"Buried in Gear" A Day at Nerdville with Joe Bonamassa

Few guitar players in the world have amassed a collection of vintage instruments as diverse and eclectic as blues ambassador Joe Bonamassa. A true custodian of vintage gear and American music, the guitarist extraordinaire invited CME’s Andrew Yonke, Daniel Escauriza, and Nathaniel Murphy on a full tour of his personal collection housed in his California home, affectionately dubbed “Nerdville.”
Watch the full CME tour of Nerdville to see just how extensive Bonamassa’s incredible collection of vintage gear really is! Plus, look for our latest ad in the next issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine to see Joe Bonamassa after he’s been “Buried In Gear”!
Huge thanks to ‪@JoeBonamassaTV‬ for showing us around his collection. We can’t wait for our next visit to Nerdville!
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Chapters:
00:00-00:34 Intro Montage
00:35-03:30 - Welcome to Nerdville
03:31-14:22 Joe's Secret Stash
14:23-16:41 Joe's Favorite Burst
16:42-25:32 The Rare Fenders
25:33-27:53 The First Fender Princeton Amp
27:54-37:58 Mary Kaye Strat & First Black Strat
37:59-44:35 The Kitchen Cabinets are KORINA?!
44:36-53:24 1950 Fender Broadcaster & Sparkling Burgundy Flying V
53:35-54:46 BURIED IN GEAR!

[@chicagomusicexchange]

THANK YOU JOE!! SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE CHICAGO MUSIC EXCHANGE!! NEW VIDEOS EVERY WEEK!!

[@IgorVasquesBarata]

Queria só um blues jr desse 😭😅

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

This was great. Just a bunch of guitar nerds geeking out at some of the rarest guitars in the world. Real and unfltered.

[@MrUltraworld]

Is this a guest cottage on a compound? It's too filled with gear to allow Joe to live there. Great video, thanks for sharing it.

[@jamesfriedberg5541]

I’m 😮

[@vladpav]

omfg you are using Led Zeppelin music.. you guys must be rich...

[@whyitmatterstome]

Joe clearly loves showing his collection to enthusiast. This is his drug of choice.

[@alejandroangeles8587]

Let's be real. If there's a human being that deserves this is Joe. I saw him for the first time in 2009. With the yellow glasses. The Gibson signature goldtop Les Paul with black parts. Then I listen to his first concert in the Royal Albert Hall, playing with Clapton. He is one of the best guitar players in the world and he earned every penny to buy this since he was a child. So, for the haters... It's just ENVY.

[@1LouderSound]

John Mayer had success, multiple number one hits, and Grammys way before anyone knew who Joe Bonamassa was. Haters gonna hate on John Mayer, but John Mayer made the blues cool again. Prior to his debut album in 2001, no one cared about the blues. Now you have so many people on KZbin and Instagram playing John Mayer songs/licks, or have formed a style that is influenced by him. Players from Mateus Asato, Tim Henson of Polyphia, and Ed Sheeran to name a few have cited John Mayer as a big influence. You don’t ever hear anyone from today’s generation citing Joe Bonamassa as a big influence. Everyone just knows Clownamassa as an absurdly obsessed guitar collector. You don’t ever see John Mayer flexing his guitar collection on social media, and then going on Instagram saying egotistical things to people.

[@michaelr.4878]

​@@1LouderSoundI can't believe you are comparing John Mayer to Joe Bonamassa. Mayer became a pop star. I highly doubt that Bonamassa has any interest in becoming a pop star or doing the celebrity thing. People like Joe because he is normal and they can relate to him. When John Mayer is going to Puff Daddy's freak-off parties, Joe is home playing with his toys or checking out a show.

[@_DEADED]

Joe remembers every story from his collection. Grateful for such a special person preserving all top tier instruments. Hopefully he builds a pyramid of all the gear he has

[@terryeaster1]

I love how respectful guy in the black T shirt is. Asks if he can pick up the guitar after Joe says pick it up. Holds it by the rear strap button and the neck with his left hand always wrapped around the neck. I respect that, a lot.

