Epiphone Lazarus Joe Bonamassa 1959 Les Paul - Is it Any Good?

[@frankenstein4106]

I picked one of these up a couple months after they were released and Sweetwater must have gotten in a last shipment. This is hands down the best Epiphone I've ever owned or played! The stock Gibson Burstbuckers sound great, and the satin finish on the one piece neck let's your hand glide easily up and down the neck. It's a keeper for me!

[@drabun1]

As someone already stated that these come with Gibson Burstbuckers. I have one and I love it. Also, Epiphone has official videos of Joe Bonamassa with his signature releases and yes he is playing them all.

[@joemilam8068]

The story on the Lazarus guitar makes it even better. The original came to Joe in pieces and had been painted red. His guitar builder discovered that colors when they were reassembling it. That's how it got the name lazuras, back from the dead. Beautiful guitar.

[@canopy-guitarsgear5615]

Best impulse buy I ever made was the Lazarus. Agonised as shop by shop they sold out on the afternoon they launched til I finally clicked buy

[@Paul-D]

I do regret not picking one of these up when they were new tbf, the epi 59 is a good guitar and they saved the best of it for the lazarus

[@IvorThomas]

I have an R8 that is to die for, but I almost equally love my $700 Epiphone Old Glory JJN signature model. Why? It plays great, isn’t heavy, is resonant, and has a perfect (IMO) chunky neck profile. A few times I considered selling it, then I’d pick it up & play it and think ‘that’s nuts’ … eventually I scuffed it up enough to remove all temptation of selling it. It’s become one of my favorite practice guitars, which keeps my R8s frets less worn.

[@antoonhermans8953]

yep ,and if you play in a band doing pubgigs , i would leave the R8 at home , nobody will notice the "difference" because in fact there is little to none ( accept the brandname and price ) .

[@PerryCodes]

One day I will own a very nice Gibson Les Paul. Getting an Epiphone between now and then will only lengthen that time.

[@sheriffdohboy]

Having just recently picked up a decent Epi Les paul myself…Slash 2008 model with SDs…I have a soft spot for Epiphone at the moment. And the top on this JB 59 is fantastic…but the way the Epi pickup surrounds are never straight does my head in,..,loving the channel

[@typhoonjenkins8330]

LOL< that sounds almost as Nerdy as Bonamassa himself, I love it

[@paulcasilio1119]

I absolutely love mine. Got it new last year. More often than not it is my go to and I have other Gibsons. Not knocking THEM, but just I really like the feel and the look of it.

[@gabemanson8918]

You forgot to mention that the bridge was upgraded with a nice Imperial size ABR, the guitar is Poly finish btw. Great buying

[@TheChicagoTodd]

I think there were only 300 of the custom fretboard ones (the ones that spelled out Joe Bonamassa on the fretboard in inlays); for these, I think there were 2,000 made.

[@johnnathancordy]

AH!

[@goodearthrecordings1989]

I have older Gibsons but thought I would like to have a Lazarus but couldn't find one here in Th USA at the time. I settled on an EPI 1959 Les Paul Limited in Southern Fade finish. I play and like it a lot! Seems the Burstbucker pups are brighter than my 1979 Les Paul with Tim Shaw pups but I just turn the tone pots back a little and it sounds fine.

[@MoreMeRecording]

Can we talk about the elephant in the room, that being the Dolph Lundgren Bowie Knife from The Expendables! 😆

[@JohnnyP23]

The 2021 tour the Vanity model was available at the merch stand, if you bought it there he autographed it, if you got the first one he played it on stage for a song. I was the second on at the one I was at

[@ReVeRbx-fe5wr]

The coolest thing about these is the 1 piece neck. The Epiphone 59 standard has a scarf joint at the headstock and also uses a a block on the heel to save material. These are legit 1 piece necks which Epiphone has probably never done before. The Mules are good but I think the original pickups are supposed to be USA Gibson Burstbuckers. The wiring is hopefully original as well. Supposed to have legit 50's wiring. Still, you gotta good guitar tho.

[@Morrison9155]

I feel like the Japanese stuff were 1 piece necks. I know they were African Mahogany

[@ReVeRbx-fe5wr]

@@Morrison9155 African mahogany has been the standard for decades. Genuine Mahogany is called Honduran Mahogany. Are you thinking the Japanese ones were Honduran mahogany?

[@Morrison9155]

@@ReVeRbx-fe5wr could be. Thanks for pointing it out. I’ll look into it

[@Slashturianu]

Sounds like heaven🔥🔥👏👏🤘 I'm in love with my Epi Custom 2021, if you play good doesn't matter Epi or Gibson

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Not going to lie this Epi Lazarus is hands down the best looking one i have seen yet due to the aged hardware and nice top! That aged hardware really works with these and should have been the Standard from Epiphone? The new shiney hardware on these and that 1959 give it a cheap look IMHO.

