Joe Bonamassa: Restoring a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard “Lazarus”

Joe Bonamassa Shows Mark Agnesi his Legendary 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard “Lazarus”.
Watch the full episode of The Collection with Joe Bonamassa and Mark Agnesi at Nerdville East: • The Collection: Joe Bo...
▶ Get your OWN guitars like the ones in the video:
Get your very own Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue HERE: bit.ly/46YWw84
Shop Murphy Lab Aged Gibson Les Paul Guitars HERE: bit.ly/4cIVpdU
Get your Epiphone Joe Bonamassa "Lazarus" 1959 Les Paul Standard HERE: bit.ly/4dVbf69
In this excerpt from The Collection: Joe Bonamassa, Joe tells Gibson TV host Mark Agnesi about the incredible story behind his 1959 Gibson Les Paul™ Standard, “Lazarus” - a 1959 Les Paul that was painted over in candy apple red by its previous owner, who simply didn’t like the sunburst look at the time!
Watch as Joe retells this incredible story of this once-lost 1959 Les Paul and how he came to own this storied guitar that was originally bought in 1963 for just $100 and painted candy apple red by its previous owner. It was hiding its true identity when Joe and his fellow guitar collectors discovered it. Joe shares how he uncovered this gem at a Christmas party in Sherman Oaks, California, and after identifying the actual year of the guitar via specific sections of the guitar that the original owner failed to paint over, Joe realized that this was a special guitar. Learn how it was carefully restored to its original glory after making an offer to the new owner who kindly sold it to him, and see why Joe named it “Lazarus” and what makes this guitar so special compared to other Les Pauls in his collection. Not only does it now have a unique finish, but the amount of people it took to restore “Lazarus” and the journey it took to get back to its original form makes it a very special guitar indeed. For guitar enthusiasts, this story is incredible and, as Joe puts it, one of his best discoveries ever.
Guitar enthusiasts and those who love a good 1959 Gibson Les Paul lost and found story will appreciate the intricate details and history behind “Lazarus,” a guitar that was thought to be lost to time but has been resurrected through careful restoration. Thanks to Joe and his guitar collector friends and historians, this Les Paul now (rightly so) features a beautiful sunburst finish, the period-correct original pickups, and hardware that had been stored away for decades. It’s definitely in good hands, safely tucked away in Joe’s Nerdville East guitar museum!
#Gibson #JoeBonamassa #LesPaul #Lazarus
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[@gibsonguitar]

▶ Get your OWN guitars like the ones in the video: Get your very own Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue HERE: bit.ly/46YWw84 Shop Murphy Lab Aged Gibson Les Paul Guitars HERE: bit.ly/4cIVpdU Get your Epiphone Joe Bonamassa "Lazarus" 1959 Les Paul Standard HERE: bit.ly/4dVbf69

[@joecrowaz]

I love my Epiphone Lazarus 💜

[@DebbieWise-f4k]

What a happy ending for a truly gorgeously restored Les Paul that couldn't breath for 50 years. Kudos to Kim for restoring and Joe ,you, for saving this beauty!❤❤❤❤❤❤ love, debbie, sc

[@TheGuitarKing101]

When I went to see Joe live, I think he used this guitar. If so, it's an absolute beauty

[@MrFastXX]

It's never been used by JB in any form.

[@leonwhildenjr4483]

That one is Rare! 😎👍Thanks for the Share Joe and for the show Mark! 🙏💀⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🕊🦋🕊✌️🎉🇺🇸🇬🇧🎉

[@MrFastXX]

Mmm... No. All the talk but no sound from the guitar.

[@davidcraft4919]

What a cool story, and a great restoration/preservation.

[@williamrobinson7435]

Wonderful story and a beautiful instrument! It looks like a Lemondrop in that condition. Excellent. 🎶🌟👍

[@CentaurusRelax314]

David Neely-really good guy/tech. I don't know Joe, but he walks the walk and drives the drive. I was at Neely one day and was crossing the street to go to Guitar Center, and Joe pulls in right in front of me, in a convertible boat (Ford Fairlane?). Seemed like the most absurdly long car i've ever seen.