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

"Want me to just pull some random shit out and see what your reactions are?" Love it!

[@user-fv5yo5fi5c]

The words, "random shit" really don't apply....LMAO

[@hutchklutch2594]

Joe wearing a Marty Schwartz hat just shows you the power of the internet and shows that YOU can make it! Awesome

[@michaeldamore8979]

I had to come to the comments because I was like "There's no way that's a Marty Schwartz hat." lol

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

Yeah I thought it was an R.Crumb hat at first...

[@wattytipene1333]

Marty has 4 million subscribers. I love Joe's sense of brotherhood

[@haroldculhane4110]

As a 56 year old guitar geek that doesn't own any expensive guitars anymore this was incredible to watch. Thanks Joe

[@rayfabris2512]

I just got my first Gibson les Paul at 57 as a retirement gift to myself so it's ok to have 1 anyway have a good day tomorrow it's a little after midnight where I'm posting from

[@missingremote4388]

Same age here. Just started taking guitar lessons. Have 8 guitars and 2 pedals 1 Amp but, already ½deaf

[@rayfabris2512]

@@missingremote4388 Rock On my friend

[@MainPrism]

​@@rayfabris2512 I'm not a Les Paul or a Gibson guy for that matter... However, I respect ghe hustle sir! If it makes you happy and you enjoy it then that's all that matters. My plan for my retirement guitar is a PRS Private Stock of some sort. I've still got another 28 years to save up and figure it out though! 😂😂 Enjoy the guitar brother, keep rockin!!! 🤘

[@rayfabris2512]

@@MainPrism it does, but that prs are cool so keep Rockin bro

[@mikeholmed7029]

It always amazes me that Joe can recall the seller, the stories and the yr/month the guitar was produced. Damn, Joe is a encyclopedia of killer cool vintage guitars!

[@Rhythmicons]

they probably prep before they roll tape.

[@disposabledad]

he's also slightly autistic or something so he is truly a fanatic I think.

[@nimitz1739]

@@RhythmiconsThat’s just from his memory. Musicians have good memory. You kind of have to to ply music good.

[@Rhythmicons]

In a "television" production usually those details are looked at and everything is planned out to a degree before the camera rolls. I'm sure that as many amps that are in his collection he can't keep track of the provenance of every single one, especially while touring, etc. @@nimitz1739

[@mukundr1204]

thats the passion mate.

[@SeeMick1]

Joe doesn't usually talk prices. I feel like this is one of his most forthcoming videos about his collection.

[@Lookup2Wakeup]

Joe, "I don't pay retail" .... 😂

[@libertineme]

How does Joe have this much money? Does he buy and sell successfully all the time to finance the regular purchase of $30k-$60k guitars? Or does he just make a lot more money than I thought from working his ass off on the road every year? How does he ensure the security of all of this gear?…he has to feel a little uncomfortable knowing that his places would be a high value target for thieves…

[@SeeMick1]

He's fully independent and his team books all the venues instead of working through a promoter. A lot more work than going the label/promotor/Live Nation route, but you keep all the proceeds of your work. Obviously that doesn't work for every artist, but for someone like Joe who knows he can sell tickets, he can make it work. @@libertineme

[@matthewrotherham1]

@@libertinemeREALLY good contract, his own production company, he sells (sorry joe) too much merch. He sells some of his stuff but doesn't do it to flip. As for security he has at least one of his security team that are ex secret service (or similar, im sure he said in an old video) I am sure that will help w the insurance as well as the piece of mind! I am guessing he will also have security at his houses on the coasts/lock ups when not there because their sallery is prolly less than what the insurance premiums would be if they weren't there (if that makes sense)

[@libertineme]

@@matthewrotherham1 Awesome, substantive reply. Thank you!

[@leesanna7835]

Coffee Table Book, Joe

[@413TomaccoRoad]

About guitars as coffee tables?

[@doc_matter]

Burst believers is a coffee table book featuring him!

