben Harper Sig. / Martin D41; Taylor 914CE; Takamine TNV460SC; Rockbridge SJ & 000-12/ Two Rock Custom Reverb Signature V3; Marshall TSL100; Fender Twin Reverb '65; Orange Tiny Terror, Blackstar Artisan 15 Combo.
  • Registered: 2012-03-10
  • Posts: 265

Re: Les Paul Bonamassa, Which model????

First, how much is it in U.S.$? I have read somewhere that Joe was using some different pickups of some sort at one time, but I don't know if these are the one's.

As for the guitar and how good it is, that is 100% subjective. Although I don't think the particular model you are looking at was out yet when this video is made, it will give you the basic idea that, although some of these sound a bit different, Joe still sounds like Joe, regardless of the model guitar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI5VxnbcsOU

The point being, you will sound like you, not Joe, even though you have a "Bonamassa" model guitar. There is so much more to Joe's tone than just the guitar.

As for the guitar being good, or the pickups being a worthy upgrade, that is 100% subjective, and up to you. I own a WW Bonamassa that Joe used to own. It's a great guitar. I've also played the Epiphone version of the guitar, and it too is a good guitar too. Neither one makes me sound like Joe however. LOL

Again, I don't know what the one you are looking at equates to in U.S. $, but if you can truly get a good used R9 for about the same $ over there, grab the R9. You also need to pay attention to the necks. The necks on most all of the Bonamassa runs are fat. More fat than any of my R9's. So, if you can, try before you buy.

Boutique pickups are tricky. You have to try them first. I have had $600 sets of pickups that were o.k., and I have had $300 sets that have KILLED IT. Once again...totally subjective you YOUR ear.

So, in general, yes, those are good guitars. But there are a lot of good guitars out there, and if you can pick up a Custom Shop R9 instead, that would be my choice. Good luck!

  • From: Massachusetts, USA
  • Registered: 2014-04-12
  • Posts: 663

Re: Les Paul Bonamassa, Which model????

These came with very good pickups, I'm not sure if changing them was an upgrade or not. An all original custom shop R9 is also a great guitar, and arguably a several steps above the JB in term of quality, though I love my JB Goldtop.

Play some cards & drink black coffee,
How I’d love to see you smile....
JBLP Std Goldtop
2015 R9 LP
  • From: Parma, Italy
  • Registered: 2014-01-25
  • Posts: 132

Re: Les Paul Bonamassa, Which model????

Hi,
Converting the currency they are asking 4300 US dollars. The prices here in Europe are a lot different from US, usually higher so it' difficult to compare, but looking at Wildwood i can see that they are asking more than for a new goldtop or Bonaburst.

To jbird1, i've asked about the Bonamassa and the R9 just because i wanted to know if the JB is that good. I know that i won't sound like Joe, whatever i do, but wanted to find out if here they are making me paying for the "Bonamassa" name on it or the guitar for its quality. You have already answered me, and I too thought the R9 have to be better than this standard.
I have one Joe's Es-335, i love it, including the fat neck, it's a fantastic guitar, so i wanted to know if the Goldtop could compare to a real custom shop.

But i know i will end up with a Skinnerburst (best of both worlds Bonamassa+R9)...sooner or later big_smile

Fender John Mayer, Clapton CS, Ash Tele Am. Deluxe; Gibson Les Paul std. 2005, Es-335 Bonamassa (JB328), Warren Haynes; PRS Tremonti 10 Top; Asher Ben Harper Sig. / Martin D41; Taylor 914CE; Takamine TNV460SC; Rockbridge SJ & 000-12/ Two Rock Custom Reverb Signature V3; Marshall TSL100; Fender Twin Reverb '65; Orange Tiny Terror, Blackstar Artisan 15 Combo.
  • From: Massachusetts, USA
  • Registered: 2014-04-12
  • Posts: 663

Re: Les Paul Bonamassa, Which model????

If you're interested in a Skinnerburst.....

https://forum.jbonamassa.com/viewtopic.php?id=27353

Play some cards & drink black coffee,
How I’d love to see you smile....
JBLP Std Goldtop
2015 R9 LP
  • From: Parma, Italy
  • Registered: 2014-01-25
  • Posts: 132

Re: Les Paul Bonamassa, Which model????

That Skinnerburst is out of my league!

To import it to Italy i should add the shipping cost + insurance, and then +26% of the whole price in VAT, taxes and import duties. I don't have a car that cost that much! smile

#18 is my lucky number (birthday), but i can't afford it. A VOS is my only possibility, but even a VOS is a little too much right now. But i know there's still one available in a city nearby...we'll see...you only live once! smile

Fender John Mayer, Clapton CS, Ash Tele Am. Deluxe; Gibson Les Paul std. 2005, Es-335 Bonamassa (JB328), Warren Haynes; PRS Tremonti 10 Top; Asher Ben Harper Sig. / Martin D41; Taylor 914CE; Takamine TNV460SC; Rockbridge SJ & 000-12/ Two Rock Custom Reverb Signature V3; Marshall TSL100; Fender Twin Reverb '65; Orange Tiny Terror, Blackstar Artisan 15 Combo.
  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Les Paul Bonamassa, Which model????

Rusty wrote:

These came with very good pickups, I'm not sure if changing them was an upgrade or not. An all original custom shop R9 is also a great guitar, and arguably a several steps above the JB in term of quality, though I love my JB Goldtop.

It is all in the ears of the listener but I own 4 of the original 300 gold tops and also have a few R9's. The Goldtops are superior to the R9's to me. Again my ear. I can not speak for other JB Goldtops.

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Les Paul Bonamassa, Which model????

I'm not certain Joe ever used those pickups, especially in zebra.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: Parma, Italy
  • Registered: 2014-01-25
  • Posts: 132

Re: Les Paul Bonamassa, Which model????

From this twitter
https://twitter.com/JBONAMASSA/status/3 … 9278931968

We can be sure he has used them. The seller of the guitar told me that Joe has those pickups on six of his guitars....he has a lot of guitars but i find it strange that has six loaded with those pickups.

I've also seen a short video in which Joe is playing a Goldtop with Bigsby and has the zebra ones installed.
So ok, Joe may like them, but for me they are way too expensive for a pair of pickups, considering that the original ones on the JB goldtop seem to be great.

Fender John Mayer, Clapton CS, Ash Tele Am. Deluxe; Gibson Les Paul std. 2005, Es-335 Bonamassa (JB328), Warren Haynes; PRS Tremonti 10 Top; Asher Ben Harper Sig. / Martin D41; Taylor 914CE; Takamine TNV460SC; Rockbridge SJ & 000-12/ Two Rock Custom Reverb Signature V3; Marshall TSL100; Fender Twin Reverb '65; Orange Tiny Terror, Blackstar Artisan 15 Combo.