[@davidcaro8217]

It's beautiful, with an interesting story too! Of course JB would find it, and man, oh man, what a find !

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Stunning

[@MarcCarriage121]

Beautiful guitar 🎸 thanks for the story on it.👍😎

[@gibsonguitar]

Rock on!

[@Atlantean-1980]

what a perfect looking guitar, and what a fitting name. currently trying to save up to buy my first ever gibson les paul after 30 years of playing. time to get that dream guitar....prob gonna have to buy a used standard, in ice tea burst ideally. i would have gone for that entry level greeny but i dont want a satin finish. i have had loads of epiphones , currently have a tokai that is a dream. but my eastman and tokai are up for sale , the proceeds will get me that proper Gibson Les Paul. and if i win the lottery im gonna buy a 50k greeny relic. if we cant dream, we aint got nothing

[@williammazzotta5595]

As a fellow musician and New Yorker niw transplanted as Joe himself is...We love to Talk...We love telling stories... And if your Italian like Joe and myself...The stories never stop.They are endless and priceless......Friggin' deal with it!

[@chrislancaster7162]

Time for my boring down the pub story. When Joe found this originally he would post pics on his Instagram page about how it was being restored, from the red paint job to the re-finish and wiring. He then asked for names and various ones were being thrown about I.e the lester, Les Joe etc and I threw in ‘Lazarus’ as my two cents from the bible reference about being brought back to life. Got a few likes and that was it. Joe then posted a pic of the finished completed article and announced the name as Lazarus! He then deleted the original post of the names being discussed so my 15 mins of game within my friends group couldn’t be verified. I’m 50/50 I can’t have been the only person to come up with the name as it’s quite an obvious choice when all is said and done but a little part of me does hope it was my input (especially as it sounds so great!) 😂

[@boast1570]

I believe you. Document everything before it's lost to the ether! haha

[@DutchVai]

Alright then...... what was the name of the pub ? lol

[@chrislancaster7162]

@@boast1570I have the pics of the guitar in various stages as my mate who isn’t on Instagram wanted to see them. 02/01/2020 was the date I think but it’s only a bit of fun I guess.

[@zaxmaxlax]

I believe you

[@69spook]

🏆👏

[@sanjsurativideo]

Gorgeous 🥳

[@Nordic_Sky]

Kim LaFleur did a reproduction for me. Great guitar. Love it.

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤that’s credibility

[@holmes1978]

This is the best

[@dannyperfect9270]

wow my 2023 R9 looks identical

[@funkymonk8952]

What finish is it? I’m looking to order an R9 for my 40th and love this finish.

They could have been made at the same time in the custom shop

[@PietroBencini-h2k]

Bella chitarra anche il colore è stupendo

[@thesoulthatburns]

Is this the 'holy grail' of guitars or is that another model of the Les Paul?

[@mylogify]

Nothing is Holy Grail. The guitar you own is holy grail, or your favourite. It's just rich people, recording studios, collectors made up whole vintage is gold thing for Gibson guitars, the players used Gibson because there was 2-3 brands existed. That doesn't mean there would be absolutely no electric guitars if there was no Gibson brand. It's the people that made music, guitar is guitar. If this is 350K Usd, then it doesn't mean it's value is 350K. You won't find a 59' Les Paul laying around somewhere. Everyone is aware where they are, and probably most of them are bought to be sold in expensive prices. For an individual, what holy grail is, when you practice enough for that day, and feel good about it, and satisfied about your improvement. What really matters. We're talking about already rich/famous people's wallets in these videos, not much.

[@thesoulthatburns]

@@mylogify Thanks.

[@mylogify]

@@thesoulthatburns That doesn't mean, Gibson and Epiphone doesn't make nice guitars though... I was so close to buy SG 61' Std, but they were expensive in my country... Here for some reason American brands cost twice as much, so I was unlucky with Gibson...