[@thetimturnerband]

I’ve been saying that !! Must have the stories behind the buy and guitar though !! That’s interesting as heck !!

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

YES !!

[@budgetguitaristcom]

I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

[@jacquelinemeier-boucher8192]

Joe..i am so impressed. Watching your facial expression SHARING the histories and STORIES of each guitar. It is touching. You can feel the love and the joy it brings you. I say its time for BONAMASSA MUSEUM!!!

[@SkunkBearTK]

I enjoyed Joe at his most candid I've seen him

[@lptomtom]

The bit about Norm around 45:00 was great, Joe's so relaxed and talkative here! Great video

[@energytide]

My thoughts exactly, so cool to share history

[@ColinDaviesGTR]

how could anyone hate Joe? This man is doing everything for the guitar community.

[@paternuin]

Except good songs. The most important thing to engage people

[@rebbeachfan]

​@InjectBleach-em9tg why stop there? Go all the way for the rusty trombone!

[@flyingburritobro68]

@@paternuinListen to his work on Black Country Communion which is stellar. New BCC album out next month!

[@alexcorona]

I don’t think anyone hates him, they’re just envious that he has all the gear AND the talent….

[@imaseeker100]

@@paternuin Good point, Songwriting is a gift.

[@Tomtoms-tomtoms]

Oh my God!… this is unbelievable.. seriously.. I’m rarely speechless, but… wow 🙏☘️☘️☘️

[@gregperkins7723]

Joe Bonamassa is the best friend any of us guitar geeks ever had! He's like having your own personal super star as a buddy!~

[@johndoppleguard]

Damn Joe that is the absolute finest guitar collection I've ever seen . Nice job brother. Your like a proud parent showing your well mannered children.😮😮😮😊

[@realgoodmind]

Glad that the larger crew got to go and see this. Joe is a great ambassador and generous with his time and guitars.

[@snoopywalker1881]

You gotta love Joe B. Greatest vintage collector of all time. GAS we all have but, Joe excels at it.

[@stevenbryan7586]

I never quite got Joe and the whole collector thing, but seeing him get visibly emotional going over the Howard Reed strat, I think I understand now.

[@broadwayking]

I have been following joe since 2013 When I WAS 5! I would always put on a little joe show at my home for my parents. I have seen Joe Live 5 times. and I think I am going to see him in Pennsylvania again this year in the summer!

[@TheBenwaugh69]

Don Randall was Leo’s marketing manager and business partner it was Don that was responsible for the instruments names . He was the one that came up with the broadcaster name that was later changed to telecaster . He also named the Strat and a few others . I was lucky enough to meet Don in the later 1990’s and he told me the story .. his long time accountant is still alive and worked for him for many years up until his passing. Same Don Randall is responsible for Randall Amplifiers.:) hope you all stay blessed .

[@allstopblue5717]

Wow. Thanks for the information. I didn’t know any of that. Good stuff

[@jonlennon3348]

Joe seems so humble,he knows what he wants and gets exactly what he wants.

[@glennnortonjr2455]

How in the hell do you go to this place?And not have a heart attack and you have to sit down and have a drink of water? As guitar collector I would have to sit down and take a minute. And then keep going and going and going. Fall in love with joe All over again

[@basiltiffani8850]

Love seeing how much Joe loves telling the stories behind these guitars.

[@gothgrl9635]

Joe needs to make a book about this collection!

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

When Joe opened the case to the Tuxedo ES-355 I froze !...Good god almighty what a precious guitar ! ...I love Joe's collector spirit ! Thank You !

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

@@slimlinebond I've got a Cherry ES-335 , I'de love to get a BLACK one as well...OOF ! Thanks for the inform .

[@williamabbey9627]

The best 55 minutes I have spent in a long, long, long time. Thank you so much, Joe. Truly enjoyed the video….

[@guitareveryone]

Thanks for sharing some of your collection with us Joe. I love seeing these historical instruments preserved so well.