[@jhnfalls]

I tried every every 50s epiphone, and then played the Lazarus. Rang like a bell. Took to home and happily played away. This was the first Les Paul I owned. I had the guitar for about 8 months until I traded it in on a Les Paul standard gold top. The Lazarus sounded great,but the made in China got to me and it was the only reason I traded it in. Boy, I thought the Lazarus sounded awesome until I played the 50s standard gold top. Wow There is a noticeable difference to me. But the Lazarus ,being an inexpensive guitar it sounds great.

[@USMarine75]

It’s a shame he changed out the pickups. The stock Burstbuckers are a standout feature. Mine sounds and plays better than my Les Paul Custom Shop Custom Flamed. As far as the tool marks they probably added those to make it more like a Gibson 😆.

[@johnnathancordy]

Lol yes!!

[@blastofo]

Seems pickup swaps are obligatory on Epi LP’s. But the upgrade is always disappointing and makes barely a noticeable difference. Because the guitars tone is the sum of all its parts.

[@mkguitarproject]

​@blastofo but this has better pickups and electronics out of the box than all the entry level gibsons.

[@mikec3454]

The JB Epiphones are amazing. I picked up the ‘62 ES-335 earlier this week, it’s incredible. I was offered a crazy good deal on a Gibson 335 and still chose the JB. Take the pick guard off of the Lazarus and it’ll look like a Greeny. My local shop told me they are building an Epiphone Greeny …

[@guitar_george]

I have one of these and they are KILLER for the price

[@toddjobin5516]

Great playing. Just wow.

[@Black-m2y9d]

Didn’t JB buy his (Gibson LP) dirt cheap, on a hunch that it was a 59’ Les Paul. And when he took out the pick ups it confirmed his hunch was correct. What an investment!

[@unclefungus7395]

the original guitar had been given a poor quality thick red coat of paint, he had it stripped and found that it was indeed a 59’ les paul.

[@Black-m2y9d]

@@unclefungus7395 That’s correct. I’m not sure if JB bought it in auction, or a secondhand shop. But he took a punt on it, and it paid off. His luthier restored it for him. Must be worth at least 6 figures.

[@Black-m2y9d]

I’m not into owing replicas of ‘other peoples’ guitars. I would prefer Anderton’s 59’ Lemon Drop, over JBs Lazarus. Each to their own I guess.

[@Rockfish66]

@@Black-m2y9d It's basically the same guitar, except the case and one piece neck.

[@Black-m2y9d]

@@Rockfish66 Yes, Andertons is cheaper.

[@briantinsley7864]

I've always wanted a Gibson, owned two, but not really a fit. Have an early 80s Korean LP, but may have a line on one of these. Hope I get it, AAAA top, and as long as the pickups have dynamic range, I'll hold off on Bare Knuckle Mules I have. I think the Laz has fairly low output with AII, a combination that's worked. I have a Gibson 57 Classic Plus on my Epi, so they can still make pickups. This came off a Les Paul I sold 10 years ago.

[@ssstenning]

Not sure what upgrade to pickups means these have Gibson pickups in them don’t they? my 1959 limited has and sounds grand.

[@BillZad]

Nice playing & nice video, those pickups sound Great, What pickups are those ? I own this model guitar also, and those upgrades helped the guitar....

[@monmixer]

they are still selling the 59R for 899 with case. Great deal. the 59's were either the dark or cherry burst.

[@thenumber1bobo]

really nice example of one. Ive seen some with some lackluster tops, you got a good one. Interestingly enough, they went through the effort of making these long tenon (historically accurate of course), but ironically, JB has stated he prefers the sound of short tenon guitars

[@thenumber1bobo]

and JB absolutely will have played one. He is at least authentic in that, he is truly mired in GAS so much that he loves to compare his signature stuff with what its mimicking

[@Chris_Nouvelli]

Beautiful guitar. I know a lot of us cry foul over mid-range guitars becoming very expensive, however I’m beyond thrilled with my guitars and they all fall in the sub-£1,000 range. Coincidentally they are all signature guitars… Could be I’m just an absolute shill. Next on my list is the Schecter Nick Johnston HSS. That is a beauty.

[@littlesister3477]

These are a veneer top plus there were only 300 made of the ones with Joe's signature inlayed into the fretboard. The standard ones like the one your holding were produced in a much higher number. I'm not sure of the exact amount but that's the scoop on those 2 points.

[@JohnnyP23]

I have one of the 300 “vanity” models and also got it hand signed by Joe at a show. I love it but at the same time I wish I had trapezoid inlays instead. I really enjoy the tone and feel but I’d rather have the other version to play on stage

[@johnnathancordy]

Interesting what's this "vanity" thing about?