[@RRW276]

What did Joe mean by the Carmelita range, Niki range, Snakebite etc.? I’m assuming it’s the neck but I don’t know how it correlates. That guitar is absolutely stunning and was restored brilliantly. I’ve heard it and it’s beautiful, especially the cleans. I would love to know what he paid for it and what its value is now. I’m curious also if the owner has any regrets selling.

[@nilsweil1969]

These are the names of the other Les Pauls he owns! Greetings from Germany!

[@alexwhitcombe7878]

Yes, Joe is referring to the neck carve of those guitars. 59 Les Paul necks got progressively thinner towards 1960, so the Carmelita (nickname of a specific Les Paul) is slightly thinner than the factory / standard neck carve. I'm not sure about the Nicky or Snakebite specifically though...

[@Trial212]

@@alexwhitcombe7878 Carmelita is a specific neck carve. Nicky and Snakebite are just nicknames given to a specific Les Paul, usually owned by a famous player or not so famous collector. Some have been replicated by the Gibson Custom Shops "collectors choice" line of Les Pauls. Bring your wallet!!

[@racegascustoms]

These guitars were made in batches and most of those batches used the same pile of wood so they look similar. The look of the flame top and usually neck carve are real similar within that serial range.

[@Arthagnou]

so when do we see the New York Nerville? Have we seen a Gibson video on the LA nerdville? When is the next Bonamassa CustomShop?

[@miguelricardo1028]

❤️😄👏👏👏

[@adamhotrod]

It's definitely still out there. There were approximately 1600 bursts made between '58 and '60, but today there are only about 5000 left.

[@CarstenGoeke]

How much was it?

[@Pastor_Grant]

Had the Epipi Lazarus and it was nice, but the new 1959 Epiphones with the Gibson headstock.....those are better, really great guitars for the price and they stay in tune better than Gibsons.

[@mylogify]

Gibson, we just need a Les Paul Standard just with a weight relief. I know Modern's and other models have that, but to be closer to the light weight mahogany on 59'. We need to get it chambered. Many people will be agree with me, and buy it...

[@Richard_Lush]

Nothing like the real thing. Sure not every 50s, 60s are great but honestly they’re usually fantastic. The 50s gold tops go for less but same thing. Lots have been refinished to a burst. Not all centre seemed but same pups. If it’s the sound you’re going for. If it’s the thinner 59 neck then not for you but since it’s less you could get the neck sanded to the same 59 specs. A lot of earlier 59s still had the 58 neck and thinner taller frets though. Refins go for less too.

[@MatthewPeskay]

I go to that guitar center all the time!!

[@josepharmstrong4639]

I have a 1993 59r the same colour. The back is a little darker. It’s a beautiful thing but I’m not a huge fan of the PAFs. Anyone else think the same? I have 490r and t in my 58r and I think they sound a lot better. Different strokes eh?

[@Gabriela-yn2dl]

❤, hola quiero guitarra que me gusta, para tocar con pasión Googl???

[@danielcarter3928]

i’ve heard this story before lol

[@gadymarcus2362]

Bella/Magnifico.🙏✡️✡️✡️✡️✡️✡️😭

[@snapfinger1]

Stupid mods w/valuable property. I knew a guy that put a Chevy engine in his gull wing Mercedes.

[@AntonChestnut]

Bastard probably scooped that gem up for less than 50k. Maybe even 40... Lucky bastard!!!!

[@tommieberggren3324]

Let Mark hold the guitar for gods sake.

[@69spook]

Nope, not without the leather zipper jacket 😂

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

worth like $350,000. cause it had been painted ???

[@zaxmaxlax]

And another +100k if bonamassa plays it live a couple of times.

[@69spook]

​@@zaxmaxlax$1,000,000 if Clapton held it 😂

[@benh508]

Next let’s have a chat with Randall and why Gibson hides things and fires people….

[@stevenvandemsky7290]

Who in his right mind would call a guitar „Lazarus“ ??? 😂

[@chrischoir3594]

sanding it was a dumb idea

[@joshuahymer15]

If the guy had all the parts like you say …. Why did it need to be identified?? One look at the harness would about sum it up. No??