[@miistika13]

The way Joe recalls Jay Jay French’s LP serial number…. Astounding knowledge and passion for his craft and the tools of his trade.

[@SuperStrik9]

That blew my mind. I can barely remember the first 3 serial letters/numbers on my 79 Strat and I've had it since the late 90s😂

[@freddyfriesen]

These guys are having way too much fun.

[@VictoriaIndyTV]

"Hey Joe, mind if I use the bathroom?" "Yeah, it's over there behind the stack of Marshalls, to the left of the stack of Tweeds, to the right of the hall full of Strats, behind the room full of Bursts, in back of the pallet full of Explorers, behind the stacks of Super Reverbs, to the left of the Brownfaces next to the tower of Silverfaces......"

[@benclive4068]

Thanks for letting us tag along. That was a delight

[@Superjet113]

Joe - "You'll see them in sun burst, you'll see them in Cherry, and you'll like see them in like...shit brown" LOL, love Joe's honesty and no better person to have these treasures. Thanks for the video Chicago!

[@michaelr.4878]

Fascinating video. I don't think that there has been an interview or video before where Joe talks so openly about prices. Not only the market prices, but the prices that he actually paid. Fascinating stuff. Regardless if you like his music, you have to acknowledge that the dude is a global treasure. The passion he has for the instrument is amazing and contagious. Anyone who helps to spread the joy of good music and good instruments is good in my books.

[@Adipsia1]

One of the most engrossing 55 minutes of my life. The look and smell of those vintage guitars and cases that I frivolously flipped ten years ago makes me weep... but I remember them.

[@bstewartexecutivecarcare3797]

Joe is a living encyclopedia about guitars. And to remember when and where he bought them truly amazing. I have a hard time remembering what I had for breakfast 😂 👍✌️☮️

[@MyWordPressGuy]

I can't think of an overall finer collection...woah. Thanks for the glimpse, Joe! 🤤

[@mlrrock1]

The most knowledgeable vintage guitar dude in the world. Got to love the passion and his complete obsession .😂

[@leezo2123]

A privilege to see some of his collection thanks.

[@michaelluca6004]

Hey Joe(Where you going with that gun in your hand?) I know, that's cheesy.....Thank you for all you do by keeping the history of the guitar known to the public. I don't know if you remember me, but I saw you in Atlanta many years ago and I came on your bus and we talked about NASA for quite a while. I think I gave you a shuttle tile and some other things. I was in NASA Rescue during the Shuttle Launches. I have been a fan since you were an embryo. You truly are the ambassador of the blues. Love ya Joe...GOD bless you...

[@keithsgarage5831]

Holy crap, incredible, vintage gear. My gawd. Blowing our minds here. Love the array of tweed Fenders amps! Thank you for the tour.

[@jojojojojojojojojojojojob]

people keep hating on joe for no reason but he is literally living the dream.. rocking the blues everywhere and buying expensive gear here and there.. its wild..

[@FromtheSoultotheFretboard]

I couldn't be happier for this video!! Plus, the fact that it's almost an hour long is icing on the cake. Joe's encyclopedic wisdom and experience with guitars and gear is amazing. Would love to have the chance to walk thru his collection!!

[@CountryBoyShane]

Really fun video to watch. I have 100% respect for Joe. He hasn't been given anything and had to pay his dues to be where he's at. For many who play guitar and eventually felt the pressure to go to college for a "real job", he embodies the childhood guitar dream!

[@1101964]

Dude is a legend. What a Collection. What an achievement.

[@user-et2fj8xm5l]

The breadth of Joes knowledge is mind blowing

[@j.jester7821]

The depth of Joe's obsession keeps going deeper and deeper and deeper. its a museum.

[@MainPrism]

A couple museums as there are 2 Nerdville locations. 😂😂

[@216trixie]

Yes, That's what we thought

[@fntsmk]

Wow! Just... effing... wow!

[@leonkeating1015]

Love these videos. Best part is how he can remember where he bought em..