[@bigcountryplatinum5150]

I have a vanity model as well I bought directly from Joe’s website. It replaces the trapezoid inlays with Joe’s signature in MOP along the fretboard.

[@Cadaverz707]

Loved this! How does it compare to Sires? If you had to pick one or the other what would it be?

[@johnnathancordy]

The Sire I don't think is finished as well - pit marks in the binding and so on. Also I think looks wise the Epi wins. Playability there's nothing in it - though the stock pickups in the Epiphone are very likely to be preferable for most folks as well I'd thing?

[@SergiOrtiz]

Anyone knows what effects chain he uses? I don’t have any digital plugins or stuff, would try to replicate with basic pedals. I’m talking about the opening jam of this video.

[@che2335]

I got a 2021 std 60s in exclusive Sweetwater smokehouse burst and havent felt the need to replace the pots or probuckers as they give the LP tones i expect w volumes rolled off and full on. Great axe for $599 before the $50 increases.

[@achill3usoverclocking874]

Someone modded this heavily, not original tuners, tailpiece, bridge and pickups (ah okay you mentioned it sry my bad), this looks so good compared to the original shiny hardware. I ordered one but sent back after a day or two, I don't like the feel and looks of the satin finish Epi is offering on these 59s, lot of ppl tend to like it tho.

[@johnnathancordy]

Yeh I feel like the mods have helped to make it look a bit more legit - with all shiny shiny it might look a little strange?

[@jeffreyfoster4260]

Really nice playing!!!

[@loopie007]

Sounds good. Needs more pups and babies.

[@eldyko]

How’s you get the metals all looking vintage?

[@frans688]

Bare knuckles pickups are a game changer in sound and price, I love my Epiphone SG 61 with Lollars and years of tweaking, But.. they don't sound like ephi any more.

[@bryancollins6796]

Where an Epiphone such as this may fit in for them is as their gig guitar. Why bring your R9 out if you don't have to.

[@johnnathancordy]

Exactly and it moreorless looks the part?

[@christopherjansen5135]

The sword! Close proximity with the hands! Worried about your daughter’s future, lol. Such amazing musical playing and interpretation, but the sword…😂

[@oldmanlearningguitar446]

In the launch video Bonamassa plays one and compares it to the original

[@pogoism1]

Great beat my dude

[@typhoonjenkins8330]

Are these nitro finished?????

[@daviddalziel884]

Are the original pickups not decent/Gibson ? Played one of the tomato soup Bonamassa LPs and wasn’t impressed. Getting near a grand for an Epiphone/Vintera /PRS SE is annoying. Companies seem to think they are building a bridge between the basic range the American models but for me the price point is too high , I’d rather hunt for a decent second hand Strat /Tele /PRS around a grand . Be interesting to hear a comparison between Lazarus and Sire L7 …

[@canopy-guitarsgear5615]

They’re Gibson burstbuckers stock in the cheaper ‘59 and the Lazarus

[@Crazy_Cane]

Man I know at least for PRS the only guitars you’re gonna find for ~$1k are the SEs, even used.

[@johnnathancordy]

The prices of everything are getting a bit much....

[@picksalot1]

I'd rather see you put together a Partscaster with all the features you really value, instead of a demo of any Stock/Vintage spec guitars.

[@j.b.4867]

Did John ever say how much it weighed?

[@j.b.4867]

About 9 lbs 6 oz.

[@KelsterVonShredster]

God I wish I could play like that.....

[@victorhernandez6692]

Not the machete to open up the package 😂

[@blumoe59]

Dude!!!v Ever heard of a box cutter ? Make a Jim Bowie look like a toothpick...Oh! the Lazarus LP is quite nice sounds and build.

[@antoonhermans8953]

mmm , these epi's are getting way to pricey for me , you can buy an ( 2e hand ) gibson lp tribute or studio for that kind off money .

[@doug1274]

My Lazarus is far better than any Tribute I’ve ever played. Better than my Deluxe as well. Have never Played a Studio.

[@johnnathancordy]

Agreed Anton - but I think the thing is that LPs are so variable that at any price range you might find a good or bad one? So if you get a good Lazarus there's not reason that it might not be as good as a Standard? I've got a 2002 Standard, this is honestly no worse

[@antoonhermans8953]

@@johnnathancordy yes , thats correct , i guess even "bugdet" branded guitars can be good guitars in these times , it all depends on how much money there is in you're wallet and how much value you give to a certain brandname . I have an 2011 gibson tribute lp at the moment wich i bought 2e hand for 850 euro ( with an good case and gigbag included ) and it sounds and plays just as good as the gibson lp custom shop and standards i had before . I have adopted a rule the last couple off years as i am getting older ( and wiser i hope ) : i only buy 2e hand and do not spend more then 1000 euro on a piece of gear

[@markclarke6428]

Wells not a joe bonamasa if the gear was changed. Its an epi with mule.

