Epiphone launches Joe Bonamassa Les Paul Standard “Norm Burst” limited edition
Custom version with a signature inlay
Joe Bonamassa Norm Burst Epiphone Ltd Ed 1960 Les Paul Standard · Source: Joe Bonamassa
Joe Bonamassa Norm Burst Epiphone Ltd Ed 1960 Les Paul Standard · Source: Joe Bonamassa/YouTube
Joe Bonamassa is to feature on yet another new signature model guitar by Epiphone. This time it’s a Joe Bonamassa Les Paul model called the ‘Norm Burst’. It’s based on a 1960 Gibson from his vast, ever-expanding collection of electric guitars.
This Joe Bonamassa Les Paul is his seventh Epiphone signature model and it is based on what Joe has described as being “the cleanest vintage Les Paul Standard I’ve ever seen”. It is an instrument that Bonamassa acquired from Norm’s Rare Guitars in Tarzana, California. Norm and Joe go way back, so Mr Bonamassa has decided to put Norm’s name on this new signature model.
A Joe Bonamassa Les Paul signature guitar
This guitar has a mahogany body with a Norm Burst finish over the AA maple cap which has a Flame Veneer. It comes loaded with a pair of Epiphone ProBucker pickups which use the same materials as Gibson BurstBuckers. The tone controls have Mallory tone capacitors and use ’50s-style wiring throughout.
You have to order the new Bonamassa Les Paul via Mr Bonamassa’s online store. It comes with a Lifton vintage-style hardshell case and a ‘Certificate Of Authenticity’ signed by Joe.
Epiphone Custom Norm Burst with Joe’s name as fret markers
Custom vs Standard
This model is being produced in two editions, the Standard version and a Custom edition. The latter comes with a custom inlay that starts around the 12th fret position, featuring Joe’s name emblazoned across the fretboard. I’m not sure I would want that personally, but if you’re a big fan of JB or play in tribute act it may well appeal to you.
RRP – Standard USD 699.99 or Custom Inlay for USD 799
Does Epiphone have any guitars that aren’t Joe Bonamassa signature models?
Of course , I’m being facetious, but when signature models become ubiquitous the signature has a tendency to become irrelevant.
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Joe is a fantastic player, but c’mon Epiphone, seven or eight models should be plenty.
$700 US for a Chinese LP copy with an ugly headstock-got it.
I know you ‘really’ want the one with Bonamassa’s name emblazoned on the fretboard…
Even I couldn’t get that drunk. ; )