[@GUIDESPERSPECTIVE]

When the contents of your home cost more than your home. Thanks for sharing this amazing museum with us.

[@heavyrelic8506]

I doubt if there’s anyone in the world with a collection like that… Love it

[@rlm4471]

There are collectors with a lot more money than Joe, and there are collectors who got into it back when 50s Fenders and Gibsons were cheap. You'll probably never see their collections, though.

[@griggsb1]

Heavily bloated indulgence.I LOVE IT! I just looked at it, and it blew my eyeballs' 😮❤taste buds away!

[@thesameeffect]

I’m telling you right now…this right here is a huge reason why Joe does what he does and any collector. It’s not Bragging, it’s sharing the knowledge and letting people see something they’d never invest in themselves. I could imagine Joe had more fun and joy doing this than they did. I love this guy! Best hoarder and collector ever man lol. Cheers

[@smoothguitarforever]

Finally another nerdville video I've seen all the previous ones like 20 times

[@zeroman614]

I was at the Chicago show 2017 Joe was sweating it out like I’d never seen, true champ.

[@chrisruef9221]

Love the Marty Schwartz lid, too

[@ericwarrington6650]

Just amazing..when is the nerdville hardcover book of the collection coming out? How about 3? One on guitars one on amps one on all the memorabilia 😊

[@TheOpinionatedGuitarist]

I would pay big money t spend the day with Joe touring Nerdville. He’s a walking gear encyclopedia!

[@energytide]

Dammit i love when we get Joe Bonamassa videos

[@robertdiehl1281]

Had to keep backing up the video and watch again to actually take in all that was being said about each guitar. Stunning display. Incredible video.

[@chicagomusicexchange]

Thanks for watching!

[@airmikey8647]

Joe with the" Marty Music" hat lol let's go!!

[@carsgunsandguitars]

I'm not even finished... and don't know if I'll be able to. Just. Damn..

[@mikearabia4030]

What a collection! AND Joe is a great guy. I'm listening to his recent concert in England right now. He is fabulous and so his his all star band. Great Blues Concert. British Blues Explosion.

[@zookiebudeck3428]

This is pure Joe „Music Guitar Love“ - unfiltered as he is ❤ 🎸 Joy to watch. Thanks from Germany. But that Marty cap made me scream 😂

[@duanewelsh5611]

Can listen to Joe talk about or play guitars all day. Thanks for sharing your gems, stories and knowledge with us!

[@terryeaster1]

This is one of those videos I'm gonna watch once a month for a while. Thanks to everybody involved and especially you Joe. Thanks a million!!

[@robphillips8351]

Now that's a guitar collection 👍👍

[@toploadtele]

5-Stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@marysefonta8371]

Wonderful place , Joe , 🎸, Thanks for comments on these Amazing Guitars 🎸 !!

[@jackjones2381]

Joes cool, I love old amps and guitars like playing, keep looking for that perfect tone 👍

[@themusiczoo]

this is f'n nuts. good job boys. that tuxedo 355 is INSANE!

[@chicagomusicexchange]

Thank you! Yeah that was my personal favorite for sure!

[@SlowCarFix]

Love Joe's hat!

[@fernandodiaz6608]

Love how this felt more of a hang with friends, versus a standard interview. Great video guys!

[@tylerthompson1842]

This is a portrait of a man in the throes of addiction. Gear is literally crack to him lol I love it

[@goingbonzo5923]

I would never go anywhere but that room. Dude man is like, it may be my favorite, Joe, were not done yet. 😂

[@dadude7]

What a cool guy. Seriously chill with his gear. I don't even let my cat in the same room as my guitars!

[@heathbrinker6995]

Sounds like Joe needs an excel sheet to document every piece of gear he has lol. Such a giant in the industry always pumped seeing any piece of his collection.

[@skylerfelix7609]

He has an excel sheet in his head.

[@terrybyrne3890]

I love Joe!!! He is soooo proud of his babies!!!