[@cromBumny]

I bought one. The tensioners are sketchy, without strings in. The tuning machining rattle. The plastic coating on the neck seems less intrusive than on my epiphone modern, dont like it tho. The dull satin coating on the top makes it dull and bland. End summation, its okay, wouldn't buy it again. The USA made burstbuckers are great, also Great marketing and story about the original tho. The marketing team kicked ass.

[@benspeeds]

Dude! You open boxes with a freakin machete? Maybe your concerns for your daughter's future should start there. Lol!

[@johnnathancordy]

It's a very blunt Predator replica

[@christopherjbutler]

​@@johnnathancordy`I ain't got TIME to bleed.."

[@blastofo]

Mah-che-teh!

[@tonedowne]

You are getting into Gibson Tribute territory at that price in the used market.

[@johnnathancordy]

Though the Tribute is super weight relieved and doesn't share much spec at all with the guitars this is trying to copy?

[@tonedowne]

@@johnnathancordy That is very true. They sound good though. Do you think this one is that much better than the regular 59 Epiphone?

[@johnnathancordy]

@@tonedowne honestly I imagine they're incredibly similar? Might be a video worth making if I can get my hands on one?

[@tonedowne]

@@johnnathancordy They still make the 59s so it shouldn’t be too hard. I’m would be interested to see about the neck. I know JB was very insistent on the long neck join for this Epiphone. The 59 is definitely a short join.

[@tonedowne]

@@johnnathancordy The acoustic sound of the JB you showed was certainly pretty impressive

[@donthewatcher]

my 3rd Bonomassa Epiphone guitar 1. 2011 Les Paul GoldTop JB ( 57 darkback /1959 hybrid ) 2 .1959 . Lazarus #21071533619 3. 1962 JB ES 335 My goldtop is pure luxury my Lazarus is close but the goldtop is suttle and fat and wooley the quality is superb.

[@jimmcdougall9973]

Yeah, Joe just took a pay check. As a rule, I look the other way when artists put their names to a product that they do not use.

[@canopy-guitarsgear5615]

To be fair the Epi models they do in his name are usually tributes to his actual models - So a bit different than a regular sig deal

[@tomberinati2131]

For real dude , get a box cutter

[@johnnathancordy]

This cuts boxes

[@christopherjbutler]

​@@johnnathancordyHAHAHAAA , this comment wins the comments section. I actually LOL'`ed. This still freaked me out until I saw an earlier comment that the knife is not only blunt but a blunt movie prop replica from "Predator"

[@colinrobinson9674]

Fantastic guitar but i really can't stand that headstock

[@typhoonjenkins8330]

They're still nicer looking thsn PRS headstock IMO

[@christopherjbutler]

Isn't the epi headstock in general toned way down in size and shape more towards a Gibson since like 2020 ? I remember the epi LP headstocks in general used to be a HARD no for buddies of mine in the market for an LP that they could afford. But I thought they changed to be "Gibson inspired" or somesuch.

[@johncrace911]

The back looks cheap and you just can't fix that headstock

[@Deep_Jimpact]

Is this an honest review?

[@PerryCodes]

As opposed to what?

[@Deep_Jimpact]

@@PerryCodes oh gee I don’t know

[@justinguitarcia]

If you are ever worried looked for the paid promotion sticky at the beginning of a vid on KZbin. Its a requirement to put “paid promotion” on a video that contains a paid promotion, if there isnt one the youtuber isnt being paid to review the product. Like in this video John is being sponsored by truefire but not epiphone which means his opinions are his own… thats how it works if you are ever confused. Of course he has the freedom to lie about the product but youll at least know it isnt for financial incentive from the manufacturer

[@avivpinto4013]

Long tenon means nothing to the tone of the guitar

[@Vintage_375]

Remember; cut away from your body. Specially when wielding a machete length knife..

[@andrewbecker3700]

Lotta hemming and hawing. Seems confused by the whole thing? Almost as if he's afraid to praise it? Paid $799 for an ASFB version a couple years ago. Still have it. Show me a better Les Paul for the money?

[@johnnathancordy]

Well that's kind of the thing for nearly £1k you could get a Tokai which I think would probably beat this? The Sire L7 I think is pretty competitive, but I think this is probably a little better finished. But then for the money you'd expect it to be really good anyway right?

[@che2335]

Epi is about the only deal for a new LP copy in US bc of Gibson lawyers. New or used Tokai Edwards or Greco from Japan is expensive shipping all over $1100 for used guitars. There is AIO Wolf guitars from Korea if u can get over the headstocks. On rare occasion youll find a used Japanese Greco Edwards or Tokai but usually never local and more $ than a new Epi plus shipping.