[@BigTeire]

Who's the homeless dude on the left

[@TLO129]

The guy who hosts the show lol

[@RBES-275]

Love that unburst. Wonder what it weighs, and wish we can see what it looks like under the neck pickup so we can compare with our custom shop '59 R.I. and see what Joe is talking about.

[@hammill444]

Yes, those guitars are still “out there”. But for whom?

[@YesItsReallyKeith]

but WHY does Joe find all the cool ones !! Like does he have a vintage gear magnet implanted somewhere? lol Good job on saving that one Mr.Bonamassa !!!

[@YesItsReallyKeith]

@@mylogify and he is knowledgeable enough about vintage gear to know a good investment when he sees one !!

[@zaxmaxlax]

He know the right people

[@beeps123]

Mark is such a troll for the company. I’ll bet he can sleep with his eyes open.

[@TheNaturalust]

The stuff is still out there? Says a guy who hoards all the great gear so us younger players will never have a chance to actually PLAY them!

[@cogee89]

Gotta be able to afford it first. 😂

[@jamesoliphant4378]

Must be struggling for new content;this is an extract from a much older video at nerdville about 3 years ago

[@LarrytheMan-uc4ev]

No on Gibson and a huge yes to the great and legendary Epiphone!!

[@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg]

Absolutely agree with you i have a 2021 Epiphone custom koa Les Paul that's now discontinued i wouldn't sell it for any Gibson i sincerely mean that.

[@1sttvbn]

@@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zgYou couldn’t buy a Gibson with it. You Epiphone guys are like Squire Stratocaster guys. Always comparing your axes to the real thing. Never gonna happen. Yeah, I respect Epi……but it will never be a Gibson.

[@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg]

@@1sttvbn let's fill you in little man Gibson can't touch epiphone and no one wants Gibson anymore it's all Epiphone again like it was in the good o'l days get use to it 😅😂😅😂

[@Myfingersstinklikefish]

​@@1sttvbnyou Gibson fanboys still don't get it it's over for you it has been you should have known as soon The great JC Curliegh Restored Epiphone back to premium in 2019/2020 epiphone is back and ruling over you Gibson fanboys whether you like it or not.

[@Dagger_323]

@@1sttvbnI'm convinced these guys replying to you are trolls. Surely they're trolls and they don't believe the hogwash they're spewing...

[@styrenebuilds6851]

Troll bots be quick.

[@trev3971]

It's a beautiful top. But if you like your guitar and don't like the color, paint it! A tool is only as good as the use you get from it.

[@henriksipuri]

Got the Epi Lazarus, sounds fantastic, built is fantastic, but if the headstock bothers you; put another 9k on a murphy lab. And if you look at the headstock instead of the flames of the body.... At least I can't help you.

[@jimjim7008]

As a professional luthier, I can clearly see a neck twist in the guitar. Bonamassa was laughed at. I will return this useless guitar and get my money back or you can give it to me for free.

[@jimjim7008]

@@mylogify like Paul Stanley you should've seen his collection and non of them go live on stage. He plays his signature models made in Indonesia Ibanez. Unlike Slash who's not afraid to unleash his expensive guitars on stage. That what distinguishes real guitarists from fake ones (let's not talk about hair 😂).

[@TheGrouchMan]

but it's not original......

[@MrFastXX]

Would've made content if someone played it. Thumbs down.

[@docdaytona108]

Maybe you guys could ‘hide’ a real ‘59 or Murphy Lab ‘59 under the guise of a Mod Shop finish and not say which one it is! … Or not.

[@victorkoropeckyj2771]

Most overrated guitarist on earth

[@sixslinger9951]

yet , he sells out Madison Sq garden and Royal Albert hall. just horrible, isn't he?

[@WillPowerGuitar]

​@@sixslinger9951so does Taylor Swift

[@stratmagic6893]

According to who?

[@alejandromorterasosa6491]

You can dislike his music...but Man !!! He is a master with a guitar

[@marswillrule2431]

so many notes, so little soul