[@rooster4906]

Joe with that cap as a playful little boy who brags to his friends about his toys and best of all everyone is excited and happy because of his wonderful collection, congratulations! 👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@joeldowdy404]

If your wife or partner says you have too many guitars and amps just show her Joe's Collection and say "please I've got room to grow" 🙂

[@Mikescottfitness]

That fact the guy is wearing a hat with @martyswartz on it is great for the guy 😮guitar legend to guitar legend

We can always dream... Thanks for letting us into your home Joe.

[@mtacoustic1]

It's true! Enough guitars is just one more!

[@timothygreen2109]

Fantastic!!! Thanks Joe for letting us see into your collection.. Rock On Joe!!!

[@MatthewRMacKinnon]

Fantastic video, absolutely loved this! Hopefully there will be more collection videos coming soon! These are so much fun to watch, and always so informative. Love all you guys, and also appreciate staying out of Joe’s way and letting him babble. He’s got a lot of cool stories

[@user-fv5yo5fi5c]

I honestly didn't think it was even possible for me to like Joe more than I already do. OMG, you guys killed it, just AMAZING. I've never seen JB more comfortable or reveal more before this... ever. I watch all his stuff. It's amazing. He reminds me of myself back in the day on the trading floor (CBOE) We did that buy em motion thing with our hands for everything. After a good day, I'd see a car on the drive home, walk in and just say, I'll take it while doing the buy em hands motion. Dave knows what I'm talking about. LOL That collection is way more spectacular than I'd ever imagined. Again CME guys, you absolutely killed it!!!! This might be the best overall collection video I've ever watched, and I watch most. Thanks for making and sharing this guys. I'm still pissed at Dave for selling Reverb though. LOLOL Cheers to Team CME, the best music store in the USA by a long shot.

[@chicagomusicexchange]

Thank you! Much appreciated! 🤘🤘

[@matthewf1979]

I love the end! Joe really is a fantastic custodian of these fine guitars and amps!

[@stuartliggitt8401]

Best video Bonamassa has ever put out... period

[@sooparticular]

HE DIDNT ...ITS CME!

[@backcountrylifemagazine6912]

Fabulous curator. Admirable wealth of knowledge and passion. F the trolls…..

[@gregw988]

Man, I love the no filter conversation. Also the Norm gossip.

[@shooterx9690]

Makes you wonder if Joe forgot this was being filmed

[@thesameeffect]

lol this might get taken down. Some personal stuff talked about here hahaha I think he did forget he was being filmed

[@BenJBrandt]

I’ve had the good fortune of being invited there. It was nothing short of unbelievable

[@rileykilpatrick5745]

I was watching this like good God what I would give to get to spend 5 min in there

[@josephr4637]

This is what end-stage GAS looks like. Love it.

[@scottcachopo5632]

Incredible video! Thanks to all of you and especially Joe for letting all of us see these amazing instruments 🎸🎸🎸❤

[@billyc6678]

I swear, it looks like a museum. I love it😍😍😍😍😍

[@wojciech_migda]

I just hope Mr. Bonamassa has an incredible fire protection around his house, because there is so much beautiful craftsmanship in this house in form of musical instruments, amps etc. that it needs solid protection....no to mention that it is probably worth many many millions of $......

[@rlm4471]

Yeah, I don't know how much of this stuff just sits out in the open like this. Seems pretty risky to me.

[@MrJommins]

I am so blown away by this video. I don’t even know where to begin. I’m speechless. And if you happen know me, that’s a very rare thing indeed.

[@mitchellcutler2888]

I enjoy listening to your channel Joe a great deal. I started playing guitar in 2020 and discovered you shortly thereafter. You're an inspiration.

[@WhyAlwaysMeMario]

AMAZING VIDEO GUYS!!! AND BIG SHOUT OUT TO JOE FOR BEING SOOO GENEROUS WITH HIS TIME AND COLLECTION!

[@unclerudy9797]

Great Stuff ! He really does have a great recollection of where all these pieces came from and their stories... The best Vintage Guitar and Amplifier Custodian on the Planet ! Thanks Joe and CME !